Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Challenges in Adolescence

    June 2010 in “ Endocrinología y Nutrición ”
    Ana Oliveira, Bernarda Sampaio, Ana Teixeira, Cíntia Castro-Correia, Manuel Fontoura, José Luis Valdez Medina
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    TLDR Diagnosing and managing PCOS in teens is hard, but early diagnosis and lifestyle changes are key, and more research is needed for long-term health.
    The document reviews the challenges of diagnosing and managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents, a condition characterized by anovulation, androgen excess, and often associated with obesity and insulin resistance. It emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis to prevent long-term complications such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The document outlines the diagnostic criteria for PCOS and recommends early morning plasma total testosterone measurement for isolated hirsutism, with pelvic ultrasound for PCOS diagnosis. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, weight reduction, oral contraceptives, anti-androgens, and potentially metformin, although its effectiveness for hyperandrogenism symptoms is not well documented. The document concludes that while various treatments are available, lifestyle interventions should be the focus, and more research is needed to determine effective long-term prevention strategies for metabolic complications in adolescents with PCOS.
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