Premature Adrenarche, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and Intrauterine Growth Retardation: Does a Relationship Exist?

The 2007 document examines the connections between intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), premature adrenarche, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), suggesting that the development of PCOS may begin with fetal programming of the adrenal gland leading to hyperandrogenemia, which continues from in utero to adulthood. It indicates that girls with low birthweight who experience rapid postnatal weight gain are at higher risk for developing PCOS and associated metabolic disorders. The document also discusses the role of hyperinsulinemia and insulin sensitivity in premature adrenarche, the impact of prenatal and postnatal weight gain on adrenarche, and the lack of association between the insulin gene VNTR and PCOS. It emphasizes the need for further research on the adrenal and gonadal interaction from fetal life to adulthood to fully understand the development of PCOS and related conditions.