Treatment of the adolescent patient with polycystic ovary syndrome

The document from 2003 discusses the treatment of adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach and a supportive environment. Short-term treatment goals for these patients often focus on improving hirsutism, acne, and irregular menstruation due to concerns about appearance. However, it also highlights the importance of preventing long-term issues related to anovulation and hyperinsulinemia. The document notes that multiple therapies are often required for better outcomes. It mentions that recent studies have looked into the effectiveness of the insulin-sensitizing drug metformin for PCOS treatment, with most indicating benefits. However, these studies are limited by small sample sizes, observational designs, and short follow-up periods. Additionally, there is a lack of data comparing insulin-sensitizing drugs with traditional PCOS therapies. The document concludes that more long-term, randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of insulin-sensitizing agents, their long-term benefits, and to identify the ideal patient population for their use.