Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003 Nov:997:49-55. doi: 10.1196/annals.1290.006.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder among reproductive-age women, yet the diagnosis may be overlooked during adolescence. Although the clinical and metabolic features are similar to those found in adult women, it can be difficult to distinguish the young woman with PCOS from a normal adolescent. Irregular menses, anovulatory cycles, and acne are not uncommon in adolescent women. Adolescents with a history of premature pubarche, a family history of PCOS, Caribbean-Hispanic and African-American ancestry, and/or obesity are at risk for PCOS and deserve close surveillance. The laboratory evaluation of the adolescent with suspected PCOS or hyperandrogenism should be individualized based on the history, symptoms, and examination findings. The cornerstone of management of PCOS in adolescence includes either a combination oral contraceptive or progestin. Consideration of insulin-sensitizing agents, antiandrogens, topical treatments for acne, and various treatments for hair removal are dependent on the patient's symptoms and concerns. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and for the overweight adolescent, weight reduction, are encouraged to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes mellitus. Numerous studies have shown that weight loss and exercise decrease androgen levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and lead to the resumption of ovulation. Although initial studies suggest that Metformin may be particularly useful for treating the PCOS adolescent with insulin resistance and obesity, additional studies are needed to determine the efficacy and long-term outcome. Management of the adolescent with PCOS is challenging and requires a supportive, multidisciplinary team approach for optimal results.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hirsutism / diagnosis
  • Hirsutism / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Hyperandrogenism / diagnosis
  • Hyperandrogenism / epidemiology
  • Incidence
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Ultrasonography
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined