Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescent girls.

Overview

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has traditionally been thought of as a triad of oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, and obesity. PCOS is now recognized as a heterogeneous disorder that results in overproduction of androgens primarily from the ovary leading to anovulation and hirsutism and is associated with insulin resistance. Symptoms in the adolescent include oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, acne, and weight gain. These symptoms are often attributed to normal pubertal events, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis. Insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes have been shown to occur in adolescents with PCOS. Treatment should be instituted early to decrease symptoms and long-term sequellae of PCOS. Weight loss, oral contraceptives and antiandrogens are very effective in treating the symptoms of this disorder. Insulin-sensitizing medications show promise, but should be used with caution until larger randomized trials have shown short- and long-term benefit and efficacy over traditional therapies in the adolescent population.