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An adolescent with polycystic ovary syndrome

Department of Pediatrics, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland and ¹ Department of Endocrinology, East Pole of Lyon Hospitals, and INSERM Unit 0322, Lyon, France

(Correspondence should be addressed to M Ojaniemi; Email: marja.ojaniemi{at}oulu.fi)

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common clinical condition that manifests during adolescence with menstrual irregularities, acne, and hirsutism. As these symptoms are frequently observed in healthy teenagers, it can be difficult to recognize PCOS. Establishment of hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries, and identifying a metabolic disorder are required for the management of PCOS in a teenager. The underlying defects in PCOS are still unclear; however, insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome are common in both obese and non-obese PCOS patients, so that the evaluation of glucose tolerance is recommended. More than 50% of PCOS patients are overweight or obese, and will benefit from an increase in physical activity and weight loss. Metformin is a treatment option that requires further investigation before being recommended on a long-term basis.