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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescence
Author(s) -
Blank Susan K.,
Helm Kristin D.,
McCartney Christopher R.,
Marshall John C.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1429.005
Subject(s) - polycystic ovary , hyperinsulinemia , infertility , medicine , hyperandrogenism , endocrinology , luteinizing hormone , androgen , androgen excess , ovary , insulin resistance , hormone , diabetes mellitus , biology , pregnancy , genetics
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among reproductive‐aged women and is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, menstrual dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. The hormonal abnormalities inherent in PCOS often begin in adolescence and include hyperinsulinemia and rapid luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse frequency, both of which mediate ovarian and adrenal overproduction of androgens. Although differences exist regarding the diagnostic criteria for PCOS, we believe that hyperandrogenemia is the final common pathway for the development of adolescent PCOS, and we propose a hypothesis to illustrate such. Recognizing and reducing androgen levels in adolescence is critical given their association with the metabolic syndrome (MBS), diabetes, and infertility in adulthood.