Diagnosing PCOS in adolescent girls

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinologic problem in women. Irregular menses, an important component of PCOS, is more common at the onset of menses in adolescence. This has made the diagnosis of PCOS more difficult in adolescence and has led some to suggest that the diagnosis of PCOS be delayed until adulthood. This delay may be problematic, because PCOS is known to be associated with a metabolic phenotype that puts women at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.In this issue of The Journal, Roe et al explore the utility of the Androgen Excess (AE)-PCOS Society guidelines to diagnose PCOS in adolescent females. In this retrospective chart review, the authors found that adolescents diagnosed with PCOS using AE-PCOS Society criteria are at significantly increased risk of obesity, hypertension, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with those who did not meet the criteria. The most common presenting symptoms of PCOS were menstrual irregularity, acne, hirsutism, and weight gain. Pediatricians should be aware of the diagnosis of PCOS in adolescent girls and not delay the diagnosis until adulthood.Article page 937▶ Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinologic problem in women. Irregular menses, an important component of PCOS, is more common at the onset of menses in adolescence. This has made the diagnosis of PCOS more difficult in adolescence and has led some to suggest that the diagnosis of PCOS be delayed until adulthood. This delay may be problematic, because PCOS is known to be associated with a metabolic phenotype that puts women at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In this issue of The Journal, Roe et al explore the utility of the Androgen Excess (AE)-PCOS Society guidelines to diagnose PCOS in adolescent females. In this retrospective chart review, the authors found that adolescents diagnosed with PCOS using AE-PCOS Society criteria are at significantly increased risk of obesity, hypertension, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with those who did not meet the criteria. The most common presenting symptoms of PCOS were menstrual irregularity, acne, hirsutism, and weight gain. Pediatricians should be aware of the diagnosis of PCOS in adolescent girls and not delay the diagnosis until adulthood. Article page 937▶ Using the Androgen Excess–PCOS Society Criteria to Diagnose Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in AdolescentsThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 162Issue 5PreviewTo use the Androgen Excess–PCOS Society (AE-PCOS) criteria in adolescents to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and identify the prevalence of metabolic risk factors. Full-Text PDF