Variation in Ovarian Morphology and Biochemical Markers of Hyperandrogenism in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Perimenarchal onset of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinopathy of the premenopausal years, is increasingly appreciated. In adolescents meeting clinical criteria for PCOS, transabdominal pelvic ultrasonography (TAUS) is often utilized for evaluation of ovarian morphology. While polycystic appearing ovaries (PCO) constitute a diagnostic criterion for PCOS (Rotterdam criteria 2003), it remains to be determined if PCO as assessed by TAUS in adolescents tracks with other diagnostic criteria of PCOS such as biochemical hyperandrogenism.