Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In Adolescents Research Articles

An evidence based approach for diagnosis of adolescent polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract The overlap between normal pubertal development and characteristic features of PCOS may confound an accurate diagnosis of PCOS among adolescent girls. Other disorders associated with irregular menses or hyperandrogenism need to be excluded from diagnostic consideration. Even in the absence of a definitive diagnosis and the lack of an approved therapy for PCOS in adolescence, treatment options that both alleviate the current symptoms and decrease the risk for subsequent associated comorbidities are recommended. Although obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia are common findings in adolescents with hyperandrogenism, these features should not be used to diagnose PCOS among adolescent girls.

The role of anti-Müllerian hormone in the diagnostics of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence (review)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of hyperandrogenism in women. The criteria for diagnosis in women of reproductive age at present are subject to dispute. At the same time, diagnosis in adolescent girls is associated with even greater challenges, since many of the manifestations of the disease are a manifestation of normal puberty. In the absence of clear criteria for diagnosis in adolescence, more attention is paid to the search for new markers PCOS, one of which may be anti-Müllerian hormone. However, data on its diagnostic value is currently controversial, which calls for more extensive research in order to develop specific criteria for the diagnosis PCOS in teenagers.

Metformin or Oral Contraceptives for Adolescents With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Meta-analysis.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease. There is limited evidence to support various treatment choices. This leads to variable treatment practices. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the use of metformin versus oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) for the treatment of PCOS in adolescents aged 11 to 19 years. We performed literature searches through Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and gray literature resources, up to January 29, 2015. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts of identified citations, assessed full text eligibility, and extracted information from eligible trials. Four RCTs met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The reviewed evidence came from 170 patients. Overall, OCP treatment resulted in modest improvement in menstrual cycle frequency (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.27, P < .01, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.33 to -0.21) and mild reduction of acne scores (WMD = 0.3, P = .02, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.55). While metformin resulted in greater BMI reduction (WMD = -4.02, P < .01, 95% CI -5.23 to -2.81) it was associated with decreased dysglycemia prevalence (risk ratio: 0.41, P = .02, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.86) and improved total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels. Metformin and OCPs were similar in terms of impact on hirsutism. Current evidence is derived from very low to low quality evidence. Therefore, treatment choice should be guided by patient values and preferences while balancing potential side effects. Future high quality RCTs are needed to address several questions for the treatment of adolescents with PCOS.

Increased levels of serum granzyme-B is associated with insulin resistance and increased cardiovascular risk in adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome patients

ObjectivesOur aim was to determine serum perforin and granzyme-B levels in adolescent PCOS patients, and to investigate whether they are associated with some of the insulin sensitivity, obesity and cardiovascular (CV) risk markers and metabolic syndrome. Study designA case–control study was carried out including a total of 172 adolescents (83 PCOS patients and 89 age-matched healthy controls). Participants were recruited consecutively. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), lipid parameters, and anthropometric measurements were determined. Serum perforin and granzyme B levels were measured by commercially available ELISA kits. HOMA-IR>3.16 was considered to indicate the presence of insulin resistance. Logistic regression analysis was applied for the predictive value of granzyme-B for increased CV risk in PCOS patients. ResultsAs body mass index (BMI) of the PCOS patients was significantly higher than the controls (median 24.6kg/m2 and 21.4kg/m2, respectively, p<0.001) all parameters were evaluated after adjustment for BMI. Adolescents with PCOS had significantly higher levels of fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and granzyme-B when compared with controls. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, granzyme-B levels were found to be significantly associated with increased HOMA-IR (OR=6.120, 95% CI: 2.352–15.926, p<0.001) in adolescent PCOS patients. Additionally, elevated levels of serum granzyme-B were predictive for increased CV risk in PCOS patients (OR=0.237, 95% CI: 0.091–0.616, p=0.003). ConclusionsIncreased levels of serum granzyme-B are independently associated with insulin resistance and also with increased CV risk in adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

Key Developments in Pediatric Endocrinology in 2015

The year 2015 brought many exciting discoveries and key developments in the field of pediatric endocrinology. Examples range from reports of a family with the first discovered insulin-like growth factor-2 gene mutation to a description of the first clinical trials of an ‘artificial pancreas’ in children with diabetes mellitus, along with publication of important society guidelines, such as those for management of thyroid nodules and cancer in children, the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents, and for neonatal hypoglycemia. This short review will describe some of these key developments over the past year that we believe to be of interest to pediatric endocrinologists, organized by endocrine categories.

The Predictive Role of Serum Cystatin C Levels in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the correlation between serum cystatin levels and clinical parameters in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome MeasuresThis prospective case-control study included 89 adolescents with PCOS. Demographic characteristics and hormonal and biochemical parameters were compared between study (89 patients with PCOS) and control (84 subjects without PCOS) groups. Risk factors recorded were age, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), Ferriman–Gallwey score, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, cystatin C, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index, free testosterone, and progesterone levels. ResultsBMI, WHR, Ferriman–Gallwey score, and triglyceride, LDL, total cholesterol, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, free testosterone, luteinizing hormone, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and cystatin C levels, and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index scores were significantly higher, and high-density lipoprotein levels were lower in the PCOS patients compared with healthy subjects (P < .05). We also found positive correlations between the cystatin C levels and BMI, WHR, estradiol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and LDL levels in the study group. ConclusionThe serum cystatin C level is a promising marker for diagnosing adolescent patients with PCOS and suggests an inflammatory etiology for these patients. Further studies with more participants should examine this potential association with inflammation.

Is anti-Mullerian hormone a good diagnostic marker for adolescent and young adult patients with Polycystic ovary syndrome?

Objective:To evaluate serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in adolescent and young adult (AYA) Turkish patients with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to determine whether it had a diagnostic value.Materials and Methods:A total of 90 AYA patients were recruited for this study. The study group consisted of 43 patients diagnosed as having PCOS, and the control group comprised 47 age-matched patients. The diagnosis of PCOS was made in accordance with the recent Amsterdam European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine PCOS consensus workshop group’s proposal that all three of the Rotterdam criteria for diagnosing PCOS in adolescents be present. In all patients, serum AMH levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to reveal diagnostic potential of AMH.Results:Serum AMH levels were higher in the PCOS group compared with controls, but the difference was not statistically significant (10.1±6.9 ng/mL vs. 9.4±5.5 ng/mL, p=0.198). There was a significant age-related decrease in AMH levels in both the study and control groups (r=-0.331, p=0.001). There was also a significant inverse correlation between serum AMH and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in all patients (r=-0.227, p=0.031). ROC analyses demonstrated that the area under the curve indicative of AMH value for discriminating PCOS was 0.579 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.453-0.705 (p=0.198). The cut-off value according to the highest Youden index was calculated to be 14.0 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 48.8% and specificity of 77.1%.Conclusion:Serum AMH levels are slightly higher in AYA patients with PCOS than in controls. However, AMH is not a good marker for the diagnosis of PCOS in AYA patients.

The Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents.

Consensus has recently been reached by international pediatric subspecialty societies that otherwise unexplained persistent hyperandrogenic anovulation using age- and stage-appropriate standards are appropriate diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents. The purpose of this review is to summarize these recommendations and discuss their basis and implications. Anovulation is indicated by abnormal uterine bleeding, which exists when menstrual cycle length is outside the normal range or bleeding is excessive: cycles outside 19 to 90 days are always abnormal, and most are 21 to 45 days even during the first postmenarcheal year. Continued menstrual abnormality in a hyperandrogenic adolescent for 1 year prognosticates at least 50% risk of persistence. Hyperandrogenism is best indicated by persistent elevation of serum testosterone above adult norms as determined in a reliable reference laboratory. Because hyperandrogenemia documentation can be problematic, moderate-severe hirsutism constitutes clinical evidence of hyperandrogenism. Moderate-severe inflammatory acne vulgaris unresponsive to topical treatment is an indication to test for hyperandrogenemia. Treatment of PCOS is symptom-directed. Cyclic estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives are ordinarily the preferred first-line medical treatment because they reliably improve both the menstrual abnormality and hyperandrogenism. First-line treatment of the comorbidities of obesity and insulin resistance is lifestyle modification with calorie restriction and increased exercise. Metformin in conjunction with behavior modification is indicated for glucose intolerance. Although persistence of hyperandrogenic anovulation for ≥2 years ensures the distinction of PCOS from physiologic anovulation, early workup is advisable to make a provisional diagnosis so that combined oral contraceptive treatment, which will mask diagnosis by suppressing hyperandrogenemia, is not unnecessarily delayed.

The association of thiol/disulphide homeostasis and lipid accumulation index with cardiovascular risk factors in overweight adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome.

To assess thiol/disulphide homeostasis and lipid accumulation product index, and to determine whether they are associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk or not in overweight adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Case-control study. Education and Research Hospital. Group 1: 43 overweight+PCOS, Group 2: 45 normal weight+PCOS, Group 3: 27 overweight adolescents and Group 4: 96 age-matched, normal weight healthy controls. Serum lipid profiles, hormonal parameters and thiol/disulphide homeostasis were measured. Lipid accumulation index (LAP index) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) were calculated. The relation between thiol/disulphide homeostasis and LAP index, and increased CVD risk were evaluated in overweight adolescents with PCOS. Native and total thiol levels were significantly lower in overweight+PCOS adolescents when compared with both normal weight PCOS and control adolescents (P = 0·002). LAP index values were significantly higher in Group 1 when compared separately with the rest of the three groups (P < 0·001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed serum total thiol levels of lower than 405·45 μmol/l were independently associated with increased risk of CVD in overweight PCOS adolescents (OR: 1·019, 95% CI: 1·001-1·036). In addition, a LAP index greater than 21·54 was also associated with increased CVD risk in overweight PCOS adolescents (OR: 1·270, 95% CI: 1·174-1·374). In conclusion, we suggest that increased LAP index and decreased total thiol levels may contribute to the increased CVD risk in overweight adolescents with PCOS.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology, and Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Disease State Clinical Review: Guide to the Best Practices in the Evaluation and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Part 1

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is recognized as the most common endocrine disorder of reproductive-aged women around the world. This document, produced by the collaboration of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society (AES) aims to highlight the most important clinical issues confronting physicians and their patients with PCOS. It is a summary of current best practices in 2015. PCOS has been defined using various criteria, including menstrual irregularity, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM). General agreement exists among specialty society guidelines that the diagnosis of PCOS must be based on the presence of at least two of the following three criteria: chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism (clinical or biological) and polycystic ovaries. There is need for careful clinical assessment of women's history, physical examination, and laboratory evaluation, emphasizing the accuracy and validity of the methodology used for both biochemical measurements and ovarian imaging. Free testosterone (T) levels are more sensitive than the measurement of total T for establishing the existence of androgen excess and should be ideally determined through equilibrium dialysis techniques. Value of measuring levels of androgens other than T in patients with PCOS is relatively low. New ultrasound machines allow diagnosis of PCOM in patients having at least 25 small follicles (2 to 9 mm) in the whole ovary. Ovarian size at 10 mL remains the threshold between normal and increased ovary size. Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone and anti-Müllerian hormone are useful for determining a diagnosis of PCOS. Correct diagnosis of PCOS impacts on the likelihood of associated metabolic and cardiovascular risks and leads to appropriate intervention, depending upon the woman's age, reproductive status, and her own concerns. The management of women with PCOS should include reproductive function, as well as the care of hirsutism, alopecia, and acne. Cycle length >35 days suggests chronic anovulation, but cycle length slightly longer than normal (32 to 35 days) or slightly irregular (32 to 35-36 days) needs assessment for ovulatory dysfunction. Ovulatory dysfunction is associated with increased prevalence of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer, in addition to infertility. In PCOS, hirsutism develops gradually and intensifies with weight gain. In the neoplastic virilizing states, hirsutism is of rapid onset, usually associated with clitoromegaly and oligomenorrhea. Girls with severe acne or acne resistant to oral and topical agents, including isotretinoin (Accutane), may have a 40% likelihood of developing PCOS. Hair loss patterns are variable in women with hyperandrogenemia, typically the vertex, crown or diffuse pattern, whereas women with more severe hyperandrogenemia may see bitemporal hair loss and loss of the frontal hairline. Oral contraceptives (OCPs) can effectively lower androgens and block the effect of androgens via suppression of ovarian androgen production and by increasing sex hormone-binding globulin. Physiologic doses of dexamethasone or prednisone can directly lower adrenal androgen output. Anti-androgens can be used to block the effects of androgen in the pilosebaceous unit or in the hair follicle. Anti-androgen therapy works through competitive antagonism of the androgen receptor (spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, flutamide) or inhibition of 5α-reductase (finasteride) to prevent the conversion of T to its more potent form, 5α-dihydrotestosterone. The choice of antiandrogen therapy is guided by symptoms. The diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents is particularly challenging given significant age and developmental issues in this group. Management of infertility in women with PCOS requires an understanding of the pathophysiology of anovulation as well as currently available treatments. Many features of PCOS, including acne, menstrual irregularities, and hyperinsulinemia, are common in normal puberty. Menstrual irregularities with anovulatory cycles and varied cycle length are common due to the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in the 2- to 3-year time period post-menarche. Persistent oligomenorrhea 2 to 3 years beyond menarche predicts ongoing menstrual irregularities and greater likelihood of underlying ovarian or adrenal dysfunction. In adolescent girls, large, multicystic ovaries are a common finding, so ultrasound is not a first-line investigation in women <17 years of age. Ovarian dysfunction in adolescents should be based on oligomenorrhea and/or biochemical evidence of oligo/anovulation, but there are major limitations to the sensitivity of T assays in ranges applicable to young girls. Metformin is commonly used in young girls and adolescents with PCOS as first-line monotherapy or in combination with OCPs and anti-androgen medications. In lean adolescent girls, a dose as low as 850 mg daily may be effective at reducing PCOS symptoms; in overweight and obese adolescents, dose escalation to 1.5 to 2.5 g daily is likely required. Anti-androgen therapy in adolescents could affect bone mass, although available short-term data suggest no effect on bone loss.

The association of serum thiol disulphide homeostasis with cardiovascular risk in obese adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome patients

Serum thiol disulphide homeostasis plays an important role in antioxidant protection and has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the association of serum thiol disulphide homeostasis with cardiovascular risk factors in obese adolescent PCOS patients.

Hirsutism and oligomenorrhea are appropriate screening criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents

We evaluated the association of hirsutism and oligomenorrhea (persistent menstrual cycles > 45 days) as screening criteria for the detection of biochemical hyperandrogenism (BH) and polycystic ovaries (PCOM) during adolescence and determined which androgens, granulosa cell hormone, ultrasonographic parameters have the best association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hirsute girls with oligomenorrhea (N = 26 Hirs/Oligo group) and non-hirsute girls with regular cycles (N = 63, C group) were studied. Prevalence of BH and PCOM, diagnostic performance of androgens and ultrasound parameters for PCOS diagnosis were analyzed. BH and PCOM prevalence were higher in the Hirs/Oligo girls than in the C girls (76.9% versus 25.5%; 92.3% versus 33.3%, respectively; p < 0.0001). A complete PCOS phenotype (Hirs/Oligo with BH and PCOM) was observed in 73.1% of the Hirs/Oligo group. The presence of both BH and PCOM was observed in 7.9% of the C group. The parameters with the best diagnostic performance were free androgen index ≥6.1, testosterone ≥2.4 nmol/L, follicle number ≥12 and ovarian volume ≥10 ml anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) exhibited a low diagnostic accuracy. Hirsutism and persistent menstrual cycle over 45 days are highly associated with BH and PCOM suggesting that the presences of both criteria are necessary for the diagnosis of PCOS during adolescence.

Phenotypic Characterization of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents Based on Menstrual Irregularity

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents is associated with adverse metabolic outcomes. The association of menstrual irregularity with metabolic risk among adolescents with PCOS was assessed. Method: A retrospective medical record review of 366 adolescents with PCOS aged 13-18 years was conducted, from which 265 girls newly diagnosed with PCOS were included and divided into those presenting with primary amenorrhea (PA), secondary amenorrhea (SA) and oligomenorrhea (OM). Androgen concentrations and markers of metabolic risk were compared among the groups. Results: Most subjects presented with OM (PA = 17, SA = 30 and OM = 218). Subjects with PA were younger than those with OM but not different from those with SA. Mean BMI was not different between groups. Total testosterone and insulin levels were higher in PA than SA and OM (p < 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Fasting glucose was higher in PA than OM (p = 0.048) but not different from SA. Triglyceride levels were higher in PA than SA and OM (p < 0.001 each). More subjects with PA and SA had metabolic syndrome (52%) than those with OM (29.1%) (p = 0.027). The differences in triglycerides and glucose persisted despite BMI adjustment in multivariate regression models. Conclusion: Adolescents with PCOS presenting with PA are at risk of metabolic disease beyond expected based on BMI.

The Frequency of Various Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Adolescents, Based on Rotterdam Criteria

1Department of Midwifery, Maternal–Fetal Medicine Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran 2Department of Midwifery, Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran 3Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran 4Department of Bio-Statistics, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran

A randomized pilot study of dietary treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents

Evidence is lacking to recommend one diet over another when treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To obtain preliminary data, comparing the impact of a low-glycaemic load (LGL) vs. low-fat (LF) diet on biochemical hyperandrogenism in overweight and obese adolescents with PCOS. To ascertain feasibility of recruiting study participants, in partnership with an adolescent clinic, and implementing dietary interventions. Randomized controlled trial of 19 overweight and obese adolescents with PCOS and not using hormonal contraceptives (HCs). Interventions comprised nutrition education, dietary counselling and cooking workshops to foster adherence to a LGL (45% carbohydrate, 35% fat, 20% protein) or LF (55% carbohydrate, 25% fat, 20% protein) diet over 6 months. Serum bioavailable testosterone was the primary outcome. Sixteen (LGL, n = 7; LF, n = 9) participants completed the study. Body fat percentage decreased (P < 0.05) in response to the interventions, with no difference between the LGL and LF groups (-1.2% vs. -2.2%; P = 0.16). Bioavailable testosterone did not change for either group (-0.4 vs. -1.8 ng dL(-1) ; P = 0.35). Regarding feasibility, recruiting adolescents posed a challenge, and use of HCs was a main reason for ineligibility. Participants attended 5.9 of 6 in-person visits and 2.6 of 3 cooking workshops, completed 4.9 of 6 telephone counselling calls, and reported high satisfaction with the diets and cooking workshops (≥8 on a 10-cm scale). Dietary interventions were beneficial for weight control but did not attenuate biochemical hyperandrogenism. Innovative strategies are needed to recruit adolescents for studies aimed at assessing independent effects of diet on features of PCOS.

Controversies of the assesment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents

The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents is difficult as the pathological criteria used in adults like menstrual irregularities, acne, hirsutism and polycystic ovarian morphology could be normal physiological findings during puberty; in addition the syndrome is heterogeneous and there is limited high quality evidence. [1-3] Three international conferences have been held reporting different criteria for diagnosis of PCOS in women [Table ​[Table1].1]. [4-6] The 2011 Australian PCOS evidence-based guideline [1], the 2012 international evidence-based workshop [2] and the 2013 Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline [3] highlight the issues of applying adult criteria to diagnose PCOS in adolescents. Table 1 Diagnostic criteria for PCOS in women All criteria require exclusion of other conditions: non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, hyperprolactinemia or androgen producing tumours which can cause a PCOS-like picture. Although diagnosis of PCOS is based on its reproductive manifestations, it is a metabolic disorder. PCOS adolescents are at a high risk of having or developing glucose tolerance abnormalities, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Insulin resistance and the consequent development of hyperinsulinaemia seem to be the central pathophysiological mechanism that links PCOS to its associated metabolic derangements; this can occur independent of weight status. Obesity, which is commonly associated with PCOS, exaggerates insulin abnormalities. Adolescents with PCOS should have evaluation of glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance at diagnosis. PCOS management should include a multidisciplinary team and should be individualized depending on the predominant complaint and weight status. Lifestyle modifications should be the first line treatment in the presence of overweight, obesity and/or insulin resistance. Metformin can also be added. Cyclical progesterone withdrawn bleed or cyclical oral contraceptive pills are used for menstrual irregularities. Antiandrogens like spironolactone and oral contraceptive pills are used for hirsutism. Permanent treatment with laser or electrolysis is usually advised after a course of antiandrogens. Various aspects of adolescent PCOS will be discussed based on illustrative cases.

Adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome due to functional ovarian hyperandrogenism persists into adulthood.

Menstrual irregularity and above-average testosterone levels in adolescence may presage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adulthood but persist in only a minority. Prolonged anovulatory cycles in normal adolescents are associated with increased testosterone levels. Thus, questions have been raised about the accuracy of PCOS diagnosed in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to follow-up hyperandrogenic adolescents with features of PCOS to test the hypothesis that adolescent functional ovarian hyperandrogenism (FOH) persists into adulthood. A series of adults previously reported to have adolescent PCOS, with most documented to have FOH by GnRH agonist or dexamethasone androgen-suppression test criteria, were recalled. Recall occurred >3 years after the initial diagnosis and at the age of >18.0 years. Respondents underwent examination, baseline androgen evaluation, and an oral glucose tolerance test after discontinuing oral contraceptive therapy. Of the adolescent hyperandrogenic patients, 68% (15 of 22) were traceable, and 60% of those traced returned for follow-up, including half (n = 8) of the original FOH group. The baseline characteristics of respondents and nonrespondents were not significantly different. Patients with FOH were reevaluated when their mean age was 23.0 years (range, 18.4-29.4 years), gynecologic age was 10.7 years (range, 5.5-18.4 years), and body mass index was 42.3 kg/m(2) (range, 28.3-52.1 kg/m(2); P = .02 vs adolescence). Serum free testosterone was 24 pg/mL (range, 10-38 pg/mL, normal, 3-9 pg/mL; not significant vs adolescence); all were oligomenorrheic. Whereas 3 of 8 had impaired glucose tolerance as adolescents, at follow-up 6 of 8 had developed abnormal glucose tolerance (2 with type 2 diabetes mellitus). Adolescents with FOH, which underlies most PCOS, uniformly have persistent hyperandrogenism, and glucose tolerance tends to deteriorate. Testing ovarian androgenic function in hyperandrogenic adolescents may be of prognostic value.

The endocrine disruptor bisphenol A may play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescent girls.

Experimental in vitro studies have shown that bisphenol A affects steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis and ovarian morphology. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A in the aetiopathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents and its relationship with metabolic parameters, insulin resistance and obesity in this population. A total of 112 girls with PCOS and 61 controls between 13 and 19 years of age were enrolled in the study. Serum bisphenol A levels were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed. Adolescents with PCOS had markedly increased serum bisphenol A levels (mean: 1.1 ng/mL 95% CI: 1.0-1.2) than controls (mean: 0.8 ng/mL 95% CI: 0.6-0.9, p = 0.001). When we compared the subgroups according to obesity, the main factor determining the significant increase in bisphenol A was the presence of PCOS, but not obesity (p = 0.029). Bisphenol A was significantly correlated with total testosterone (r = 0.52), free testosterone (r = 0.44), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (r = 0.37) and Ferriman-Gallwey score (r = 0.43) (p < 0.05). Adolescents with PCOS had higher serum bisphenol A levels than controls, independent of obesity. Bisphenol A concentrations were significantly correlated with androgen levels, leading us to consider that bisphenol A might play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of PCOS in adolescents.

Metabolic effects of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents.

PurposePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenic anovulation in women of reproductive age. We investigated the metabolic effects of lean and overweight adolescents with PCOS.MethodsAnthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were evaluated in 49 adolescents with PCOS and 40 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. We further divided both PCOS and control groups into those having BMI within the normal range of less than 85th percentile and those being overweight and obese with a BMI greater than 85th percentile.ResultsHemoglobin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (r-GT), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and 2-hour postglucose load plasma insulin levels were significantly elevated in the lean PCOS group than in the lean control group. In the overweight/obese PCOS group, hemoglobin and r-GT levels were significantly elevated than in the overweight/obese control group. In the normal weight group, none of the subjects had metabolic syndrome according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, but the incidence of metabolic syndrome in the overweight/obese PCOS group was 8.3% and that in the overweight/obese control group was 6.7%.ConclusionPCOS in adolescents causes metabolic abnormalities, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis of PCOS in oligomenorrheic adolescents.

The survey of central obesity and BMI associated with different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents

IntroductionAdipose tissue distribution is effective in metabolic complications resulting from obesity. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and android obesity based on various phenotypes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in 14–18year old high-school female students in Shiraz in 2009. MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted on 14–18years old high-school girl in Shiraz in 2009. 3190-Subject sample size was determined. After obtaining written informed consents, demographic information questionnaire was completed and the participants were examined regarding hirsutism, acne, alopecia, and menstrual disorders. Besides, the criteria proposed by Adams et al. were employed to diagnose PCOS in sonography. Android obesity and BMI were evaluated. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS software (v. 11.5) and analyzed. ResultsThe participants’ mean weight, mean height, and mean waist circumference were 54.14±9.99kg, 160.20±5.76cm, and 65.24±7.34cm, respectively. In addition, 616 participants (20.5%) were underweight, 234 (9.5%) were overweight, and 110 (3.5%) were obese. Also, 15 participants (0.5%) had android obesity. The results of independent t-test showed no significant difference among various phenotypes of PCOS regarding mean android obesity and BMI (P>0.05). Overall, 16.6% of the study participants (514 subjects) suffered from menstrual disorders and oligomenorrhea. Also, 99 participants (3.1%) had BMI⩾26. ConclusionThe results revealed no significant relationship between female adolescents’ obesity and various phenotypes of PCOS. However, adolescents should be informed about the long-term hyperandrogenic outcomes which are accompanied by insulin secretion and endanger their health after the age of 40years.