Puberty and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous familial disorder characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism. This multi-system, polygenic, multi-factorial disorder is associated with an increased risk for metabolic abnormalities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. Signs and symptoms of PCOS often emerge during the peri-pubertal years with premature pubarche (PP) being the earliest manifestation for some girls. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are important pathophysiological features that are common to both PP and PCOS. Future investigations are needed to uncover the relevant genetic and hormonal factors and identify effective interventions.
Witchel
Selma Feldman
SF
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. selma.witchel@chp.edu
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000209:etiology; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008954:Models, Biological; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D011627:Puberty / Q000502:physiology*; D011629:Puberty, Precocious / Q000175:diagnosis