Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence.
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.
The Center for Research in Reproduction, Box 800391, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. sek2h@virginia.edu
Susan K
SK
Blank
Kristin D
KD
Helm
Christopher R
CR
McCartney
John C
JC
Marshall
D000293:Adolescent; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006946:Hyperinsulinism; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000728:Androgens; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone