title: Clinical variability in approaches to polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to evaluate methods of initial diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among members of the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG) to assess the degree of practice heterogeneity among specialist providers of adolescent care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional, anonymous, internet survey
  
  
  METHODS
  NASPAG membership (N = 326; Respondents = 127 (39%))
  
  
  RESULTS
  Percentage of respondents who incorporated specific tests at initial diagnosis was highly variable ranging from 87% (thyroid stimulating hormone) to 17% (sex hormone binding globulin). Oral contraceptives and diet modification/exercise were the most common therapies recommended by 98% and 90% of respondents respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considerable practice heterogeneity was present with regards to diagnostic testing for suspected PCOS. Recommendations for first-line therapy were more consistent. Future studies should clarify the clinical utility of specific diagnostic tests for adolescents, such that selection of diagnostic testing is evidence based.
authors: Division of Adolescent Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA. andrea.bonny@nationwidechildrens.org
authors: Andrea E
authors: AE
authors: Bonny
authors: Heather
authors: H
authors: Appelbaum
authors: Ellen Lancon
authors: EL
authors: Connor
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Cromer
authors: Amy
authors: A
authors: DiVasta
authors: Veronica
authors: V
authors: Gomez-Lobo
authors: Ze'ev
authors: Z
authors: Harel
authors: Jill
authors: J
authors: Huppert
authors: Gina
authors: G
authors: Sucato
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013148:Spironolactone / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D006728:Hormones; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013148:Spironolactone; D008687:Metformin