Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in adolescence.
BACKGROUND
To elucidate the prepubertal risk factors associated with the development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and determine the special clinical manifestations of the syndrome in this transitional time of a woman's life.


OBJECTIVE
To propose therapeutic targets and regimens, not only to prevent the long-term complications of the syndrome, but also to improve the self-esteem of a young girl who matures into womanhood.


RESULTS
A systematic review of literature was performed through electronic database searches (Pubmed, Medline and Embase). Studies published in English-language, peer-reviewed journals from 1996 to 2013 were included. The selected studies focused on the risk factors, the unique features and treatment options of the PCOS in puberty. The pathogenesis of the PCOS was hypothesized to be based on interactions between genetic and certain environmental factors. The diagnosis was usually difficult in young girls. The syndrome was related to a greater risk of future infertility, type II diabetes mellitus, the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Early treatment was crucial to prevent the long-term complications of the syndrome, especially infertility and cardiovascular disease.


CONCLUSIONS
The recognition of the early signs of PCOS during or even before adolescence is of great importance. It is essential to establish the correct diagnosis for PCOS and rule out other causes of androgen excess in young women with hyperandrogenism. The type of treatment applied should be considered on an individual basis.


BACKGROUND
PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.
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Tsikouras
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.
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Spyros
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.
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Manav
Department of Obstetrics/Gynaecology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; Rea Hospital Athens, Greece.
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Zervoudis
Department of Endocrinology, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
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Poiana
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.
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Nikolaos
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.
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Petros
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.
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Dimitraki
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.
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Koukouli
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.
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Galazios
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinicum Aschaffenburg, Teaching Hospital University of Würzburg, Germany.
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von Tempelhoff
D000293:Adolescent; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D011627:Puberty; D012307:Risk Factors
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; adolescence; anovulation; hyperandrogenism; puberty