Treatment of PCOS in adolescence

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly being recognized in adolescent girls seeking treatment for signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism. It is difficult to diagnose PCOS in adolescents, therefore a high index of suspicion is necessary. Timely screening and treatment are crucial because another important component of the syndrome is insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular sequelae. Diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents should include a thorough family history, exclusion of other causes of hyperandrogenism, and appropriate laboratory evaluation. The scarcity of controlled clinical trials makes treatment controversial. Therapeutic options include lifestyle intervention, oral contraceptive pills, and insulin sensitizers. Long-term follow-up is needed to determine the effectiveness of these approaches in changing the natural history of the reproductive and metabolic outcomes without causing undue harm.

Key words: adolescent, polycystic ovary syndrome, therapeutics, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism