Polycystic ovarian syndrome in adolescence

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a common endocrinopathy seen not only in adult women but also in female adolescents nowadays, is associated with reproductive, metabolic and cardiovascular problems.

Objective: This article aims to review the current evidence on managing PCOS in adolescence. In addition, the pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentations and existing diagnostic criteria of PCOS will also be discussed.

Discussion: Certain risk factors are available to assist the clinicians to identify adolescents at risk of PCOS as the signs can be masked by the normal physiological changes during puberty. It is important to screen and diagnose adolescent PCOS in order to prevent the development of future infertility, type II diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and even endometrial cancer. Lifestyle modification is of the greatest benefit for adolescents in terms of management, with the condition that full support is available from both the clinicians and their families. The psychological impact of PCOS also constitutes a major concern in adolescent PCOS.