Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among Obese Adolescents

Abstract

Background and aims: In adolescence and obesity, the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is very difficult to distinguish. We aimed to assess the diagnosis of PCOS in the population of obese adolescent.

Methods: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Pediatric Endocrinology Weight and Management Clinic from Children's Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.

Participants: Forty-nine post-menarcheal obese adolescents with mean age of 14.7 years.

Interventions: Anthropometric assessment and review of medical records were done. Clinical and laboratory hyperandrogenism were quantified using Ferriman-Gallwey index and androgenic dosages, respectively. Ovarian morphology was evaluated through suprapubic ultrasonography.

Results: By the 2015 Witchel et al. guideline for PCOS in adolescence, 18.4% were diagnosed as having PCOS. When assessed by Rotterdam, Androgen Excess and PCOS Society, and American National Institute of Health criteria's, 26.4%, 22.4%, and 20.4% had PCOS, respectively. Irregular menstrual cycles were found in 65.3% of patients. Clinical hyperandrogenism was observed in 16.3% of girls and 18.4% had elevated serum androgen values. Suprapubic ultrasonography revealed enlarged ovaries in 18.4% of the adolescents.

Conclusions: PCOS in all-comers obese adolescents from a Weight and Management Clinic in a quaternary hospital is more frequent when compared to adult women showed in the literature.

Keywords: Adolescent; hyperandrogenism; menstrual cycle; obesity; ovaries; polycystic ovary syndrome.