The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents

A. Carstea, L. Popovici, M.M. Cirstoiu

Rezumat: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered one of the most common endocrine disorders of women in full reproductive period. PCOS is characterized by oligo and/or anovulation, clinical signs and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries, after exclusion of other causes of androgen excess. Other clinical criteria not included in the definition are: obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, altered lipid profile and association with cancers (endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma). In adolescent normal puberty characteristics often overlap over the signs and symptoms of PCOS described above and as to the present there is no precise definition of PCOS in adolescent girls, early diagnosis is delayed and thus are limited long-term consequences like infertility, type 2 diabetes, the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. This article presents the specificities of adolescent PCOS diagnosis.
Cuvinte cheie: polycystic ovary syndrome, diagnosis, adolescents.