Case-Based Review

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents

Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management. 2016 May;23(5)

Author(s):

References

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From the Department of Pediatrics, Section of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.

Abstract

Objective: To review the diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescent patients.
Methods: Review of the literature.
Results: PCOS is a complex, heterogeneous disorder that frequently manifests during puberty. The symptoms of PCOS (ie, menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, and acne) tend to overlap with normal pubertal changes. Diagnostic criteria for PCOS in the adolescent age-group is still lacking. Current practice is to utilize adult diagnostic criteria, which raises the concern for misdiagnosis. The underlying etiology for the disorder is still unclear, but insulin resistance is present in both obese and non-obese PCOS patients. Although recognizing adolescents with PCOS is challenging, evaluating and managing patients for hyperandrogenemia and metabolic syndrome is imperative to prevent long-term reproductive and metabolic complications.
Conclusion: PCOS is increasingly encountered during adolescence. Recognizing adolescent girls with PCOS is a challenge but important for preventing long-term adverse health outcomes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder most commonly characterized by chronic anovulation and clinical and biochemical features of hyperandrogenemia. It affects 4% to 12% of reproductive-aged women [1,2]. In adolescents, the exact prevalence is unknown, but in a recent study the prevalence of a confirmed diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents aged 15 to 19 years was 0.56%, which increased to 1.14% when undiagnosed cases with documented symptoms qualifying for PCOS according to NIH criteria were included [3]. The primary underlying defect in PCOS remains unknown, but key features include insulin resistance, impaired gonadotropin dynamics, and androgen excess.

Profound functional variations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis commonly seen during normal puberty may result in clinical and biochemical changes that mimic some of the features of PCOS. During the early stages of puberty, adolescent girls tend to have anovulatory menstrual cycles, higher androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries [4,5]. Thus, the clinical signs of hyperandrogenemia commonly seen in adults are less reliable in the adolescent age-group. Diagnostic criteria have been developed for adults and are based upon the various combinations of oligomenorrhea, unexplained hyperandrogenemia, and polycystic ovaries on imaging ( Table 1 ) [6–8]. Applying these adult criteria in adolescent patients with suspected PCOS has always raised the concern of misdiagnosis as some of the changes seen in this age-group may likely be due to normal pubertal development. However, due to the paucity of data, the current practice is to utilize the adult diagnostic criteria. Because of the heterogeneous nature of the disorder, recognizing adolescents with PCOS may be challenging. However, early recognition and management is important to prevent some of the long-term reproductive and metabolic complications associated with this syndrome.

Case Study

Initial Presentation

A 16-year-old female patient presents to the PCOS clinic for evaluation of obesity and amenorrhea.

History

The patient, who is otherwise healthy, began gaining weight at age 7. During this period, her weight increased from the 15th to (currently) the 90th percentile; her height remained constant (75th percentile). Menarche was at 12 years of age. Menstrual periods have been irregular since the onset of menarche and she has had no periods for the past 5 months. She noticed excessive hair growth on her face, chin, and neck soon after the onset of menarche. She has been shaving her facial hair once every 2–3 days.