Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents

Altered gonadotropin dynamics is another possible etiological factor that is linked with PCOS. Hyperinsulinemia affects the regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator, causing hypersecretion of LH [43]. Obese peripubertal girls have been identified having altered LH secretion [44,45]. This results in increased LH levels relative to FSH. Normal FSH is required to stimulate ovarian folliculognensis; insufficient FSH levels cause anovulation and menstrual irregularities. Abnormal LH secretion and fasting insulin levels have been identified the independent predictors for hyperandrogenemia in some peripubertal obese girls [46].

In 2010 Carmina et al published new criteria to diagnose PCOS in adolescents [27].They recommended that in diagnosing PCOS in adolescents, all 3 previously mentioned criteria should be present: hyperandrogenemia, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. With the exception of worsening hirsutism, the new recommendations greatly emphasized biochemical hyperandrogenemia (elevated free testosterone levels using sensitive assays). Chronic anovulation was defined as persistence of menstrual irregularities 2 years post-menarche and pelvic ultrasound (USG) showing increased ovarian size (> 10 cm ³). Normal physiological variations unrelated to hyperandrogenemia are common in adolescent ovaries and limits the usefulness of pelvic USG as a diagnostic criterion for PCOS [13,47,48] ^. Also, the prevalence of increased ovarian size in hyperandrogenemic adolescent patients was reported to be low, and its utility as a criterion for diagnosis needs to be further explored [49]. In our current practice we do not rely on pelvic USG findings to make a PCOS diagnosis.

Due to longstanding controversies and lack of consensus surrounding the accurate diagnostic criteria, a recent guideline was developed by experts in pediatric endocrinology and adolescent medicine invited by the Pediatric Endocrine Society to address these issues [13].The guideline committee assessed the literature in order to define which criteria have sufficient evidence to be used for diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents. They recommend that PCOS should be considered in an adolescent girl presenting with unexplained menstrual irregularities, moderate to severe hirsutism or acne, and elevated levels of serum androgens (total and free testosterone) using reliable assay with well-defined ranges. Although intrinsic insulin resistance unique to PCOS is well known, none of the current guidelines either for adolescent and adult women include it as part of the diagnostic criteria. Since longitudinal studies focusing on the natural history of PCOS in this age-group are lacking, the current recommendations focus on timely screening and treatment in symptomatic adolescent girls suspected of having PCOS.

When there are PCOS features but menstrual irregularity has not been present for at least 2 years, one can defer the diagnostic label and instead use the term at-risk for PCOS. Such patients should have frequent longitudinal re-evaluations and should be offered treatment for their symptoms [13].

• How should adolescents with PCOS be managed?

The treatment of PCOS is symptom-directed and should be tailored according to the complaints of the individual patient. However, it also must focus on the core dysfunctions: anovulation, hyperandrogenemia, obesity, and insulin resistance. It also requires bridging patient expectations of regulating menses, lessening the troublesome clinical signs of hyperandrogenemia (hirsutism, acne), and obesity management with the health care provider’s goals of preventing endometrial hyperplasia and cancer, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease.