Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents

Adolescent girls with PCOS are also at an increased risk for depression and anxiety disorders. The 2013 Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline suggests that adolescent girls with PCOS should be screened for depression and anxiety by history [51].If symptoms are present, patients should receive appropriate psychological referral and treatment.

Case Continued

As she had no contraindications to COCs, the patient was started on COC therapy to regulate her menstrual periods and alleviate the symptoms of hirsutism. Due to impaired glucose tolerance test results and increased risk for type 2 diabetes, treatment with metformin was also initiated. The patient met with a dietician, who offered recommendations for adopting a healthy lifestyle and introduced her to the “3,2,1,0, blast off” model: 3 consistent meals, 2 hours or less of screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 0 sweetened beverages a day. The patient was also advised to increase daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Results of the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) for depression were negative.

At a follow-up visit 6 months later, the patient reported that her menstrual periods were regular. There was some improvement in hirsutism, requiring less shaving, and there was no increase in weight. Repeat laboratory evaluations showed normal free testosterone level, decreased HbA1c (5.2%), and improved random blood glucose (130 mg/dL). The patient was seen regularly and treatment results monitored. No side effects were seen over a 4.5-year period. As PCOS is a lifelong condition, at the age of 21 the patient was referred to an adult endocrine clinic for further management.

Corresponding author: Alvina R. Kansra, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Wauwatosa, WI 53226, akansra@mcw.edu.

Financial disclosures: None.