Treatment options of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence.

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is defined as a syndrome of hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation in the absence of other underlying pituitary or adrenal disorders. PCOS often presents in adolescence and is the commonest cause of menstrual disorders and hirsutism. Premature adrenarche and hirsutism that occur before puberty have been associated with PCOS. The etiology of the syndrome is as yet uncertain. Theories have focused on intrinsic defects in the ovarian and adrenal steroidogenesis, and on the role of insulin resistance in modifying reproductive function. Insulin resistance associated with PCOS confers a markedly increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adolescent girls, as in premenopausal women. Therapeutic considerations focus on the management of menstrual irregularities and hyperandrogenism, as well as on the prevention of the metabolic consequences of the syndrome.