Polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women across the lifespan. The consequences of PCOS are far reaching and affect reproductive, metabolic, and cardiovascular health. For many girls, the initial manifestations of this polygenic multifactorial disorder appear during childhood with PP. Yet not all girls with PP develop PCOS. Investigation into the factors that predict progression from PP to PCOS will provide insights regarding fundamental mechanisms contributing to the development of PCOS. Since disease prevention is a longstanding pediatric mission, ie, vaccines to prevent infectious diseases, mechanisms to detect individuals at risk for PCOS, IGT, and type 2 diabetes mellitus during childhood can only benefit the individual, their families, and society.