Which treatment options should be used in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome?

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2004 May;17(5):705-10. doi: 10.1515/jpem.2004.17.5.705.

Abstract

Several studies have hypothesized a peripubertal onset of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This syndrome affects different pathogenetic pathways and includes endocrine-metabolic abnormalities such as hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinism and insulin resistance. The therapeutic approaches must be addressed to individualization of therapy, considering the major clinical manifestations of the syndrome during adolescence. While the treatment of hyperandrogenism makes use of different drugs already studied, the debate about the use of insulin sensitizing drugs is still open. It will be more and more necessary to define the phenotypic and genotypic milieu in which all treatments will be as safe and effective as possible.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Health Services
  • Adult
  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Estrogens / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Flutamide / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hyperandrogenism / complications
  • Hyperandrogenism / drug therapy*
  • Hyperinsulinism / complications
  • Hyperinsulinism / drug therapy*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Metformin / therapeutic use
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Progestins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Estrogens
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Progestins
  • Flutamide
  • Metformin