Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition affecting between 6–18% of adolescent girls It is associated with symptoms of hyperandrogenism (excess body hair (hirsutism), severe acne) and menstrual cycle problems. 

Hirsutism – The excess body hair can be on the face, chin, neck, back, chest, breasts, or abdomen. 

The menstrual cycle problems – can include months without any periods, heavy or long-lasting periods, or periods that happen too often. Many girls with PCOS have overweight or obesity, but some girls are of normal weight or thin. 

What is going wrong in PCOS ?

In PCOS, the ovaries make too many androgen (male- like) hormones. The elevated androgen hormone levels can cause increased body hair growth, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles in teens and adults. 

In many girls, PCOS also seems to be related to insulin resistance, which means that a girl’s body must make extra insulin to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. Higher insulin levels can influence the ovaries to make too many androgen hormones. 

Mimickers of PCOS…

Pregnancy, hypothalamic functional amenorrhea, systemic diseases, Non- classic CAH, hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, Cushing’s disease, adrenal tumor, etc. 

Next – Diagnosis & Management of PCOS.

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