PCOS in Adolescents

Journal Watch:

Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence - a therapeutic conundrum
Homburg and Lambalk
Hum. Reprod. (2004) 19 (5): 1039-1042.
doi: 10.1093/humrep/deh207
First published online: March 11, 2004

• The early diagnostic signs of PCOS are often attributed to the physiological changes of adolescence, thereby delaying diagnosis. Early diagnosis would help prevent and control the sequelae of PCOS.
• Adoloscents with oligomenorrhoea (infrequent periods) that does not correct itself & persists 2 years after menarche (onset of menstrual cycles) should be investigated for early features of PCOS.
• Acne is common in teenagers; when very severe/persistent/late onset, one must investigate for PCOS.
• Premature pubarche (appearance of pubic hair) is considered the earliest recognized sign of PCOS.
• Elevated levels of Insulin and DHEAS with premature pubarche indicate a High Risk for PCOS.
• PCOS in adolescents is a clinical diagnosis as biochemical parameters are often normal. Lab results thus should not be solely relied upon and should be used to rule out other conditions.
• In obese adolescents, the early presence of Insulin Resistance and Impaired Glucose Tolerance indicate a need for lifestyle interventions. Fasting Lipids and two hour glucose challenge should be tested periodically in these individuals. Weight loss is a primary & essential part of their treatment plan.
• A fasting glucose to insulin ratio of less than 7 indicates Insulin Resistance in adolescents.
• Antiandrogens are excellent for the management of acne and hirsutism when used with cyclical OCPs.
• Results are seen after 4-9 months of treatment in hirsutism and after 3-5 months in acne patients.
• With combined use of OCPs and antiandrogens about 60% patients could be expected to be acne free in six months and about 95% to be acne free in twelve months of starting treatment.
• A longer treatment with antiandrogens, while managing adverse effects, may reduce risk of relapse.
• Untreated PCOS is usually a progressive syndrome at least until the age of forty years.
• The use of cyclical Ethinyl Estradiol with Cyproterone Acetate may put the progression of PCOS on hold and also increase the chances of conception when the medication is stopped.
• Central obesity exacerbates Insulin Resistance.
• The first line of treatment for PCOS and especially in adolescents, is weight loss, if overweight/obese.
• Maintenance of a normal body weight is as effective as Metformin for treating Hyperinsulinemia.

Ultrasound studies and PCOS

Example: "My daughter has severe acne. She has also recently gained a lot of weight. Why is the dermatologist asking her to get an ultrasound done? What is the connection? I am worried about this."

Discussion:
The girl above has severe acne and a history of weight gain. These are two common symptoms in a person with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS. It is likely that the ultrasound was recommended to screen for PCOS, wherein the ovaries may show multiple small cysts. However, not all patients with these symptoms have PCOS and not all patients with PCOS show these symptoms or have any changes in the ultrasound. Thus the ultrasound is only part of the PCOS work up and must be correlated clinically with history and examination.

Multiple small cysts seen in the ovary around a dense pattern, called the 'String or Pearls' sign which indicates the presence of PCOS in the individual. It however is only one sign of PCOS and does not dictate all the symptoms of the person.

One must not be unduly concerned about being asked to undergo an ultrasound and should discuss the above with the dermatologist/treating physician. If the doctor is considering PCOS as a diagnosis they may also recommend various blood tests and a detailed menstrual history along with the ultrasound to gain a complete picture. With a complete diagnosis, it would be possible to offer a far superior and more effective treatment for all concerns.

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ULTRASOUND CRITERIA FOR MAKING A DIAGNOSIS OF PCOS:

PCOS does not have a single definitive picture but occurs as a cluster of symptoms and signs. Women with the condition may have all/some/none of the symptoms associated with PCOS with or without ultrasound evidence of PCOS. Several studies have highlighted that the criteria used to establish the diagnosis of PCOS remain controversial. The revised diagnostic criteria proposed in 2003 at the Rotterdam European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society of Reproductive Medicine consensus workshop stated ultrasound polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) be necessary to establish the diagnosis of PCOS. A recent study funded by Cornell University noted that the existing Rotterdam criteria for diagnosis of PCOS using did not adequately and specifically cater to all groups of women with PCOS.

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Bibliography:

1. Hum Reprod. 2013 May;28(5):1361-8. doi: 10.1093/humrep/det062. Epub 2013 Mar 15. Updated ultrasound criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome: reliable thresholds for elevated follicle population and ovarian volume. Lujan ME, Jarrett BY, Brooks ED, Reines JK, Peppin AK, Muhn N, Haider E, Pierson RA, Chizen DR.

2. Semin Reprod Med. 2008 May;26(3):241-51. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1076143. Polycystic ovary syndrome: the controversy of diagnosis by ultrasound. Porter MB.

3. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2008 August; 30(8): 671–679. Diagnostic Criteria for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pitfalls and Controversies. Marla E. Lujan, Donna R. Chizen, Roger A. Pierson

4. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2013 Jul;6(3):194-200. doi: 10.4103/0974-1208.121422. Anthropometric, clinical, and metabolic comparisons of the four Rotterdam PCOS phenotypes: A prospective study of PCOS women. Kar S.