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Endocrine Conditions in Pediatrics pp 267–270Cite as

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder characterized by anovulatory menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. Symptoms can vary, but most commonly include irregular or absent menses, acne, and hirsutism. The mechanism is thought to be multifactorial, with genetics and insulin resistance likely playing a role. Diagnosis in adolescents can be challenging as certain symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular menses and acne, are considered normal during adolescence. The first step in management includes lifestyle modifications, given the association of PCOS with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Oral contraceptive pills are also used to manage the symptoms of PCOS, sometimes along with androgen receptor blockers and/or metformin.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

    Sungeeta Agrawal

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  1. Sungeeta Agrawal
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Correspondence to Sungeeta Agrawal .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Takara Stanley

  2. Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Madhusmita Misra

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Agrawal, S. (2021). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In: Stanley, T., Misra, M. (eds) Endocrine Conditions in Pediatrics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52215-5_45

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52215-5_45

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-52214-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-52215-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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