Which Treatment Options Should Be Used in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?



Which Treatment Options Should Be Used in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?


P. Villa , F. Di Sebastiano, A. Rossodivita, F. Sagnella, A. Barini, A.M. Fulghesu, A. Lanzone.

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism, 17, 705-710 (2004).


Several studies have hypothesized a peri¬pubertal onset of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This syndrome affects different patho¬genetic pathways and includes endocrine-metabolic abnormalities such as hyperandrogenism, hyper¬insulinism and insulin resistance. The therapeutic approaches must be addressed to individualiza¬tion of therapy, considering the major clinical manifestations of the syndrome during adoles¬cence. 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.