Nevertheless, it is important to treat the symptoms even if the diagnosis cannot be confirmed. Thus, it may be difficult to diagnosis PCOS in early adolescent girls. Menstrual periods are often irregular for the first 2 to 3 years after menarche (the first menstrual period). For some girls, an oral glucose tolerance test is helpful to check for elevated blood glucose and insulin levels. Blood tests are obtained to measure blood androgen hormone levels and to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms. The typical symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual periods, acne, or excess body hair on the face, chest, or abdomen. No single laboratory test can accurately diagnose PCOS. Some girls may have elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose levels, or elevated blood cholesterol levels. Higher insulin levels can influence the ovaries to make too many androgen hormones. In many girls, PCOS also seems to be related to being insulin resistant, which means that a girl’s body must make extra insulin to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. Although the specific genes that cause PCOS are unknown, some genetic differences may increase the risk of developing PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome seems to “run” in families. The causes of PCOS are not completely known. The elevated androgen hormone levels can cause increased body hair growth, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles in teens and adults. In PCOS, the ovaries make too many androgen hormones. During and after puberty, ovaries normally make 3 types of hormones: estrogens, progesterone, and androgens. Polycystic ovary syndrome has also been called ovarian hyperandrogenism.ĭuring puberty, the androgen (male-like) hormones made in the adrenal gland cause underarm hair, pubic hair, and body odor to develop. Some family members may have type 2 diabetes. Girls may have mothers, aunts, or sisters who have had irregular menstrual periods excess body hair, or infertility. Many girls with PCOS have overweight or obesity, but some girls are of normal weight or thin. The menstrual cycle problems include months without any periods, heavy or long-lasting periods, or periods that happen too often. The excess body hair can be on the face, chin, neck, back, chest, breasts, or abdomen. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is common disorder in girls associated with symptoms of excess body hair ( hirsutism), severe acne, and menstrual cycle problems. A Guide for Families What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
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