ABSTRACT
Introduction
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a female metabolic disorder that is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, elevated serum androgen concentrations, and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). However, diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents is challenging.
Areas covered
The mechanisms of PCOS pathophysiology are discussed that include: i) dysregulation of the levels of steroidal enzymes ii) abnormalities in the secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone , and iii) abnormalities in ovarian Thecal and Granulosa cell function. Current clinical diagnosis protocols for PCOS in women are covered. The challenges in diagnosis of PCOS particularly in adolescents are highlightedWe highlighted an important unmet need for an accurate serum test for the early diagnosis of adolescent girls with PCOS.
Expert opinion
Steroid metabolite profiling that captures hyperandrogenism has shown some early promise to serve as a biomarker for early diagnosis of PCOS in women, something that would be especially useful in adolescents.
Article highlights
PCOS is a prevalent metabolic disorder in reproductive age females that affects fertility and is associated with secondary diseases affecting quality of life
PCOS detection in adolescent age can be leveraged for better management and prevention of comorbidities
Understanding PCOS pathophysiology is the key to the disease diagnoses
Several hormones are dysregulated in PCOS, the mechanisms of which need further investigations
Biochemical mechanistic biomarkers in serum or urine are emerging for PCOS diagnosis
Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
Reviewer disclosures
Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.