Summary:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an inherent ovarian
dysfunction. It is a common health problem that can affect
teen girls and young women. PCOS is characterized by
hyperandrogenism, irregular ovulatory cycle and metabolic
derangement , including glucose intolerance and
hyperinsulinaemia. Hyperandrogenism is a clinical
hallmark of PCOS. Hypersecretion of androgen by the
stromal theca cell of polycystic ovary is cardinal clinical
manifestation. Though the exact cause of PCOS is not
known , the syndrome can result from disturbance in the
hypothalamo pituitary ovarian axis and hyperinsulinaemia.
Several definitions have been produced to describe the
disease. European society of human reproduction and
embryology and the American society for reproductive
medicine in 2004 define PCOS as manifestation of two of
the following three
1. Irregular Periods (intervals of more than 40 days) or
amenorrhoea.
2. Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism .
3. Polycystic ovaries on pelvic ultrasonography.
PCOS patients are at risk of developing diabetes mellitus
(type 2) and cardiovascular diseases. There is no cure for
PCOS. The main goal of treatment is to regulate menstrual
function, reduce androgen and insulin level. This review
article describes cause, clinical feature, pathophysiology
and management of PCOS in adolescent girls and young
women.
Key words: polycystic ovary syndrome( PCOS),
hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinaemia, anovulation.
(J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2019; 37: 78-82)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v37i2.40564