Using the Androgen Excess–PCOS Society Criteria to Diagnose Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents

Objectives To use the Androgen Excess–PCOS Society (AE-PCOS) criteria in adolescents to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and identify the prevalence of metabolic risk factors. Study design Retrospective chart review of adolescents (>2 years postmenarche) presenting at a specialty clinic from 2008 through 2010 with complete evaluation for PCOS and metabolic risk were reviewed. Metabolic risk in adolescents with PCOS was compared with those with ≤1 AE-PCOS criteria. Results Of the 205 adolescents evaluated, 66% were found to have PCOS based on the AE-PCOS criteria. The most common presenting symptom was menstrual irregularity, followed by acne, hirsutism, and weight gain. Adolescents with PCOS had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Subjects with PCOS had ≥1 metabolic risk factor compared with the subjects without PCOS (63.6% vs 33.3%, P = .002). More adolescents with PCOS had ≥2 abnormal metabolic risk factors excluding body mass index compared with those without PCOS ( P < .02). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (≥3 risk factors) was 10.8% in adolescents with PCOS compared with 1.7% in those without PCOS ( P < .04). Conclusions Adolescents diagnosed with PCOS based on the AE-PCOS criteria are at a significantly increased risk of ≥1 metabolic abnormality. Our data underscore the need to accurately diagnose PCOS in the adolescent population instead of delaying the diagnosis to adulthood. Further, using similar criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents (>2 years postmenarche) and adults will be more convenient for the clinician.