What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence?

The main symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence include irregular menstruation, hirsutism, acne, obesity, and acanthosis nigricans.

1. Irregular menstruation

Adolescent patients with polycystic ovary syndrome often experience prolonged menstrual cycles, reduced menstrual flow, or amenorrhea. This is due to ovarian dysfunction leading to abnormal estrogen levels in the body and the inability of the endometrium to proliferate and shed normally. It is recommended to monitor the menstrual cycle regularly, and if necessary, use progesterone capsules or ethinyl estradiol cyproterone tablets and other drugs to regulate menstruation as directed by your doctor.

2. Hairy

Patients may experience increased hair on the face, chest, abdomen and other parts of the body, presenting a male-pattern hair distribution. This is related to increased levels of androgens in the body, which stimulate excessive hair follicle growth. Consider using spironolactone tablets to reduce androgen activity, or using physical methods such as laser hair removal to improve appearance.

3. Acne

Stubborn acne is prone to occur in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, chest and back. High levels of androgens stimulate the secretion of sebaceous glands, leading to clogged hair follicles and inflammatory reactions. It can be treated with topical adapalene gel or oral isotretinoin soft capsules. At the same time, attention should be paid to skin cleansing.

4. Obesity

About half of the patients are overweight and have a lot of fat accumulated in the abdomen. Insulin resistance is an important trigger, leading to abnormal glucose metabolism and increased fat synthesis. It is recommended to lose weight through diet control and regular exercise. If necessary, metformin tablets can be used to improve insulin sensitivity.

5. Acanthosis nigricans

Gray-brown velvety thickened patches may appear in skin folds such as the neck and armpits. This is a characteristic cutaneous manifestation of severe insulin resistance and is suggestive of metabolic abnormalities. Improving lifestyle is the basic treatment, and insulin sensitizers such as pioglitazone tablets may be needed in stubborn cases.

Adolescent patients with polycystic ovary syndrome should pay attention to maintaining a regular schedule and avoid staying up late. In terms of diet, it is recommended to choose low-glycemic index foods, limit the intake of refined carbohydrates, and appropriately increase high-quality protein and dietary fiber. Carry out more than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week, such as brisk walking, swimming and other aerobic exercise. Regularly monitor indicators such as weight and waist circumference, and establish health files to record changes in symptoms. If you have severe acne, obvious hirsutism, or long-term amenorrhea, you should seek medical evaluation promptly.