Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Childhood: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

    July 2015 in “ NEJM Journal Watch ”
    Mary Wu Chang
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    TLDR Diagnosing and treating PCOS in young people is difficult.
    Eight years ago, a review by Mary Wu Chang, MD, highlighted the challenges in diagnosing and managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in children and adolescents. PCOS, an endocrine disorder characterized by oligomenorrhea, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries, has dermatologic manifestations such as acne, hirsutism, androgenic alopecia, acanthosis nigricans, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is associated with impaired glucose tolerance, obesity, decreased fertility, pregnancy complications, increased risk for endometrial cancer, and possibly cardiovascular complications. Diagnosis requires two of the three Rotterdam criteria: oligoovulation or anovulation, clinical/biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. If a suspected diagnosis cannot be confirmed, a provisional PCOS diagnosis should be made to ensure ongoing monitoring and interventions to reduce obesity.
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      in Treatment  10 upvotes 7 months ago
      OP shares their experience with PCOS-related hair loss, highlighting that addressing vitamin D and ferritin deficiencies, managing hormones with spironolactone, and using gentle hair care products helped improve their condition. They advise against relying on "miracle" hair oils and emphasize the importance of medical evaluation and a combined approach to treatment.

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      in Female  55 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

      community Sugar and Hair loss connections

      in Research/Science  41 upvotes 10 months ago
      High sugar diets may worsen hair loss by increasing 5α-reductase activity and androgen levels, especially in women with PCOS. A low sugar diet might reduce scalp DHT levels, similar to finasteride, but genetics also significantly influence hair loss.

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      in Chat  12 upvotes 1 year ago
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