PCOS: Complementary Medical Treatment Options in Girls and Young Women

Abstract

The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescent and young women should only be made in the case of existing oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea. The PCOS should never be diagnosed too rapidly as this can lead to stress, anxiety and depression in young female patients. The danger of overdiagnosis with overtreatment must be considered. When an incipient PCOS is suspected, a close monitoring of the patient should be initiated. An immediate complementary medical treatment can prevent a PCOS and alleviate the symptoms of hyperandrogenemia, such as hirsutism, acne, effluvium, overweight and an incipient glucose metabolism disorder. In adolescent, not sexually active females neither antimullerian hormone (AMH) nor a vaginal examination should be included in the diagnostics. Patients with PCOS have a high cardiovascular risk and a risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition to a lifestyle counselling, they should initially undergo a complementary medical treatment and be closely monitored.