Zespół policystycznych jajników jako problem w ginekologii i medycynie rodzinnej, z uwzględnieniem pacjentek w wieku rozwojowym

Symptoms of female developmental changes associated with puberty appear at the age of 9 to 14 years. These include the formation of secondary sexual characteristics that begin with breast development followed by rapid growth and, finally, the first menstruation (menarche), after which fertility is achieved. There is no fixed age limit for puberty in girls. It may start early or late. It may be also disturbed by endocrinopathies. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which develops at a late stage of puberty, is one of them. The syndrome is associated with hyperandrogenism and overweight. At the same time, it is one of the most common causes of hyperandrogenism in women. Polycystic ovary syndrome is manifested by the lack of menstruation, hirsutism, obesity and significantly enlarged cystic ovaries. Girls with clinical signs of polycystic ovary syndrome show a different pattern of GnRH secretion during early adolescence, which may lead to abnormal stimulation of the maturing ovary. Therefore, polycystic ovary syndrome is not only a problem in adult gynaecology, but also in adolescent gynaecology.