Evaluation of the prevalence and characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome in obese adolescents

Abstract

The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age and may already appear in the first decade of life. However, usually appears in adolescence when the maturation of the hypothalamic- pituitary- gonadal axis occurs. Often this syndrome is not perceived by the doctor, since your changes are confused with the typical changes of adolescence. PCOS is characterized by: i) chronic anovulation (which appears as irregular menstrual cycles) and ii) signs of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne or androgenic alopecia) and/or III) polycystic ovaries (diagnosed by pelvic ultrasound). Its prevalence is unknown in Brazilian obese pediatric population as well as its main features. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of PCOS in obese girls and assess which are the most common clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic characteristics of this population. Shall include all of the girls Outpatient Obesity Unit of Endocrinology ICr- HC - USP. At the end of this research we hope to contribute to a larger clinical and epidemiological knowledge of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. (AU)