Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
What does it mean when a young girl's menstrual cycles are irregular after she starts having periods?
When a girl starts having periods, it's common for the menstrual cycles to be irregular. This is a normal part of growing up and does not necessarily indicate a problem. Over time, the cycles often become more regular.
Yes, diagnosing PCOS in young girls can be difficult due to the overlap of symptoms with normal puberty. It can lead to confusion, delayed diagnosis, and even unnecessary anxiety. Doctors look at various factors to make a more accurate diagnosis.
Assessing hyperandrogenism is difficult because the levels of these hormones can vary based on things like weight, life stage, and ethnicity. Additionally, there's confusion about what hormones to measure and how to define normal ranges. This makes it a complex issue to understand and diagnose.
Different methods like direct testosterone assays and calculated free testosterone are used to measure hyperandrogenism. However, many of these methods are not precise enough, and deficiencies in accuracy limit their use.
Are there any specific hormones or tests that are most accurate for detecting hyperandrogenism in PCOS?
The evidence is not clear about the best hormone or method to measure hyperandrogenism in PCOS. Some studies suggest that free testosterone measures might provide the most accurate detection, followed by other hormones like total testosterone and DHEAS.
The assessment of androgen status should preferably be during the early follicular phase in cycling women. Morning levels may be most predictive due to daily variations in hormone levels. This timing helps in providing a more accurate reading of hormone levels.
Androstenedione and DHEAS can help in detecting hyperandrogenism, but they are more useful in ruling out other causes. Elevated levels of these hormones might require further investigation for other conditions. They have a more limited role in the primary diagnosis of PCOS.
Last modified 1mo ago