Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...

Oogenesis

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...

Oogenesis

Oogenesis

Oogenesis, the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...

Infertility in Females

Infertility in Females

Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Metabolic aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism·2026

Same author

Inositols: From Established Knowledge to Novel Approaches.

International journal of molecular sciences·2021

Same author

Tailoring treatment for PCOS phenotypes.

Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism·2020

Same author

Inositols in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Overview on the Advances.

Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM·2020

Same author

Publisher Correction: Genome-wide association of polycystic ovary syndrome implicates alterations in gonadotropin secretion in European ancestry populations.

Nature communications·2020

Same author

Experts' opinion on inositols in treating polycystic ovary syndrome and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus: a further help for human reproduction and beyond.

Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology·2020

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Modified Technique for Inducing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice

A Modified Technique for Inducing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice

Published on: July 5, 2024

PCOS in adolescents.

Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis¹

¹Endocrine Section, First Department of Medicine, University of Athens Medical School, Mikras Asias 75, Goudi, 115-27, Athens, Greece. akandara@otenet.gr

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology

|November 26, 2009

Summary

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents presents diagnostic challenges due to overlapping pubertal symptoms. Early diagnosis and management strategies for adolescent PCOS require further research to address long-term health implications.

Area of Science:

Reproductive Endocrinology
Pediatric Endocrinology
Metabolic Disorders

Background:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of anovulation, hirsutism, and infertility in women.
This heterogeneous syndrome originates at puberty and has significant cardiovascular and metabolic consequences extending through menopause.
Diagnosing adolescent PCOS is complicated by normal pubertal changes like menstrual irregularities and insulin resistance, with no established criteria for this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the diagnostic challenges of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents.
To discuss the unclear clinical implications of diagnosing PCOS in this young demographic.
To explore the ongoing debate regarding the necessity and timing of PCOS management in adolescents for preventing long-term sequelae.

More Related Videos

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model

Published on: March 5, 2022

A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Published on: October 2, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Modified Technique for Inducing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice

A Modified Technique for Inducing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice

Published on: July 5, 2024

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model

Published on: March 5, 2022

A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Published on: October 2, 2018

Main Methods:

Literature review on PCOS diagnosis in adolescents.
Analysis of common pubertal features that mimic PCOS symptoms.
Discussion of expert opinions on adolescent PCOS management.

Main Results:

No established diagnostic criteria exist for PCOS in adolescents.
Normal pubertal development features often obscure PCOS diagnosis.
The clinical significance and optimal management strategies for adolescent PCOS remain uncertain.

Conclusions:

Adolescent PCOS diagnosis is complex and lacks standardized criteria.
Further research is needed to clarify the long-term impact and appropriate management of PCOS in young females.
The clinical implications of early PCOS diagnosis and intervention require careful consideration.