Although very variable, the phenotypic features of PCOS can be schematically divided into three components, i.e., hyperandrogenic, anovulatory and dysmetabolic. These three components are not necessarily or fully associated.

Hyperandrogenism
Usually,…

At the beginning of puberty, LH pulsatility is only present during sleep. It then extends to the daytime, with amplification of pulse amplitude and acceleration of frequency. This is accompanied by an…

Mild symptoms of hyperandrogenism, such as acne or hyperseborrhea, are frequent in adolescent girls, and are often associated with irregular menstrual cycles. In most instances, these symptoms are transient and only reflect the…

The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Pediatric and adult endocrinologists may encounter PCOS as a mildly virilizing state since it is the most frequent cause of hyperandrogenism in female teenagers and in…

Clinical Assessment
When an adolescent girl is referred for hyperandrogenism, the first visit must include a thorough record of history and a careful physical examination.

Although infrequent, some clinical symptoms…

Description

Premenstrual syndrome is a constellation of symptoms that occurs prior to menstruation and is severe enough to interfere significantly with the patient’s life. DSM-IV-R diagnosis is premenstrual dysmorphic disorder when the dominant symptoms…

Introduction
Vulvovaginitis is inflammation of the vulva and vaginal tissues. It is usually characterized by a vaginal discharge and/or vulvar itching and irritation. A vaginal odor may be present. It accounts for 10 million visits…

The causative organism of trichomoniasis is a flagellated protozoan, T. vaginalis, that may live quiescently in paraurethral Skene’s glands and from this nidus of infestation cause overt infection in the susceptible vagina. Trichomonads are frequently…

Introduction

Contact dermatitis results from the exposure of vulvar epithelium and vaginal mucosa to a primary chemical irritant or an allergen. In either case, characteristic local erythema and edema occur. Severe reactions may progress to…

During menarche, pregnancy, and lactation, and after menopause, the vaginal epithelium lacks the stimulation of estrogen. The maturation of the vaginal and urethra mucosa depends on the presence of estrogen and can be altered by…

The premenstrual syndrome is a recurrent, variable cluster of troublesome physical and emotional symptoms that develop during the 7-14 days before the onset of menses and subside when menstruation occurs. The syndrome intermittently…

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Between menarche and the menopause, almost every woman experiences one or more episodes of abnormal uterine bleeding, here defined as any bleeding pattern that differs in frequency, duration, or…