PREMATURE PUBARCHE, OVARIAN HYPERANDROGENISM, HYPERINSULINISM AND THEPOLYCYSTIC-OVARY-SYNDROME - FROM A COMPLEX CONSTELLATION TO A SIMPLE SEQUENCE OF PRENATAL ONSET

Adolescent girls with a history of premature pubarche have an increase d incidence of functional ovarian hyperandrogenism [a form of polycyst ic ovary syndrome (PCOS)] at adolescence, which is usually associated with hyperinsulinemia and dyslipemia. The hyperinsulinemia and lipid d isturbances can often be detected in the prepubertal period and throug hout puberty, and are associated with an exaggerated ovarian androgen synthesis. Birthweight SD scores are lower in premature pubarche girls than in control girls, and particularly so in those girls who show hy perinsulinemia and subsequently develop ovarian hyperandrogenism. Ther efore, although the mechanisms interlinking the triad of premature pub arche, hyperinsulinism and ovarian hyperandrogenism remain enigmatic, these data indicate that the triad may result, at least in part, from a common early origin, rather than from a direct interrelationship lat er in life. (J. Endocrinol. Invest. 21: 558-566, 1998) (C) 1998, Editr ice Kurtis.