Which statement describes a common symptom of PCOS in children?

Which statement describes a common symptom of PCOS in children?

• A. Irregular menses (<9 per year)
• B. Weight loss with normal menses
• C. Hyperactivity and aggression
• D. Short stature

Answer: (A)

Ovulatory dysfunction leads to irregular menstrual cycles. In PCOS, excess androgens and insulin resistance disrupt normal ovulation, so cycles become infrequent or absent. Fewer than nine menstrual events in a year indicates oligomenorrhea, a common presenting sign of PCOS after puberty. The other options don’t fit this pattern: weight loss with normal menses isn’t typical for PCOS (which often involves weight gain or insulin resistance), hyperactivity/aggression isn’t a PCOS symptom, and short stature isn’t associated with PCOS.

Ovulatory dysfunction leads to irregular menstrual cycles. In PCOS, excess androgens and insulin resistance disrupt normal ovulation, so cycles become infrequent or absent. Fewer than nine menstrual events in a year indicates oligomenorrhea, a common presenting sign of PCOS after puberty. The other options don’t fit this pattern: weight loss with normal menses isn’t typical for PCOS (which often involves weight gain or insulin resistance), hyperactivity/aggression isn’t a PCOS symptom, and short stature isn’t associated with PCOS.