A 23 year old female presented to her physician with concerns about being unable

Question

A 23 year old female presented to her physician with concerns about being unable to conceive. She was 70 pounds overweight and had hirsutism. Previous laboratory results revealed a slightly elevated 8AM plasma cortisol but a low dose dexamethasone test showed normal cortisol suppression. The following laboratory results were obtained:

Lab tests revealed:

Further tests revealed an increased Free Testosterone and Androstenedione, with a decreased Sex horomone-binding globulin. An ultrasound revealed a normal-sized uterus with a "string of pearls" appearance of the ovaries.

Patient Reference Range Testosterone, total 65 15-70 ng/dL Prolactin 14 3.8-23.0 ng/mL LH, Midcycle 19 22-57 mIU/mL FSH, Midcycle 3 0.2-17 mIU/mL Estradiol, Midcycle 151 150-750 pg/mL DHEAS 300 45-380 ug/dL

Explanation / Answer

string of pearls appearance in an ultrasound image represents the presnce of ovarian cysts.It is called as polycystic ovarian syndrome. The cysts are not harmful but creates hormonal imbalances.PCOS grow many small cysts on ovaries. Womens hormones are out of balance and it causes difficulty in conceiving.The symptoms are acne,weight gain or lose weight,irregular periods,infertility and depression.In this case study most of the symptoms are of PCOS.Early diagnosis and treatment can help control symptoms and prevent long term problems.

LH and FSH abnormal levels are the clear indication of the syndrome. LH is an important part of menstrual cycle. It works with follicle stimulating hormone,which is another gonadotropin of pituitary gland.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.