Polycystic ovary syndrome and acne.
November 2010
in “Skin therapy letter”
TLDR Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.
The document from 13 years ago, "Polycystic ovary syndrome and acne", discussed Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive aged women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Women with PCOS often experienced dermatologic manifestations of hyperandrogenism, including hirsutism, acne vulgaris, and androgenic alopecia. The article reviewed treatments for acne due to androgen excess in women with PCOS.
View this study on europepmc.org →
Cited in this study
research Specific dermatologic features of the polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with biochemical markers of the metabolic syndrome and hyperandrogenism
Hirsutism is a strong sign of high male hormones and metabolic problems in women with PCOS, but acne and hair loss are not.
research Spironolactone versus placebo or in combination with steroids for hirsutism and/or acne
Spironolactone may reduce excessive hair growth in women but its effectiveness for acne is not supported.
research Androgen Dependence of Hirsutism, Acne, and Alopecia in Women
Hirsutism is more linked to high androgen levels than acne or hair loss, and a mix of hormonal tests is best for diagnosis; certain treatments can reduce symptoms.
research Hormonal Therapy for Acne
Hormonal treatments, including birth control and antiandrogens, can effectively treat acne in women.
research Diagnosis and management of the dermatologic manifestations of the polycystic ovary syndrome
The document concludes that accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment are important for skin problems in women with PCOS.
research Health Care-Related Economic Burden of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome during the Reproductive Life Span
Polycystic ovary syndrome costs the U.S. over $4 billion a year, mainly from treating related health issues.
research Hirsutism and acne in polycystic ovary syndrome
Lower doses of treatments for hirsutism and acne in PCOS are effective and cause fewer side effects.
research Metformin or Antiandrogen in the Treatment of Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Metformin is effective for treating excessive hair growth in women with PCOS and may work better than the standard treatment in some ways.
research The evaluation and management of hirsutism*1
Most women with excess hair growth have an underlying hormonal issue, often treated with medication and hair removal methods.
research Update and Future of Hormonal Therapy in Acne
Hormonal therapy is becoming a promising treatment for acne.
research Comparison of Spironolactone, Flutamide, and Finasteride Efficacy in the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial1
Spironolactone most effective for hirsutism, but has side effects.
research Inhibition of skin 5α-reductase by oral contraceptive progestinsin vitro
Norgestimate is the most effective birth control progestin for reducing an enzyme linked to acne and excessive hair growth in women.
research Prevalence of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Unselected Black and White Women of the Southeastern United States: A Prospective Study1
PCOS affects a similar percentage of Black and White women in the Southeastern United States.
research Adolescent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
research Clinical, ultrasound and hormonal markers of androgenicity in acne vulgaris
Acne severity is linked to higher levels of certain androgenic hormones, even when those levels are within the normal range.
research A prospective randomized trial comparing finasteride to spironolactone in the treatment of hirsute women.
Finasteride and spironolactone both reduce hirsutism, but finasteride lowers androgen levels more.
research Comparison of flutamide and spironolactone in the treatment of hirsutism: a randomized controlled trial
Flutamide is more effective and has fewer side effects than spironolactone for treating hirsutism.
research Treatment of hirsutism with the pure antiandrogen flutamide
Flutamide effectively reduced excessive hair growth and improved related symptoms in hirsutism patients without significant side effects.
research Treatment of Hirsutism With Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a safe and effective treatment for reducing excessive hair growth in women.
Related
research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Sexual Dysfunctions
Women with PCOS often have sexual problems, and treating these issues early can improve satisfaction and reduce healthcare costs.
research Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss: Management of Hyperandrogenic Cutaneous Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Effective treatment for skin issues in women with PCOS includes oral contraceptives, antiandrogens, and other medications and procedures.
research Pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome
The document concludes that PCOS is a complex condition that can reduce fertility and affect self-esteem, but it can be managed with various treatments.
research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Fertility
PCOS affects fertility and is linked to obesity and menstrual irregularities; lifestyle changes are recommended for treatment.
research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Childhood: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Diagnosing and treating PCOS in young people is difficult.
research Managing the PCOS-Related Symptoms of Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss
Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.
research Hyperandrogenism in Women: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The document concludes that more research is needed to create suitable diagnostic criteria and understand PCOS in Korean women, and genetics may allow for personalized treatment.