TLDR Acne and increased body hair in teenage girls are normal but severe cases may need hormone evaluation and treatment can prevent diabetes linked to PCO.
The document from 2003 discussed that acne and body hair growth (hirsutism) in adolescent girls are normal responses to androgens, with acne typically appearing at the onset of puberty and peaking during the teenage years, while hair growth on the face, trunk, and limbs develops more slowly and usually peaks in the 20s. Severe acne, early onset of acne and hirsutism, and signs of systemic virilism are indicators for endocrine evaluation. Treatment options, which are chosen based on disease severity, include both topical and systemic therapies, and are not necessarily determined by endocrine test results. Additionally, the document mentioned that since Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO) is associated with impaired glucose tolerance, lifestyle advice should be given to prevent diabetes.
90 citations,
August 2002 in “European journal of endocrinology” Metformin improves hair growth and menstrual frequency in women with PCOS and hirsutism.
115 citations,
January 2001 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” Eflornithine cream effectively reduces women's unwanted facial hair but hair returns if treatment stops.
94 citations,
July 1991 in “Clinical endocrinology” Cyproterone acetate at 2mg daily is as effective as higher doses for treating excessive hair growth in women.
78 citations,
May 1989 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Spironolactone effectively reduces hair growth in women with hirsutism and is generally well-tolerated.
53 citations,
March 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Alopecia common in teens, may indicate endocrine issue, minoxidil effective treatment.
43 citations,
September 2012 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Hormonal therapies are safe and effective for treating adult women's acne.
41 citations,
April 2010 in “Gender Medicine” The conclusion is that hirsutism should be diagnosed and treated because it affects quality of life and may signal other health problems.
378 citations,
November 2011 in “Human reproduction update” Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.
118 citations,
September 2004 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Hormones, especially androgens, play a big role in acne, but most acne sufferers don't have a hormone disorder. Hormonal treatments, including birth control pills, can be very effective for women whose acne doesn't improve with regular treatments.
