Acne and Hirsutism in Teenagers
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.
