Acne Severity and the Global Acne Grading System in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

August 2013 in “ International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics ”

Servet Hacivelioglu, Ayse Nur Cakir Gungor, Meryem Gencer, Ahmet Uysal, Deniz Hizli, Evrim Koc, Emine Cosar

TLDR Acne severity in women with PCOS is linked to younger age, lower body weight, and more body hair, but not to hormone levels.

The study evaluated the relationship between acne severity, as measured by the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), and various clinical and laboratory markers of androgen excess in 133 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It found that higher GAGS scores were significantly associated with younger age, lower BMI, and higher hirsutism scores, but not with androgen hormone levels or other measured parameters. Alopecia was associated with an increased waist/hip ratio but not with acne severity or androgen levels. The study suggests that GAGS may be useful for assessing acne in obese or hirsute PCOS patients and highlights the need for further research to understand the clinical significance of acne lesions in PCOS.

View this study on obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research Specific Dermatologic Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Association with Biochemical Markers of Metabolic Syndrome and Hyperandrogenism

67 citations , February 2010 in “Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica”

Hirsutism is a strong sign of high male hormones and metabolic problems in women with PCOS, but acne and hair loss are not.

research Dermatologic Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

76 citations , January 2007 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Women with PCOS often have skin problems like excessive hair, acne, hair loss, and dark patches, which can be treated with hormonal and non-hormonal therapies.

research Relative Prevalence of Different Androgen Excess Disorders in 950 Women Referred Because of Clinical Hyperandrogenism

352 citations , January 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Most women referred for excess male hormone symptoms had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with other conditions being less common.

research Androgen Excess in Women: Experience with Over 1000 Consecutive Patients

947 citations , February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

4025 citations , January 2004 in “Human Reproduction”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.

research Prevalence of Polycystic Ovaries in Women with Androgenic Alopecia

84 citations , November 2003 in “European journal of endocrinology”

Women with androgenic alopecia are more likely to have polycystic ovaries and higher androgen levels, which may indicate PCOS.

research Adolescent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

35 citations , June 1997 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences”

Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing PCOS in adolescents.

research Low sex-hormone binding globulin levels in young women with diffuse hair loss

40 citations , March 1982 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Young women with diffuse hair loss may have low SHBG levels, which could lead to more active testosterone and contribute to their hair loss.

research Classification of the types of androgenetic alopecia (common baldness) occurring in the female sex

666 citations , September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.

3 / 3 results

research Prevalence of Dermatologic Manifestations and Metabolic Biomarkers in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in North China

17 citations , September 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Women with PCOS in North China often have hirsutism and acne, with hirsutism linked to metabolic issues.

research Acne Severity and the Global Acne Grading System in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

22 citations , August 2013 in “International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics”

Acne severity in women with PCOS is linked to younger age, lower body weight, and more body hair, but not to hormone levels.

research Androgen Dependence of Hirsutism, Acne, and Alopecia in Women

105 citations , January 2009 in “Medicine”

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.