TLDR Obese women had more testosterone and less acne, but similar hair growth compared to non-obese women.
In a study involving 627 Taiwanese women of reproductive age, researchers found that obese women had higher serum total testosterone levels but a lower incidence of acne compared to non-obese women. This was true for both groups with and without hyperandrogenemia. However, the prevalence of hirsutism did not differ significantly between obese and non-obese women. The study, which included 417 non-hyperandrogenemia cases and 210 hyperandrogenemia cases, with 105 obese and 312 non-obese women, suggests that obesity may affect the clinical presentation of hyperandrogenism, specifically by reducing the prevalence of acne but not affecting hirsutism, despite higher androgen levels.
Cited in this study
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67 citations
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118 citations
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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.
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October 1983 in “Archives of Dermatology” Some women with acne have higher levels of free testosterone, which might suggest using hormonal treatments for acne.
17 citations
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April 2010 in “Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics” Obese women had more testosterone and less acne, but similar hair growth compared to non-obese women.
56 citations
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October 1983 in “Archives of Dermatology” Some women with acne have higher levels of free testosterone, which might suggest using hormonal treatments for acne.
