Cutaneous Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Clinical Study

In a 2016 study involving 100 women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), researchers found that skin-related symptoms were common and could be used as indicators for early diagnosis of the syndrome. The most prevalent symptoms were acne (73%), hirsutism or excessive hair growth (61%), and seborrhea or oily skin (67%). Additionally, 33% of the women experienced androgenic alopecia or hair loss, and 26% had acanthosis nigricans, characterized by dark, velvety skin patches. The study also found a significant association between age and hirsutism, with younger women more likely to experience this symptom. Raised testosterone levels were the most common hormonal abnormality, found in 28% of the patients. The study concluded that effective management of PCOS requires a coordinated effort between various medical specialists.