Cutaneous Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The document from June 2020 discussed the skin-related symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), specifically hirsutism, acne, and female pattern hair loss (FPHL). It pointed out that while hirsutism is often associated with high androgen levels, acne and FPHL may not always be due to hyperandrogenism or increased sensitivity to androgens. Therefore, the presence of acne and FPHL should not be used as diagnostic markers for PCOS without confirmed elevated androgen levels. The paper also suggested that treating these skin conditions in PCOS patients might involve more than just targeting androgen levels, including addressing issues like skin microbiome imbalance, inflammation, and possible nutrient deficiencies. It underscored the need for accurate dermatological diagnosis and a thorough understanding of the underlying causes of these skin issues for effective treatment by specialists.