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

    January 2011 in “ Yearbook of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery ”
    D. Thiboutot
    Image of study
    TLDR Acne and hair loss are not good indicators of hormone imbalance in PCOS, but excessive body hair is.
    In a study involving 115 untreated consecutive women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), researchers investigated the association between dermatologic features of PCOS and biochemical markers of metabolic syndrome and hyperandrogenism. The study found that the prevalence of acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenetic alopecia, and acanthosis nigricans among the participants was 53%, 73.9%, 34.8%, 34.8%, and 5.2%, respectively. Acne was not associated with hormonal, metabolic, or anthropometric variables. Hirsutism showed positive associations with total testosterone, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol, and a negative association with age. Seborrhea was related to free testosterone, fasting glucose, and insulin. Androgenic alopecia had negative associations with free testosterone, low-density lipoprotein, and insulin. The study concluded that acne and androgenic alopecia are not reliable markers for hyperandrogenism in PCOS, while hirsutism is strongly related to hyperandrogenism and metabolic abnormalities in women with PCOS.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    1 / 1 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 12 results

      community How does hair loss and recovery work?

      in Chat  12 upvotes 3 months ago
      Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

      community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

      in Female  53 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  443 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

      community Why balding gets worse in every generation?

      in Chat  81 upvotes 5 months ago
      Balding seems to worsen with each generation, possibly due to stress, diet, and environmental factors. The user started treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride.

    Similar Research

    6 / 1000+ results