Dermatologic Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The document from 2007 reviews the skin-related symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which include hirsutism, acne vulgaris, androgenetic alopecia, and acanthosis nigricans, and discusses their pathophysiology, prevalence, and treatment options. It highlights that these dermatologic conditions are common in women with PCOS due to elevated androgen and insulin levels. Hirsutism is reported in 50-76% of women with PCOS, acne vulgaris in 9.8-34%, and androgenetic alopecia in 3.2-4.7% of women with clinical androgen excess. Acanthosis nigricans, which is associated with obesity and hyperinsulinemia, was found in 50% of obese women with PCOS in a study of 62 women. Treatment options include hormonal therapies like oral contraceptives, anti-androgens, and insulin-sensitizing agents, as well as non-hormonal therapies such as mechanical and chemical epilation, laser or intense pulsed light, antimicrobials, retinoids, minoxidil, and hair transplantation. The document also discusses the effectiveness of specific treatments, such as spironolactone and flutamide for hirsutism and acne, and metformin and thiazolidinediones for insulin resistance and hirsutism. It notes that while some treatments show promise, they may have varying efficacy and safety profiles.