Diagnosis and Management of the Dermatologic Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    July 2006 in “ Dermatologic therapy ”
    Eve J. Lowenstein
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    TLDR The document concludes that accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment are important for skin problems in women with PCOS.
    The document discusses Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by a range of hyperandrogenic symptoms. The skin-related issues associated with PCOS, such as acne, hirsutism, alopecia, obesity, and acanthosis nigricans, are particularly distressing for patients, although PCOS also leads to menstrual irregularities and infertility. Insulin resistance plays a significant role in the development of PCOS and its broader health implications. The paper outlines the importance of accurate diagnosis and recognition of cutaneous hyperandrogenism, reviews differential diagnoses, and presents an approach for evaluating patients with PCOS. While there is no consensus on a treatment strategy for the dermatologic symptoms of PCOS, the document provides information on various treatment options and the author's preferred treatment methods.
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