Frequency of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Women with Postadolescent Acne

January 2014 in “ Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print) ”

N.W. Mikhael, N.E. Sorour, Jehan H Sabry

polycystic ovarian syndrome postadolescent acne testosterone follicle-stimulating hormone luteinizing hormone LH/FSH ratio hormonal profiles ultrasonography menstrual irregularities hirsutism PCOS acne FSH LH

TLDR Women with acne after adolescence are more likely to have PCOS and should be checked for it.

In 2013, a case-control study with 40 female patients with postadolescent acne vulgaris and 20 acne-free controls found that 37.5% of the acne patients had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a significantly higher frequency than the 5% observed in the control group. While serum levels of total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) did not differ significantly between the groups, the LH/FSH ratio did, especially when comparing acne patients with PCOS to those without. The researchers concluded that women with postadolescent acne should be screened for PCOS, suggesting hormonal profiles and ultrasonography as part of the evaluation, regardless of the presence of menstrual irregularities or hirsutism.

View this study on oce.ovid.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

research Acne in Adult Women: A Study at Ibn Rochd University Hospital

3 citations, July 2011 in “Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print)”

Acne is common in adult women, often continues from adolescence, and can lead to scarring.

research The Frequency of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Females with Resistant Acne Vulgaris

17 citations, June 2010 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Many women with hard-to-treat acne also have PCOS.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

9 citations, July 2009 in “Journal Of Endocrinology, Metabolism And Diabetes Of South Africa”

The document concludes that managing PCOS involves treating symptoms and reducing long-term metabolic risks, with lifestyle changes being important.

research What Every Physician Should Know About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

33 citations, September 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy”

Doctors should know how to diagnose and treat PCOS, which often involves checking for high male hormone levels and using medications to manage symptoms.

research Dermatologic Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

76 citations, January 2007 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Women with PCOS often have skin problems like excessive hair, acne, hair loss, and dark patches, which can be treated with hormonal and non-hormonal therapies.

research Dermatology of Androgen-Related Disorders

67 citations, July 2006 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Androgens cause skin issues like acne and hair growth in women, often due to PCOS, and can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.

research Clinical, Ultrasound, and Hormonal Markers of Androgenicity in Acne Vulgaris

57 citations, August 1995 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Acne severity is linked to higher levels of certain androgenic hormones, even when those levels are within the normal range.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 14 results

community My scalp punch biopsy results🤔?

in Female 7 upvotes 2 years ago

Female using Rogaine foam for hair loss had scalp punch biopsy, diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). Doctor recommended starting Spironolactone 50mg.

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 6 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Dutasteride Isn't Working? Get a Scalp Biopsy NOW

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 19 upvotes 2 weeks ago

Dutasteride may not be effective for everyone due to underlying issues, suggesting scalp biopsies for further diagnosis. Users discuss using higher doses of dutasteride, topical treatments, minoxidil, and pyrilutamide for hair loss management.

community Bryan Johnson just dropped his anti hair loss formula

in Treatment 342 upvotes 1 year ago

Bryan Johnson shared his hair loss treatment, which mainly relies on minoxidil and finasteride. Some users are skeptical of his results, while others appreciate his efforts in anti-aging and hair loss research.

community 21F AGA - 4 month hair growth progress (Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, theradome LLLT, viviscal vitamins, PRP twice)

in Progress Pictures 256 upvotes 3 years ago

A 21-year-old female shared her 4-month hair growth progress using Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, Theradome LLLT, Viviscal vitamins, and PRP treatments twice. Commenters praised her progress and discussed other treatments like microneedling, but she noted her dermatologist advised against it due to potential scalp damage.

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 55 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.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Distinctive Acne Entities

January 2019 in “Springer eBooks”

Acne can appear or persist in adulthood due to hormonal changes, external factors, or substance use, and requires appropriate treatment.

research A Comprehensive Review of Acne Vulgaris

18 citations, June 2019 in “Clinical research in dermatology”

Acne can't be cured but can be managed with treatments like benzoyl peroxide and diet changes; it's costly and can lead to scarring and mental health issues.

research Acne Protection: Measures and Miseries

January 2019 in “ARC journal of pharmaceutical sciences”

Acne can be managed with various treatments and requires psychological support due to its emotional impact.

research Association of Acne Tarda with Endocrinological Disorders

September 2022 in “Dermato”

Adult acne is often related to hormonal disorders, especially in women, and may need long-term treatment involving specialists.

research Chemical Pharmacotherapy Options for Managing Adult Acne

10 citations, January 2017 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

The conclusion is that more research is needed to better understand and treat adult acne, and that patient education and simple treatment plans are important for better results.