TLDR Dermatologists play a key role in treating skin symptoms of PCOS like dark patches, excess hair, acne, and hair loss.
In the document from November 2014, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is described as a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, characterized by hormonal imbalances that lead to a variety of metabolic, reproductive, and cardiovascular issues. The document emphasizes the importance of dermatologists in recognizing and treating the skin-related symptoms of PCOS, which include acanthosis nigricans, hirsutism, acne, and alopecia. These symptoms are indicative of the underlying hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia that are central to the condition. The article serves as part one of a continuing medical education series, aiming to educate dermatologists on the definition, causes, development, and clinical manifestations of PCOS.
105 citations,
February 2011 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Treating sleep apnea in young obese women with PCOS can improve heart health and insulin sensitivity.
85 citations,
June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.
352 citations,
January 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Most women referred for excess male hormone symptoms had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with other conditions being less common.
169 citations,
August 2004 in “Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology/Baillière's best practice and research in clinical obstetrics and gynaecology” Lower doses of treatments for hirsutism and acne in PCOS are effective and cause fewer side effects.
4809 citations,
January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.
78 citations,
January 2003 in “Dermatology” Hormonal therapy is becoming a promising treatment for acne.
226 citations,
September 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Hair loss in women is genetic, diagnosed by examination and biopsy, and treated with minoxidil, finasteride, or transplantation.
491 citations,
July 2000 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Polycystic ovary syndrome is found in 6.5% of unselected Caucasian women in Spain.
2 citations,
September 2016 in “Journal of skin and stem cell” Acne is strongly linked to high BMI, hair loss, menstrual issues, family history, and eating too many sweets and fatty foods, but not to excessive hair growth.
14 citations,
February 2016 in “Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research” Blood tests are needed to confirm high male hormone levels in women with PCOS, as physical signs alone are not reliable.
11 citations,
August 2014 in “PubMed” Women with acne often have higher levels of male hormones and are more likely to be overweight, both of which can make acne worse.
3 citations,
January 2012 in “Hanyang Medical Reviews” The document concludes that more research is needed to create suitable diagnostic criteria and understand PCOS in Korean women, and genetics may allow for personalized treatment.
85 citations,
June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.
1 citations,
April 1993 in “Problemy e̊ndokrinologii” Spironolactone effectively reduces symptoms of hyperandrogenism like hirsutism and acne.
