Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review for Dermatologists

October 2014 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Elizabeth Housman, Rachel V. Reynolds

polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS hormonal imbalances acanthosis nigricans hirsutism acne alopecia hyperandrogenism hyperinsulinemia hair loss skin darkening excessive hair growth pimples baldness high male hormones high insulin levels

Studysummary This review examines the definition, etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of polycystic ovary syndrome but reports no new clinical findings. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

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.

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research Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Improves Cardiometabolic Function in Young Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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.

research Diagnosis of Hyperandrogenism: Clinical Criteria

85 citations , June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This review outlines the challenges in diagnosing hyperandrogenism in women, focusing on its manifestations like hirsutism, acne, and virilization, but provides no new results.

research Relative Prevalence of Different Androgen Excess Disorders in 950 Women Referred Because of Clinical Hyperandrogenism

352 citations , January 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study reported that classic anovulatory PCOS was the most common androgen excess disorder, followed by mild ovulatory PCOS and idiopathic hyperandrogenism, among patients evaluated for clinical hyperandrogenism.

research Hirsutism and Acne in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

169 citations , August 2004 in “Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology/Baillière's best practice and research in clinical obstetrics and gynaecology”

This article discusses treatments for hirsutism and acne in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, suggesting that lower doses of current medications maintain efficacy while reducing cost and side effects, but reports no new clinical results.

research Revised 2003 Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Long-Term Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

4809 citations , January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This review discusses polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing its broad range of manifestations and associations with risks like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events, but reports no new clinical results.

research Update and Future of Hormonal Therapy in Acne

78 citations , January 2003 in “Dermatology”

This article reviews hormonal therapy as a treatment for acne in women and suggests that emerging research on hormone synthesis and metabolism in the skin could guide future drug development.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss

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.

research A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Unselected Caucasian Women from Spain

491 citations , July 2000 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome was 6.5% in a minimally biased sample of Caucasian women from Spain.