Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Patients with Hair Thinning

The study conducted between January 2017 and June 2019 involved 472 women diagnosed with female pattern hair loss (FPHL), of which 38 (8%) reported a known diagnosis of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). An additional 15 women (3.2%) were referred to reproductive endocrine (RE) from the hair loss clinic. The study aimed to identify factors leading to a PCOS diagnosis among female patients who presented to a specialty hair loss clinic. The results indicated that females presenting to dermatologists with alopecia should be considered for RE referral. The study confirmed previous reports of hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans being the most reliable clinical markers of PCOS. A detailed menstrual history with subsequent RE referral and work up when indicated, led to a new diagnosis of PCOS in an additional 12 patients (2.5%). The study highlighted the important role of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosing PCOS, particularly in patients with a history of irregular menses or other clinical signs of hyperandrogenism. Serum hormone values were not required in the patient population to meet PCOS diagnostic criteria. The study concluded that dermatologists treating FPHL patients are uniquely poised to aid in early diagnosis and enable pharmacologic interventions and lifestyle management.