TLDR Middle-aged women with PCOS often continue to experience symptoms related to high androgen levels, like unwanted hair growth.
The study involved 124 women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and 74 age-matched controls, focusing on the persistence of hyperandrogenism, a common symptom of PCOS, into midlife. Results indicated that over 40% of the women with PCOS, and 82% of those who initially presented with hyperandrogenic symptoms, continued to suffer from hirsutism, a condition of unwanted, male-pattern hair growth. The free androgen index was higher in women with PCOS, regardless of weight. The study concluded that women with PCOS who initially present with hyperandrogenic symptoms have a higher risk of persistent androgenic symptoms and impaired quality of life in midlife.
Cited in this study
7 / 7 results
14 citations
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April 2022 in “Climacteric” Menopause causes dry skin, wrinkles, and hair changes, with hormone therapy helping but not recommended just for these issues.
26 citations
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January 2020 in “Przegląd Menopauzalny” Menopausal women have higher androgen levels, which can cause symptoms like facial hair growth and low sexual desire.
767 citations
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September 2016 in “Human Reproduction” Polycystic ovary syndrome affects about 6-10% of women, with varying symptoms and the need for standardized global definitions.
71 citations
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September 2015 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Women with PCOS have higher androgen levels that decrease with age but are still higher than in women without PCOS.
378 citations
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November 2011 in “Human reproduction update” Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.
288 citations
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June 2009 in “Human reproduction update” The modified Ferriman-Gallwey method is a useful tool for diagnosing hirsutism.
4809 citations
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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.
1 citations
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August 2013 in “Springer eBooks” Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.
70 citations
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February 2012 in “Human Reproduction” Many young women who donate blood have hormonal disorders like excess male hormones and PCOS.
3 citations
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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.
10 citations
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November 2010 in “Skin therapy letter” Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.
