TLDR Caucasian and Asian women with PCOS generally show similar symptoms, except Asian women have less chest hair.
In a cross-sectional study from 2006 to 2011, 121 Caucasian and 28 Asian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were compared to assess differences in androgen excess manifestations. The study found that both ethnic groups had similar prevalence of hirsutism, acne, androgenic alopecia, and biochemical hyperandrogenism, with the only significant difference being lower chest hair scores in Asian women. Mean modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) scores, which measure hirsutism, were similar between the groups (Caucasian: 8.6, Asian: 7.4). The results suggest that Caucasian and Asian women with PCOS in the same geographic region have similar presentations of androgen excess, and that environmental factors may influence the phenotype of hirsutism. The study indicates that there may not be a need for ethnic-specific mFG scores in women with PCOS, but recommends larger studies to further evaluate this.
1514 citations,
December 2011 in “Fertility and sterility” Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.
378 citations,
November 2011 in “Human reproduction update” Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.
98 citations,
July 2011 in “Fertility and Sterility” An mFG score of 5 or more indicates above-normal hair growth in Southern Chinese women.
1540 citations,
October 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility” The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.
121 citations,
April 2008 in “European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology” Many women in southern China have polycystic ovary syndrome, with some symptoms differing from Western women.
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.
1 citations,
August 2013 in “Springer eBooks” Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.
10 citations,
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.
