Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Endocrine Disorder

October 2013 in “ Springer eBooks ”

Joslyn S. Kirby

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS hyperandrogenism anovulation polycystic ovaries hirsutism acne androgen insulin-sensitizing agents metformin

TLDR PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing infertility and menstrual problems, often linked to obesity and can lead to acne, treated with hormonal and insulin-sensitizing medications.

The document discussed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder affecting 6-12% of women, often leading to infertility and menstrual irregularities. It is characterized by anovulation, polycystic ovaries, and hyperandrogenism, with a higher prevalence in obese, diabetic women, or those with a family history of PCOS. Symptoms include menstrual irregularity, hirsutism, acne, and obesity, with 30-75% of women with PCOS being overweight or obese. Acne, affecting 10-34% of women with PCOS, is linked to high androgen levels. Diagnosis requires ruling out other conditions and may involve signs of hyperandrogenism and ovarian dysfunction. Treatments for PCOS-related acne include typical acne therapies, hormonal treatments to reduce androgen production, and insulin-sensitizing agents like metformin.

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Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

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.

research Ovarian Morphology and Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Reproductive Aged Women With or Without Mild Acne

20 citations, June 2010 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Women with mild acne are more likely to have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) than those without acne.

research Androgen Dependence of Hirsutism, Acne, and Alopecia in Women

105 citations, January 2009 in “Medicine”

Hirsutism is more linked to high androgen levels than acne or hair loss, and a mix of hormonal tests is best for diagnosis; certain treatments can reduce symptoms.

research The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society Criteria for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Complete Task Force Report

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.

Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

research Criteria for Defining Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as a Predominantly Hyperandrogenic Syndrome: An Androgen Excess Society Guideline

1744 citations, August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.

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”

Lower doses of treatments for hirsutism and acne in PCOS are effective and cause fewer side effects.

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”

The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.

research Metformin or Antiandrogen in the Treatment of Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

192 citations, September 2003 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Metformin is effective for treating excessive hair growth in women with PCOS and may work better than the standard treatment in some ways.

research The Evaluation and Management of Hirsutism

195 citations, May 2003 in “Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953. Online)/Obstetrics and gynecology”

Most women with excess hair growth have an underlying hormonal issue, often treated with medication and hair removal methods.

research Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Unselected Black and White Women of the Southeastern United States: A Prospective Study

633 citations, September 1998 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

PCOS affects a similar percentage of Black and White women in the Southeastern United States.

research Clinical, Ultrasound, and Hormonal Markers of Androgenicity in Acne Vulgaris

57 citations, August 1995 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Acne severity is linked to higher levels of certain androgenic hormones, even when those levels are within the normal range.

research Comparison of Flutamide and Spironolactone in the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Randomized Controlled Trial

165 citations, February 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Flutamide is more effective and has fewer side effects than spironolactone for treating hirsutism.

Related Research

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research The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

2 citations, January 2014 in “Springer eBooks”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often leads to severe acne, and lifestyle changes and hormonal treatments can help manage it.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Endocrine Disorder

October 2013 in “Springer eBooks”

PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing infertility and menstrual problems, often linked to obesity and can lead to acne, treated with hormonal and insulin-sensitizing medications.