New Insights Into the Relationship Between the Skin and Endocrine Disorders

    December 2015 in “ JAMA Dermatology ”
    Rachel V. Reynolds
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    TLDR Dermatologists can help diagnose endocrine disorders like PCOS and metabolic syndrome by looking at skin symptoms.
    The editorial from April 1, 2016, emphasized the role of dermatologists in diagnosing endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by observing skin manifestations. It highlighted two studies: one by Schmidt et al., which found that 69% of 401 women at high risk for PCOS were diagnosed with the condition, with hirsutism, acne, acanthosis nigricans, and elevated testosterone levels being common. Hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans were specific predictors of PCOS. Another study by Nagpal et al. involving 100 men with acne showed a higher prevalence of insulin resistance and hypertension, suggesting that such skin conditions in adult males could indicate metabolic syndrome. These findings underscore the importance of dermatological evaluation in identifying underlying endocrine issues.
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