TLDR Skin changes in women with PCOS are mainly due to hormonal imbalances.
In 2015, two studies were conducted on the correlation between skin changes and hormonal imbalances in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The first study involved 100 women and found that 70% exhibited skin changes such as acne, hirsutism, and alopecia, which were significantly correlated with elevated levels of androgens. The second study involved 40 women and found a 90% prevalence of skin manifestations linked to hormonal changes, with the most common being acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, androgenetic alopecia, acanthosis nigricans, and acrochordons. Elevated fasting insulin levels were the most common hormonal abnormality, associated with both acne and hirsutism, while androgenetic alopecia was linked to high testosterone levels. Both studies concluded that skin changes, including hair loss, in women with PCOS are largely influenced by hormonal imbalances.
31 citations,
April 2005 in “CRC Press eBooks” The document explains that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complex condition that is hard to diagnose and manage, but it doesn't talk about hair loss or hair growth.
4025 citations,
December 2003 in “Human Reproduction” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
35 citations,
June 1997 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences” Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are crucial for managing PCOS in adolescents.
14 citations,
February 2016 in “Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research” Blood tests are needed to confirm high male hormone levels in women with PCOS, as physical signs alone are not reliable.
2 citations,
July 2012 in “Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology” A 12-year-old girl with very high testosterone and insulin resistance improved with birth control pills, suggesting PCOS can cause high testosterone without tumors.
3 citations,
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.
67 citations,
February 2010 in “Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica” Hirsutism is a strong sign of high male hormones and metabolic problems in women with PCOS, but acne and hair loss are not.
85 citations,
June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.
1 citations,
April 1993 in “Problemy e̊ndokrinologii” Spironolactone effectively reduces symptoms of hyperandrogenism like hirsutism and acne.
