Specific dermatologic features of the polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with biochemical markers of the metabolic syndrome and hyperandrogenism
February 2010
in “Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica”
TLDR Hirsutism is a strong sign of high male hormones and metabolic problems in women with PCOS, but acne and hair loss are not.
The study examined 115 untreated women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to explore the connection between dermatologic features and biochemical markers of metabolic syndrome and hyperandrogenism. It found that hirsutism, with a 73.9% prevalence, was strongly linked to higher levels of total testosterone, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol, suggesting a significant association with hyperandrogenism and metabolic issues. Seborrhea, present in 34.7% of participants, was associated with higher free testosterone, fasting glucose, and insulin levels. In contrast, acne and androgenic alopecia, despite their respective prevalences of 53% and 34.7%, were not reliable indicators of hyperandrogenism. The study concluded that hirsutism is a strong marker of hyperandrogenism and metabolic abnormalities in PCOS, while acne and androgenic alopecia are not.
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research Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome
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research Prevalence of polycystic ovaries in women with androgenic alopecia
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research Specific dermatologic features of the polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with biochemical markers of the metabolic syndrome and hyperandrogenism
Hirsutism is a strong sign of high male hormones and metabolic problems in women with PCOS, but acne and hair loss are not.
research Diagnosis and management of the dermatologic manifestations of the polycystic ovary syndrome
The document concludes that accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment are important for skin problems in women with PCOS.