Essential Information About PCOS
Approximately 10% of adolescents and young women are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
While PCOS is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed.
This syndrome is the leading cause of infertility among women.
Many women with PCOS find it challenging to lose weight.
The primary characteristic of PCOS is a hormonal imbalance.
Up to 70% of individuals with this disorder exhibit insulin resistance, which, if not addressed, can progress to diabetes.
Introduction
For many years, women often attributed their irregular menstrual cycles, skin issues, and hair or body concerns to genetics, stress, or environmental factors. Although these factors can contribute to such problems, they do not encompass the complete picture.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is an endocrine disorder that affects about one in ten women globally. (1) This condition can manifest through distressing symptoms such as weight gain and irregular menstrual cycles, which may also influence a woman's self-esteem and overall appearance.
Women diagnosed with PCOS often do not achieve the same results from traditional skincare routines as others do, primarily due to the significant impact that hormonal levels have on skin health. This article explores PCOS and its effects on skin conditions.
Defining PCOS
Traditionally, PCOS was characterized as a hormonal disorder that leads to the enlargement of ovaries with cysts. However, recent studies indicate that not all women with this syndrome exhibit cysts around their ovaries, and even those without PCOS can develop ovarian cysts. (2)
A more nuanced understanding defines PCOS as a hormonal disorder that results in an excessive production of testosterone (3), a hormone that should typically exist in minimal amounts in women.
Although the precise factors contributing to this hormonal imbalance remain elusive, there are established connections to genetic predispositions and environmental influences (4). If a close family member, such as a mother or sister, has PCOS, your likelihood of developing the condition increases.
Symptoms associated with PCOS include: (5)
- Irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles
- Very light or shortened periods
- Excessive body hair growth, particularly on the chin, chest, stomach, and back
- Weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area
- Oily skin that is prone to acne
- Hair thinning or male-pattern baldness
- Skin tags located around the neck or underarm areas
- Challenges with fertility and occurrences of miscarriage
- Enlarged ovaries
- Dark, thick patches of skin in areas such as the neck, armpits, or beneath the breasts.
Overview of PCOS
PCOS is fundamentally a hormonal disorder characterized by the overproduction of testosterone in women.
This hormonal imbalance is chiefly responsible for the various skin and fertility issues that arise from the condition.
Additionally, women with PCOS may experience unwanted hair growth, especially in areas such as the chin, chest, and back.
It is also possible for women suffering from PCOS to develop abnormal, non-cancerous growths. (6)
The Impact of PCOS on Skin Health
Several skin conditions are closely associated with PCOS (7), and these dermatological issues have now become essential criteria for diagnosing the syndrome. Studies indicate that approximately 60% of individuals with significant skin issues may actually be experiencing the effects of PCOS (8).
Acne
Acne is a common complication of PCOS (9), primarily due to disruptions in the stimulation of the pituitary gland—often referred to as the master gland. In the case of PCOS, the pituitary gland releases abnormal levels of androgens, leading to increased sebum production in the skin. This oily substance can clog pores, resulting in whiteheads and blackheads.
Infected clogged pores can evolve into painful pimples, and without proper management, these can escalate to cystic acne.
The facial area, neck, chest, and upper back are typically the most affected regions for those with PCOS.
Hirsutism
Hirsutism, defined as excessive hair growth in a male pattern, is a significant concern for many women with PCOS. This includes features such as unwanted facial hair and growth on the chest and arms.
This manifestation often drives women to seek various hair removal methods like depilatory creams or frequent shaving. Unfortunately, these options can be labor-intensive and, in some cases, exacerbate the condition. Techniques like dermaplaning can potentially stimulate hair growth and increase sebum production, which may lead to acne. Moreover, dermaplaning might create micro-abrasions on the skin, worsening texture and inflammation.
Thus, hirsutism can contribute to acne if not addressed appropriately.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis (10) is an inflammatory skin disorder marked by dry, red patches. It arises from a fungal infection and can lead to itchiness. This condition often occurs when fungal spores accumulate in pores or hair follicles clogged by sebum, which is exacerbated by elevated androgen levels—a key factor in the overproduction of sebum.
The yeast fungus Malassezia is the primary agent responsible for seborrheic dermatitis. While this fungus exists as part of the skin's natural flora, it may proliferate during stress, immune suppression, or hormonal changes, as commonly seen in PCOS.
Affected areas typically include the scalp, face, chest, and back.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by the development of dark, thick patches of skin in areas where skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, and groin.
This condition is linked to insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. In women with PCOS, cells can become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated glucose levels. The pancreas compensates by releasing more insulin, which, in excess, promotes cell proliferation, resulting in acanthosis nigricans.
Diagnosing PCOS
PCOS presents on a spectrum, and therefore, there is no singular test that definitively diagnoses the syndrome. Symptoms can vary significantly among individuals, prompting healthcare professionals to rely on multiple diagnostic criteria to identify PCOS and
