Skin manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: The pilosebaceous unit consists of the hair follicle and associated sebaceous and apocrine glands. Hair follicles and sebaceous glands have cellular androgen receptors and react to circulating androgens. Physiological androgen levels induce secondary sexual hair development at puberty, and mild acne is a near universal accompaniment. Androgens also induce pattern hair loss the prevalence and severity increasing with age. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with androgen excess and may induce hirsutism and seborrhea and accentuate androgenetic alopecia and acne (Table 8.1). Acanthosis nigricans is a cutaneous marker of insulin resistance that is also associated with P..