PCOS and its effects on skin and hair

Dr. Vidushi Jain, a dermatologist and dermatologist who is responsible for Dermalinks’ medical care, said: “The etiology is unknown and is recognized as a heterogeneous disorder associated with insulin resistance, leading to overproduction of androgens primarily from the ovaries.”

Each patient’s journey, struggle, and treatment approach is different. Contrary to popular belief, obese people with pcos have more severe symptoms, but there is another phenotype known as lean PCOS.

“Women with PCOS can be subgrouped based on clinical features that suggest endocrinological dysfunction and can be investigated accordingly for the selection of appropriate treatments,” doctors point out. To do.

“The basis of PCOS pathology is insulin resistance. That is, the body does not respond normally to insulin, increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas, causing inflammation and weight gain. High insulin levels are diagnostic criteria. At the same time, it is also the underlying physiological factor. Insulin causes inflammation and promotes testosterone secretion from the pancreas (hyperandrogenism). “

Dr. Jane adds: “PCOS skin features can appear earlier than in irregular periods and investigations of infertility, and a high degree of suspicion helps in the early detection and prevention of disease progression.”

She explains further:

1. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by darkening and thickening of the skin, which occurs primarily in the armpits (axilla), groin, and folds of the skin behind the neck. Often treated as dirt, this condition is synonymous with insulin resistance and obesity. Sometimes it can also be caused by drugs or malignant tumors. The therapeutic approach is to lose weight and reduce insulin resistance with a low glycemic diet and regular training. Whitening agents such as retinoids and glycolic acid and treatments such as TCA peels can also help improve cosmetology.

2. Hirsutism or unwanted facial hair is the result of hyperandrogenism or excessive male hormone secretion. It mainly affects the chin, side locks, chest, thighs and even nipples. Treatment requires weight loss to control serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). This controls free testosterone levels and controls androgen-lowering drugs such as spironolactone, OCP, and laser hair removal.

3. Acne or acne: Women who have persistent acne after their teens or who first develop acne after the age of 25 should be evaluated for PCOS. PCOS acne is generally resistant to standard acne treatments, mainly affecting the lower third of the face, accompanied by a very soft rash, suggesting more inflammation, premenstrual Indicates redness. Treatment results take at least 3 months to respond, and the best approach is to combine oral contraceptives with antiandrogens progesterone, such as drospirenone and cyproterone acetate, and spironolactone to control androgen excess. The role of supplements such as inositol, magnesium, zinc and vitamin D plays an important role in controlling the inflammatory condition.

4. Seborrheic dermatitis often manifests as oily scalp and dandruff, and in severe cases can affect oily areas of the skin such as around the nose, between the eyebrows, and behind the ears. Treatment of the scalp with salicylic acid or ketoconazole shampoo and daily irrigation are required in connection with more androgens, and thus more oil secretion that promotes the growth of a fungus called malasedia.

5. Patterned hair loss or thinning of women, which appears primarily on the crown and anterior, is often ignored until most of the scalp is visible. Frequent hairstyle changes to hide the hairstyle without seeking treatment can lead to progression and greater damage. It may be helpful to start minoxidil as prophylaxis and have a platelet-rich plasma session. PCOS is a disorder that affects the body at hormonal levels, which not only affects metabolism and fertility, but also has a widespread effect on a person’s self-confidence when it adversely affects their appearance.