Have You Ever Heard of PCOS Acne?

I guess PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is something you would have heard of if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with it.

If you are wondering what it is I am going to briefly tell you because I am nice like that.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among young women of reproductive age.

It is characterised by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and polycystic ovaries containing numerous small, fluid-filled sacs.

PCOS related acne is mainly due to the hormonal imbalance that is experienced by having PCOS, which can have an impact on acne.

If you have been following this blog, you may already know the impacts of hormonal acne and soon you are going to find out how it can result in PCOS acne.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. It's characterised by:

1. Irregular Menstrual Periods: Infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles are the most common signs of PCOS.

2. Excess Androgen: Elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) may result in physical signs such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), adult acne or severe adolescent acne, and male-pattern baldness (alopecia).

3. Polycystic Ovaries: The ovaries may become enlarged and contain numerous small, fluid-filled sacs which surround the eggs.

The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Insulin resistance and inflammation have been linked to excess androgen production, which plays an important role in the manifestations of PCOS.

It's essential to recognise that not all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries, and similarly, not all women with polycystic ovaries have PCOS. The syndrome requires a specific combination of symptoms for diagnosis.

PCOS can have various complications, including infertility, type 2 diabetes, increased risk of uterine cancer, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment, combined with weight loss, can help manage the symptoms and reduce associated health risks.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Hormonal Imbalances

The hormonal changes that people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome usually experience occur with the hormone androgen.

Androgens are male sex hormones, including testosterone, that are present in both men and women, but in different concentrations.

Their connection with acne is rooted in the way they influence the skin's oil-producing glands.

As we are obsessed with acne here, check out the links between androgens and acne:

1. Sebum Production:

   Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair. When produced in normal amounts, sebum helps keep the skin healthy. However, excessive sebum production can lead to oily skin, which is a common precursor to acne.

2. Clogged Pores:

   When there's an overproduction of sebum, it can mix with dead skin cells and get trapped in hair follicles. This combination of oil and dead skin cells can clog the pores, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive.

3. Bacterial Growth:

   The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which is normally found on the skin, thrives in these clogged pores. Its growth and activity in the trapped sebum can lead to inflammation and the formation of pimples or cysts.

4. Hormonal Fluctuations:

   Levels of androgens fluctuate naturally, especially during puberty, menstrual cycles, and in conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). These fluctuations can lead to increased sebum production and, consequently, acne. This is why many teenagers experience acne during puberty, and why some women notice acne flare-ups in relation to their menstrual cycle.

5. Medications and Conditions:

   Some medications and medical conditions can increase androgen levels or have similar effects, which can result in acne. An example would be the use of anabolic steroids.

I say all this to say that androgens play a pivotal role in the development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) acne through their effect on sebum production.

Understanding this connection is crucial for targeted acne treatments, especially in cases where hormonal imbalances are the primary cause.

Other Skin Issues Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Sadly it's not only PCOS acne that occurs, there are other skin issues that you may experience due to the underlying hormonal imbalances associated with the condition.

PCOS Acne is one of the most common manifestations, other skin issues associated with PCOS include:

1. Hirsutism: This condition involves the growth of long, coarse, and dark hairs in areas where men typically grow hair, such as the face, chest, and back. The elevated androgen levels in PCOS are responsible for this excessive hair growth.

2. Acanthosis Nigricans: This is characterised by dark, velvety patches of skin, especially in body folds and creases. Common areas affected include the back of the neck, armpits, inner thighs, and groin. While the exact cause isn't fully understood, it's linked to insulin resistance, which is often seen in women with PCOS.

3. Skin Tags: These are small, soft, skin-coloured growths that hang off the skin and can appear on various parts of the body. They are commonly found in areas of skin friction or folds, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. Their presence might be linked to insulin resistance, which is also associated with PCOS.

It all sounds like a whirlwind, from PCOS acne to hair growth the best thing to do is find solutions for managing and treating the

How To Treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Acne

PCOS acne treatment can come in many different forms and it will look different for everyone because we are all uniquely made.

Below are some things to think about or to discuss with a health professional when it comes to managing or treating PCOS acne:

1. Hormonal Treatments:

   • Oral Contraceptive pills: Birth control pills can regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce androgen levels, thereby reducing acne. They're commonly prescribed to women with PCOS who aren't seeking pregnancy.

   • Anti-androgens: Spironolactone is a medication that blocks the effects of androgens on the skin. It's often used off-label to treat acne and hirsutism in women with PCOS. It can reduce sebum production and acne formation.

2. Insulin-sensitising Agents:

   • Metformin: This medication, typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, improves the body's sensitivity to insulin. Since insulin resistance can increase androgen levels in women with PCOS, metformin can indirectly help manage PCOS acne by lowering androgen levels.

3. Topical Treatments:

   • Benzoyl Peroxide: An over-the-counter treatment that kills acne-causing bacteria.

   • Topical Retinoids: retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene, these can unclog pores and reduce PCOS acne. They're available both over-the-counter (in milder forms) and as prescription medications

   • Topical Antibiotics: Clindamycin and erythromycin can help reduce inflammation and bacteria that can result in PCOS acne on the skin.

   • Azelaic Acid: It helps reduce inflammation and unclog pores.

4. Oral Antibiotics: Medications like tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline can be prescribed for more severe acne. They target bacteria and reduce inflammation but are usually used short term.

5. Professional Treatments:

   • Chemical Peels: These involve applying an acid to the skin, which removes the outer layer, potentially helping to unclog pores and improve PCOS acne.

   • Laser and Light Therapies: These can target deep layers of the skin without harming the surface, reducing sebum production, or targeting acne-causing bacteria.

6. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes:

   • Diet: Some women with PCOS find improvement in their skin by adopting a low-glycemic diet, which is a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables.

   • Exercise: Regular physical activity can help regulate insulin levels, which can be beneficial for women with PCOS.

   • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Weight management can help regulate hormones and reduce PCOS symptoms, including acne or weight gain.

7. Skincare Routine:

   • Gentle cleansing, avoiding over-washing, and using non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products can help.

   • Moisturising is crucial, especially if using drying acne treatments.

8. Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate hormonal changes, so incorporating stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can be beneficial.

9. Consultation: Before starting any treatment, it's essential to consult with a dermatologist or endocrinologist to discuss PCOS symptoms, get a proper diagnosis, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

10. Regular Monitoring: Given the hormonal complexity of PCOS, regular check-ups with healthcare professionals can help monitor symptoms and adjust treatments as needed.

Final Thoughts: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

In this blog post, we shared some thoughts on PCOS acne and how you may develop acne and treat it.

PCOS acne treatment involves a combination of hormonal therapies, oral contraceptive pills or other direct acne treatments, and lifestyle modifications.

Remember that you are uniquely made, and may respond differently, so finding the right mix of treatments for PCOS related acne is key.

Always remember to listen to yours, and don’t hesitate to seek professional insights when needed.

I hope that you learned something new about PCOS acne. 🙂

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