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Screening for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women With Acne
Patients with adult female acne (AFA) of a younger age, with premenstrual flares of acne, and irregular menstruation should be screened for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a study published in Australasian Journal of Dermatology.
AFA can vary from adolescent acne and could be a sign of PCOS, stated the study authors. Therefore, they sought to investigate the clinical characteristics of AFA and factors associated with PCOS in AFA. Included in the study were 208 patients with AFA aged 25 years or older. Patient history was recorded, and a dermatologist performed a skin examination. If appropriate, a gynecologist diagnosed PCOS. The researchers also evaluated perimenopausal acne (≥45 years) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) responses.
Of the included patients, 47.1% had persistent acne, 26.9% had late-onset acne, and 26% had recurrent acne. Acne was predominately located on the cheeks and the perioral area, and common aggravating factors of premenstruation and stress. Higher body mass index (BMI) positively correlated with acne severity, and perimenopausal acne was found in 6.7% of patients. Mean DLQI score was 8.0 ± 5.4 (range, 0-23).
PCOS was diagnosed in 48.1% of participants. The disease was associated with younger age (≥25 to <33 years), premenstrual flares, and irregular menstruation, but not hirsutism or androgenetic alopecia, in both univariate and multivariate analysis.
“Persistent acne with moderate severity was common in patients [with AFA] and higher BMI was associated with acne severity,” stated the study authors. They recommended screening patients with AFA for PCOS, especially when presenting with the factors of younger age, with premenstrual flares of acne, and irregular menstruation.
Reference
Chanyachailert P, Chularojanamontri L, Chantrapanichkul P, et al. Adult female acne: Clinical characteristics and factors significantly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. Australas J Dermatol. Published online August 23, 2021. doi:10.1111/ajd.13700
