- Acne 101
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
A Common Endocrine Disorder
A common hormonal disorder in women that can drive acne, excess hair, and irregular periods. Here is how we diagnose and treat it.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a common endocrine disorder found in approximately 5 to 10% of women. It is the most common cause of excessive testosterone in premenopausal women. Symptoms include:
- Acne
- Excessive hair growth on the lip, chin, trunk, and thighs
- Thickening of skin on the back of the neck and armpits
- Irregular menstrual cycles or lack of periods.
- Female pattern hair loss
- Obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes may be associated
Diagnosis & Treatment
Evaluation often requires bloodwork to look for androgen excess and an ultrasound to look at the ovaries.
Treatment primarily involves addressing the underlying hormonal abnormality. The following treatments are often prescribed in PCOS:
- Combined oral contraceptive pills (birth control pills prescribed by a primary care physician)
- Oral spironolactone
- Acne DS clarifying gel™
- Traditional topical therapies
- Isotretinoin
- Metformin
Frequently asked questions
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder affecting roughly 5 to 10 percent of women, and it is the most common cause of excess testosterone in premenopausal women.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Symptoms include acne, excess hair growth on the lip, chin, trunk, and thighs, thickening of the skin on the back of the neck and armpits, irregular or absent periods, and female pattern hair loss. Obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes may also be associated.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
Evaluation often requires bloodwork to look for excess androgens (testosterone) along with an ultrasound to examine the ovaries.
How does PCOS cause acne?
PCOS raises androgen levels, and that excess testosterone increases oil production and drives acne, frequently alongside excess hair growth and irregular cycles.
How is PCOS-related acne treated?
Treatment addresses the underlying hormonal imbalance and often includes combined oral contraceptive pills, oral spironolactone, Acne DS Clarifying Gel, traditional topical therapies, isotretinoin, and sometimes metformin.
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About Craig Singer MD Dermatology
Located in Bingham Farms, Acne Center Of Michigan was founded by Dr. Craig Singer, a board-certified dermatologist.
We specialize in the treatment of acne and acne scarring, offering numerous therapeutic options tailored to each patient’s needs.
Dr. Singer experienced significant acne when he was in college and has personal experience with his teenage children’s acne as well. He has helped thousands of patients look their best.
Acne Center of Michigan offers the most advanced acne treatments, drawing from both traditional and alternative approaches. Dermatologists across the region refer their most complex acne-scar cases to Dr. Singer, and patients travel from across Michigan, neighboring states, and Canada for his care.
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Thousands of patients
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