Research Detail
Comprehensive cross-sectional study examining cutaneous manifestations of PCOS in Jordanian women.
About Study
This cross-sectional study included 146 PCOS patients to evaluate the prevalence, severity and pattern of cutaneous manifestations in Jordanian women with polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as their correlation with hormonal abnormalities.
A thorough complete cutaneous examination, hormonal assays including LH, FSH, prolactin, total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEA-S, along with pelvic ultrasonography were performed. Height and weight were recorded to calculate BMI for each patient.
Key Findings
The most common cutaneous features were acne vulgaris (75.3%), hirsutism (59.6%), seborrhea (43.2%), and androgenetic alopecia (42.5%). All cutaneous manifestations except acne were associated with higher BMI. Elevated LH:FSH ratio was the most common hormonal abnormality.
Clinical Correlations
Patients with acne presented at younger age. Those with androgenetic alopecia and stria were older. All cutaneous manifestations except acne were associated with higher BMI. Acne, hirsutism, and androgenetic alopecia showed specific hormonal correlations with testosterone levels and LH:FSH ratios.
Assessment Methods
Comprehensive clinical and laboratory evaluation of all patients.
Hormonal Analysis
Complete hormonal profiling including LH, FSH, testosterone, and DHEA-S.
Research Conclusions
The existence of cutaneous features such as acne, hirsutism, androgenetic alopecia, seborrhea, acanthosis nigricans and skin tags, especially in overweight and obese patients, should alert physicians toward the possibility of PCOS. Early recognition enables timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
