Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often causing distress and discomfort.
Acne is not merely a superficial or cosmetic concern; it is often a visible manifestation of an underlying hormonal imbalance, which can be caused by a range of conditions. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of this dermatological alteration and uncover its frequent relationship with PCOS.
What is acne?
Acne, medically known as acne vulgaris, is a skin condition characterized by the presence of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or nodules on the skin. It primarily affects areas rich in oil glands, such as the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back.
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation and the formation of lesions.
Acne can arise from a variety of causes: fluctuating hormone levels (especially during puberty in adolescents of all genders), stress, family predisposition, product use, adverse effects of medication or underlying medical conditions.
Understanding PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 1 out of 10 women of reproductive age worldwide. This condition can present various symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods, irregular fat distribution, fertility challenges and dermatological manifestations, such as acne, hirsutism or alopecia.
Timely identification and suitable treatment are paramount in effectively managing symptoms and mitigating the risk of lifelong disorders like type 2 diabetes or premature vascular aging. Moreover, PCOS has been shown to adversely affect the emotional well-being of women.
Acne and PCOS
The connection between acne and PCOS lies in hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated levels of androgens. In normal amounts, these hormones serve a healthy purpose, but not if an overproduction occurs.
All women are more likely to have some acne during their menstrual period, when androgen levels are higher. But in women with PCOS this is more severe, as the ovaries produce higher-than-normal amounts of androgens, including testosterone. These androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more oil, which can clog pores and create acne lesions.
Acne associated with PCOS often presents with larger, deeper lesions that tend to resolve more slowly than other types of acne. While it can appear anywhere on the body, PCOS-related acne typically appears on the lower face and upper neck.
Understanding the link between acne and PCOS is crucial for effective management, which may include lifestyle changes and tailored skincare. If you are navigating this journey, seek appropriate advice from experts in both acne and PCOS.
While there isn’t currently an approved specific therapy for PCOS, research efforts are underway. At SPIOMETH4HEALTH we are conducting a clinical trial to explore what could become the inaugural treatment for PCOS. If you’re aged between 12 and 24 and intrigued to discover more about the trial, click here! Participation is open in Spain, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Austria, and Turkey.