How PCOS Affects Your Skin (and What To Do About It)

Up to 5 million American women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a gynecologic condition that develops when ovaries produce high levels of androgens. Androgens are primarily male hormones, and they interfere with ovulation, menstruation, and fertility.

Although PCOS is caused by hormonal imbalance in your ovaries, some of the most noticeable symptoms appear on the outside of your body — in your skin and hair. In fact, many women learn they have PCOS only after seeking care for issues like adult acne or excessive facial and body hair growth.

At The Women's Center, with multiple offices in Florida, our team specializes in PCOS treatment. We understand the range of symptoms the condition causes, and the impact those symptoms can have on your life. If you’re bothered by PCOS skin symptoms, it’s time to do something about it.

Common PCOS skin symptoms

PCOS is characterized by ovarian cysts, enlarged ovaries, and irregular periods. But these aren’t the only symptoms. High androgen levels affect your skin in a number of ways, including:

Acne

Acne breakouts happen when your skin produces too much sebum (oil), and your pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Your hormones control sebum production, and a hormonal imbalance from PCOS can trigger adult acne.

PCOS acne can appear anywhere, including your face, neck, chest, and back. Hormonal facial acne generally develops in the lower half of your face, like along your jawline, chin, and upper neck.

For women with PCOS, acne breakouts can be slow to heal. The lesions are often deep, large, and painful. When the lesions do heal, acne scars may be left behind.

Facial and body hair

PCOS elevates your androgen levels, which can lead to a condition called hirsutism. Hirsutism is characterized by excessive hair growth where hair usually isn’t present on women.

You may notice coarse, dark hair growing in places like your face, chin, neck, chest, upper arms, abdomen, or back. Even if you shave or pluck the hairs, they continue to grow back.

Male-pattern baldness

While PCOS can cause excessive hair growth on your face and body, it may cause hair loss on your head. Higher-than-normal levels of androgens can cause androgenetic alopecia, or male-pattern baldness.

This type of hair loss starts with a receding hairline or thinning at the top of your head. You might collect more hair in your hairbrush or notice that your part is getting wider.

Uneven skin tone

Sometimes, PCOS causes acanthosis nigricans, a condition that makes patches of skin noticeably darker and velvety. The patches are usually in areas where your skin creases or folds, like your armpits, neck, and groin.

How to treat PCOS skin problems

From severe acne to unwanted hair growth, the skin symptoms of PCOS can be distressing. Fortunately, finding an effective PCOS management plan can balance your hormones and relieve your most bothersome symptoms.

Our team at The Women’s Center takes a comprehensive approach to PCOS care. We evaluate your unique symptoms and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Hormonal birth control helps regulate your hormone levels and your menstrual cycle. It can also reduce hormonal acne breakouts, hirsutism, and acanthosis nigricans over time. Acne medication can control breakouts, while laser hair removal or electrolysis offers a permanent solution for unwanted facial and body hair.

If you’re overweight, we may recommend a healthy diet and exercise program to help you lose extra pounds. Reaching a healthy weight can reduce hormonal fluctuation and minimize many symptoms of PCOS.

Do the skin symptoms of PCOS sound familiar to you? Schedule an evaluation at The Women’s Center to find a treatment plan that’s right for you. Call one of our Orlando, Florida, area offices or book an appointment online now.