HORMONAL PROFILE & RISK OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN POST-ADOLESCENT ACNE FEMALE PATIENTS

Abstract

Acne is the most common disease seen by dermatologist, the

.•condition usually starts in adolescence and frequently resolves by

• .the mid twenties. The clinical problem of acne in older patients in

• 'their twenties and thirties appears to be increasing, but good epidemiological data are lacking.

Several factors contribute to the pathogenesis of acne. Sebum 'production, abnormal follicular differentiation, P. acnes, and inflammation. Active sebaceous glands are a prerequi$ite for the ' • development of ace and the level of sebum secretioh correlates " reasonably well with the severity of acne. Sebaceous activity is

. predominantly dependent on androgenic sex hormones of gonadal or

.••.adrenal origin. Acne niay therefore not only cause cosmetic concern,

• but also be a sign hyperandrogenemia.

In females, the most common cause of hyperandrogenemia is

PCOS, but in most acne clinics the majority of female patients with

. acne often have no other clinical features of the syndome, which

.•consists of hirsutism, infertility, obesity or irregular menstruation. A part from the clinical symptoms, women with PCOS areat high risk • of developing hypertension, diabetes m llitus, cardiovascular disease,

endometrial hyperplasia, cancer, and breast cancer if left untreated.