The effect of PCOS on acne and hirsutism

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September has been named PCOS Awareness Month to raise awareness and educate the public on this condition, which affects 1 in 10 women globally.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a genetic, hormone, metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects women and girls of reproductive age.

Says the team from Lamelle Research Laboratories: “PCOS starts with a reproductive hormone imbalance, which leads to the development of small cysts (sacs of fluid) along the outer edge of the ovary. These cysts are filled with immature eggs called follicles. These eggs may not develop as they should, or they may not be released during ovulation as they should, leading to a host of symptoms and complications.

“Despite it affecting around 1 in 10 women, PCOS is still one of the most underdiagnosed conditions around. So much so that, of those who have it, only 1 in 3 will be diagnosed. PCOS tends to fly under the radar because the signs can be easy to miss or attributed to something else. In fact, some of the symptoms are so common that you’d be excused for thinking they were just part of your hormonal cycle (think regular breakouts, for example).

“It’s important to be aware of the condition and its symptoms, especially since getting the right treatment can be life-changing. While there is no ‘cure’, there are ways to treat PCOS so that those who have it can overcome their symptoms, as well as prevent or reduce their risks of developing related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and endometrial cancer.”

The Lamelle team point out that when you have PCOS, you are likely to have high levels of the hormone androgen (known as hyperandrogenism). This causes the glands in the skin to produce an excess of oil (sebum), which can lead to clogged pores and inflammation, resulting in acne.

Another symptom of PCOS is hirsutism, or excess facial and body hair, which grows in a male-like pattern. Women may notice dark hair growth on their face, chest and back. This excess hair growth arises from excess male hormones (i.e. androgen and testosterone).

Other PCOS symptoms are weight gain, anxiety and depression, irregular periods, and infertility. Lamelle, which has developed a proven all-natural solution called Ovaria to treat PCOS, recommends that if you or your clients suspect you might have PCOS, to get a medical diagnosis.