Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Skin as a Mirror of Endocrine Disorders

    January 2026 in “ Forum Dermatologicum ”
    Daria Krzyżanowska, Wiktoria Jarosiewicz, Aleksandra Kowalewska-Kurek, Katarzyna Kowalska, Laura Mikula, Justyna Strycharczuk, Anna Krzyżanowska
    TLDR Skin symptoms often reveal hormonal imbalances in PCOS.
    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder characterized by hormonal and metabolic dysregulation, with dermatological manifestations often serving as early indicators. This review highlights that the majority of PCOS patients experience skin-related symptoms, with hirsutism affecting about 70% of women, correlating with androgen levels and BMI. Androgenic acne is present in around 40% of patients, while androgenic alopecia affects 5–15%. Acanthosis nigricans is also noted, though its prevalence is less defined. The skin effectively reflects hormonal imbalances in PCOS, aiding in diagnosis and treatment.
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