989 citations
,
August 2007 in “The Lancet” PCOS is a complex condition with major health impacts, needing more research for better diagnosis and treatment.
926 citations
,
June 2010 in “BMC Medicine” Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex condition that affects women's mental, reproductive, and metabolic health throughout their lives.
343 citations
,
October 2015 in “Endocrine Practice” The guide recommends specific methods for diagnosing PCOS and various treatments for its symptoms, while considering the health impacts on adolescents.
343 citations
,
December 2008 in “Endocrine Reviews” Metformin helps with menstrual cycles and insulin levels in PCOS but is less effective for hair growth, diabetes prevention, and weight loss, and may improve fertility and reduce diabetes risk.
195 citations
,
November 2019 in “Clinica Chimica Acta” High levels of male hormones, insulin resistance, and obesity are closely linked and worsen polycystic ovary syndrome, but more research is needed to improve treatments.
169 citations
,
August 2004 in “Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology/Baillière's best practice and research in clinical obstetrics and gynaecology” Lower doses of treatments for hirsutism and acne in PCOS are effective and cause fewer side effects.
145 citations
,
November 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Use minoxidil for hair loss treatment; assess results after 6 months.
124 citations
,
June 2002 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome likely starts in childhood and may be genetic and influenced by early hormone exposure.
117 citations
,
May 2017 in “Human Reproduction Update” The update highlights that non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia is common in women with excess male hormones, requires specific hormone tests for diagnosis, and has various treatment options depending on age and symptoms.
89 citations
,
November 2014 in “Medical Clinics of North America” Eating 500 fewer calories a day and making lifestyle changes can improve PCOS symptoms and reduce diabetes risk; more research is needed on its causes and treatments.
75 citations
,
November 2007 in “Clinical endocrinology” Certain medications including flutamide, spironolactone, and others effectively reduce excessive hair growth in women, especially when combined with lifestyle changes.
54 citations
,
August 2017 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” Lifestyle changes and weight loss are key for treating PCOS-related metabolic issues and infertility, with various medications available for specific symptoms.
52 citations
,
June 1999 in “Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America” Antiandrogen treatments combined with oral contraceptives can help manage hair growth and hair loss in women with PCOS.
43 citations
,
May 1986 in “Clinics in Endocrinology and Metabolism” Cyproterone acetate is effective for treating hirsutism and acne but less so for hair loss, with side effects similar to birth control pills.
42 citations
,
July 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The conclusion is that oral contraceptives and antiandrogens can treat hirsutism and acne in women with cutaneous hyperandrogenism, but more research is needed for effective treatments, especially for hair loss.
41 citations
,
April 2010 in “Gender Medicine” The conclusion is that hirsutism should be diagnosed and treated because it affects quality of life and may signal other health problems.
34 citations
,
October 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Hormone treatments can help with women's skin and hair disorders, but they need careful monitoring and more research.
34 citations
,
January 2011 in “Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology” New treatments for PCOS show promise, but no current medication treats all aspects of the condition.
34 citations
,
March 2001 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine” Manage hair shedding by identifying triggers, possibly using supplements or medications, and tracking with a health calendar.
30 citations
,
June 2019 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology” The document concludes that managing non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia in females requires personalized treatment, genetic counseling, and a team of specialists.
28 citations
,
November 2007 in “Medical Clinics of North America” Obesity worsens Polycystic Ovary Syndrome symptoms, and weight loss is a key treatment.
25 citations
,
August 2006 in “Human Reproduction” Oral contraceptives lower testosterone levels in women, especially those with certain genetic traits, and may be linked to increased breast cancer risk.
22 citations
,
January 2002 in “Treatments in endocrinology” Birth control pills help treat skin and hair growth problems linked to high male hormone levels.
20 citations
,
July 2009 in “Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology” Quick treatment of hair disorders in teenage girls is important because of the emotional effects.
19 citations
,
March 2008 in “Nature clinical practice endocrinology & metabolism” A combined drug and laser treatment improved hirsutism in a PCOS patient, also enhancing her heart health and requiring regular liver and kidney checks.
15 citations
,
March 1997 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride shows promise for treating hair loss and excessive hair growth, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
12 citations
,
May 2017 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment” Adult acne severity is influenced by stress, skin sensitivity, makeup, stopping oral contraceptives, and requires female-specific treatment guidelines.
12 citations
,
January 2010 in “Pediatric Health” Early treatment and lifestyle changes are important for managing PCOS in young people to prevent long-term health issues.
10 citations
,
May 2015 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology” New treatments for skin and hair disorders in women of color address unique biological differences and include specific acne medications, sunscreens, skin lighteners, and hair care adjustments.
10 citations
,
May 1995 in “Journal of General Internal Medicine” Most women with excessive hair growth have PCOS; treatment varies and focuses on preventing new hair, with electrolysis as the only permanent removal method.