Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHormonal AcneAcne Flare-Up CausesNon-PCOS CausesPCOS DiagnosisTreatmentDaily Acne CareFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Hormonal Acne
Acne Flare-Up Causes
Non-PCOS Causes
PCOS Diagnosis
Treatment
Daily Acne Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)is a disorder that causes the ovaries tooverproduce androgens, a group of hormones present in larger amounts in people with testes and smaller amounts in people with ovaries.
The main androgen hormones are testosterone and androstenedione.High androgen levels can lead to several symptoms, including acne.
Read on to learn more about how PCOS can affect acne and what you can do about it.
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Hormonal Acne From PCOS
Everyone produces androgens in varying amounts based on whether they have ovaries or testes. In people with ovaries, androgens are produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells. In normal amounts, these hormones serve a healthy purpose. If an overproduction occurs, symptoms can arise such as:
Excess androgen is a hallmark symptom of PCOS (a symptom that is typically present).
Getting a PCOS Diagnosis
Appearance and Location
PCOS acne tends to have lesions that are larger, deeper, and/or resolve more slowly than other forms of acne.
It can occur anywhere, but PCOS acne usually appears on the lower face, such as:
Acne or Ingrown Hair?PCOS can cause facial hair to grow. Sometimes this hair can becomeingrown(growth that is inward instead of outward), especially if the person shaves their face. These bumps can resemble acne.
Acne or Ingrown Hair?
PCOS can cause facial hair to grow. Sometimes this hair can becomeingrown(growth that is inward instead of outward), especially if the person shaves their face. These bumps can resemble acne.
What Causes PCOS Acne Flare-Ups?
Excess testosterone stimulates oil glands and hair follicles, which can cause acne to develop.People with PCOS may also find their acne becomes worse around the timewhen they are menstruating.
PCOS in TeensAcne is common inpubescent adolescents(those having reached puberty) of all sexes because of hormonal changes. Acne in the teenage years may or may not be an indication of PCOS. By the late teens to early 20s, most people with PCOS willshow symptoms(usually in addition to acne).
PCOS in Teens
Acne is common inpubescent adolescents(those having reached puberty) of all sexes because of hormonal changes. Acne in the teenage years may or may not be an indication of PCOS. By the late teens to early 20s, most people with PCOS willshow symptoms(usually in addition to acne).
Non-PCOS Causes of Acne
The presence of acne is not enough on its own to make a diagnosis of PCOS.
Othercauses of acneinclude:
Tests to Diagnose PCOS
A physical exam and a discussion of symptoms, family history, and medical history are the primary ways PCOS is diagnosed.
A healthcare provider may also order tests to confirm a diagnosis of PCOS and look for other possible causes for the symptoms.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are run to check hormone levels, such as excess androgen.At the time of diagnosis and often regularly once diagnosed, blood tests may be ordered to check blood glucose levels, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels as people with PCOS are at an increased risk of insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Blood Tests for PCOS
Ultrasound
Some people with PCOS have multipleovarian cysts, which can cause enlarged ovaries.An ultrasound uses sound waves to create computer-generated images that are used to check the size of the ovaries, the presence of cysts, the thickness of the uterine lining, and other related observations.
PCOS Acne Treatment
Treating PCOS-related acne usually involvesaddressing hormonal imbalancesand taking other measures to manage PCOS. Other acne-specific treatments may also be recommended.
Medication
Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP)
OCP is a common first-line treatment for people with PCOS who do not currently wish to become pregnant.The type of pill matters.The combination pill(estrogen and progestin) should be used instead of the minipill, which contains only progestin.
Some progestins can mimic androgens and worsen symptoms, but others allow the estrogen to reduce the symptoms associated with excess androgen. Ask your healthcare provider about which formulations best address your symptoms and needs. There are people who should not take OCP due to their medical history.
Antiandrogens
Antiandrogens can target symptoms such as acne and excess hair growth associated with high androgen levels.Aldactone or Spironol (spironolactone) is most commonly prescribed, often with OCP.
Do not take spironolactone if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, as it can cause harm to a developing fetus. If taking this medication, contraception needs to be used to prevent pregnancy.
Acne Medications
Medications typically used for acne may be helpful for people with PCOS, particularly in combination with PCOS treatments.
They can include:
Lifestyle Changes
PCOS can cause weight gain and make it harder to lose weight. High body fat can also make PCOS symptoms worse.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Supplements
People with PCOS often have chronic low-grade inflammation.Inflammation can alsooccur with acne.
While not a treatment for PCOS or acne on its own,eating foodsthat reduce inflammation may be beneficial.These include:
Other PCOS TreatmentsPCOS treatment recommendationsdepend on a number of factors. For instance, treatments that target fertility, glucose intolerance, and other issues associated with PCOS, are available in addition to those mentioned here.
Other PCOS Treatments
PCOS treatment recommendationsdepend on a number of factors. For instance, treatments that target fertility, glucose intolerance, and other issues associated with PCOS, are available in addition to those mentioned here.
Daily PCOS Acne Care
In addition to treatments:
Summary
The elevated androgen hormones associated with PCOS can cause or worsen acne. Treating the hormonal imbalance can improvePCOS symptoms, including acne. Treatments can include medication, lifestyle changes, and skin care routine.
A Word From Verywell
If acne fromPCOSis causing you distress or discomfort, see your healthcare provider. A medical professional can help you manage the underlying condition and treat the acne specifically.
On average, oral contraceptive pills take two to three months to be effective.Spironolactone can show a decrease in breakouts and oiliness in a few weeks.Both of these medications carry risks. Speak with your healthcare provider before using them.
On average, oral contraceptive pills take two to three months to be effective.Spironolactone can show a decrease in breakouts and oiliness in a few weeks.
Both of these medications carry risks. Speak with your healthcare provider before using them.
Hormonal treatment is the typical approach to PCOS acne. This treatment manages hormone levels which help multiple PCOS symptoms, including acne.
While medications are often a necessary part of PCOS treatment, healthy lifestyle habits such as eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and regular exercise are important elements as well.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).HealthyWomen.Androgen.Sex hormones and acne.Clinics in Dermatology. 2017;35(2):130-137.Harvard Health Publishing.Polycystic ovarian syndrome and the skin.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Adult acne.National Health Services.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Williams T, Mortada R, Porter S.Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(2):106-113.Ndefo UA, Eaton A, Green MR.Polycystic ovary syndrome.P T. 2013;38(6):336-355.Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol.2016;74(5):945-73.e33. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037Faghfoori Z, Fazelian S, Shadnoush M, Goodarzi R.Nutritional management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a review study.Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews. 2017;11:S429-S432. doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2017.03.030Rudnicka E, Suchta K, Grymowicz M, et al.Chronic low grade inflammation in pathogenesis of PCOS.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(7):3789. doi:10.3390/ijms22073789Salama A, Amine E, Salem HE, Abd El Fattah N.Anti-inflammatory dietary combo in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.North Am J Med Sci. 2015;7(7):310. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.161246American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: tips for managing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Stubborn acne? Hormonal therapy may help.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).HealthyWomen.Androgen.Sex hormones and acne.Clinics in Dermatology. 2017;35(2):130-137.Harvard Health Publishing.Polycystic ovarian syndrome and the skin.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Adult acne.National Health Services.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Williams T, Mortada R, Porter S.Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(2):106-113.Ndefo UA, Eaton A, Green MR.Polycystic ovary syndrome.P T. 2013;38(6):336-355.Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol.2016;74(5):945-73.e33. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037Faghfoori Z, Fazelian S, Shadnoush M, Goodarzi R.Nutritional management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a review study.Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews. 2017;11:S429-S432. doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2017.03.030Rudnicka E, Suchta K, Grymowicz M, et al.Chronic low grade inflammation in pathogenesis of PCOS.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(7):3789. doi:10.3390/ijms22073789Salama A, Amine E, Salem HE, Abd El Fattah N.Anti-inflammatory dietary combo in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.North Am J Med Sci. 2015;7(7):310. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.161246American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: tips for managing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Stubborn acne? Hormonal therapy may help.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).HealthyWomen.Androgen.Sex hormones and acne.Clinics in Dermatology. 2017;35(2):130-137.Harvard Health Publishing.Polycystic ovarian syndrome and the skin.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Adult acne.National Health Services.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Williams T, Mortada R, Porter S.Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(2):106-113.Ndefo UA, Eaton A, Green MR.Polycystic ovary syndrome.P T. 2013;38(6):336-355.Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol.2016;74(5):945-73.e33. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037Faghfoori Z, Fazelian S, Shadnoush M, Goodarzi R.Nutritional management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a review study.Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews. 2017;11:S429-S432. doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2017.03.030Rudnicka E, Suchta K, Grymowicz M, et al.Chronic low grade inflammation in pathogenesis of PCOS.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(7):3789. doi:10.3390/ijms22073789Salama A, Amine E, Salem HE, Abd El Fattah N.Anti-inflammatory dietary combo in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.North Am J Med Sci. 2015;7(7):310. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.161246American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: tips for managing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Stubborn acne? Hormonal therapy may help.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
HealthyWomen.Androgen.
Sex hormones and acne.Clinics in Dermatology. 2017;35(2):130-137.
Harvard Health Publishing.Polycystic ovarian syndrome and the skin.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Adult acne.
National Health Services.Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Williams T, Mortada R, Porter S.Diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(2):106-113.
Ndefo UA, Eaton A, Green MR.Polycystic ovary syndrome.P T. 2013;38(6):336-355.
Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.J Am Acad Dermatol.2016;74(5):945-73.e33. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037
Faghfoori Z, Fazelian S, Shadnoush M, Goodarzi R.Nutritional management in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a review study.Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews. 2017;11:S429-S432. doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2017.03.030
Rudnicka E, Suchta K, Grymowicz M, et al.Chronic low grade inflammation in pathogenesis of PCOS.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(7):3789. doi:10.3390/ijms22073789
Salama A, Amine E, Salem HE, Abd El Fattah N.Anti-inflammatory dietary combo in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.North Am J Med Sci. 2015;7(7):310. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.161246
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: tips for managing.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Stubborn acne? Hormonal therapy may help.
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