Acne vulgaris and polycystic ovaries: a clinical, ultrasonographic and hormonal study

ABSTRACT

There is a strong debate about the association between acne vulgaris and polycystic ovaries [PCO]. To determine this possible association, this study was performed on 25 women suffering from acne vulgaris and 10 control cases. These patients were subjected to good history taking, through general and dermatological examination, ultrasonographic examination of the ovaries and radioimmunoassay of serum testosterone and serum prolactin. This study revealed that PCO were present in 48% of women with acne vulgaris. There was high incidence of menstrual disorders, hirsutism and infertility among these patients. Serum testosterone and serum prolactin were found to be significantly higher in acne patients when compared to the control group. On the other hand, the levels of these hormones showed statistically insignificant difference between acne patients with PCO compared to those without PCO