Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms

By dr. gromatzky

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5. Dark, Coarse Body Hair

Women with dark, coarse body hair that grows in places typical of a man (upper lip, back, etc.) are often described to have hirsutism. It is caused by increased testosterone levels in a woman’s body. This is usually treated with medications and the particular one prescribed will be based on why the testosterone levels are so high in the first place.¹⁰Spritzer PM, Barone CR, Oliveira FB. Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Management. Curr Pharm Des. 2016;22(36):5603-5613. doi:10.2174/1381612822666160720151243

High testosterone levels are one of the most common characteristics of PCOS.⁷Ndefo, Uche Anadu et al. “Polycystic ovary syndrome: a review of treatment options with a focus on pharmacological approaches.” P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management vol. 38,6 (2013): 336-55. These high levels are responsible for the 78% of people with PCOS who have hirsutism⁵Keen, Mohammad Abid et al. “Cutaneous Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Clinical Study.” Indian dermatology online journal vol. 8,2 (2017): 104-110. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.202275 and, in fact, PCOS is the most common cause of hirsutism.¹⁰Spritzer PM, Barone CR, Oliveira FB. Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Management. Curr Pharm Des. 2016;22(36):5603-5613. doi:10.2174/1381612822666160720151243