Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms

By dr. gromatzky

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Article Sources

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8. Darkened Patches of Skin

In a study done by Keen, et al. in 2017, acanthosis nigricans was described as “velvety, brown, thickened plaques with accentuated skin markings.” It is essentially a darkened, abnormal patch of skin that can be a sign of various problems such as diabetes, a reaction to medication, or PCOS.⁵Keen, 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

30% of people with PCOS had acanthosis nigricans most commonly in the armpit, the neck, and the crease of the elbow.⁵Keen, 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 Hormonal levels are the cause of this sign as with just about every other sign or symptom of PCOS. It should also be noted that acanthosis nigricans is a common symptom of obesity and that obesity is associated with PCOS.⁶Legro RS. Evaluation and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. [Updated 2017 Jan 11]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278959/