Have a female patient with stubborn acne? Check a testosterone level!
Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) often have issues with acne secondary to their elevated testosterone levels. Remember, acne breakouts can occur secondary to elevated androgen levels and this can be seen in PCOS.
I have diagnosed multiple patients with PCOS who have presented with acne by simply checking a testosterone level. Pelvic ultrasound revealed undiagnosed PCOS! These patients can go years without an accurate diagnosis, and this can be found very easily by just checking a total and free testosterone level. If it is elevated, grab a pelvic ultrasound to rule out PCOS.
If they do have PCOS, then treatment should be directed towards this diagnosis, which would then result in a decrease in their acne vs. using multiple other acne medications with little relief. Piece of cake!
4 Responses
Actually suffering through this now. I even have hidradenitis we well, just recently started developing. So painful. What’s the standard of care for PCOS? BESIDES weight loss? Because I’m working on that and don’t plan on suffering until my body says I’ve lost enough weight. Besides, isn’t weight gain also a side effect of PCOS?
Weight gain can be a side effect. You should have your insulin levels checked and have that addressed as well. Birth Control is a solid treatment option. Obviously consult with your GYN.
Is there a certain time during the menstrual cycle that we should check testosterone? Or does that not matter?
It really won’t matter much… There T levels will still be elevated.