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20 Ways To Treat PCOS-Related Skin & Hair Problems

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PCOS In A Nutshell

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Disease (PCOD) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Since this is a chronic condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels, it causes you to skip periods or not get any periods at all. This condition further makes it difficult for women to get pregnant.

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PCOS: A Spectrum Of Symptoms

PCOS is a metabolic syndrome with high levels of Androgens, insulin resistance and Anovulation. This is a condition with a huge spectrum of symptoms, hence diagnosis and treatment are tailor made for each patient. The common skin and hair problems that accompany PCOS are: – Pigmentation – Facial hair growth – Acne – Hair loss – Dry, scaly patchy skin

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Hirsutism: Excessive Hair Growth

The hair growth in PCOS is often seen on the lower part of the face and jawline. This growth is darker and thicker than normal. Birth control or contraceptive pills are the mainstays of treatment as they stop ovulation and reduce Androgen production by ovaries. This helps in regularizing menses and reducing excess hair growth.

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Antiandrogenic Medicines Spironolactone, which is a diuretic, blocks the action of Androgens on hair follicles and helps in reducing hair growth. Other drugs with similar effects are Flutamide and Finasteride. Temporary Hair Removal Works well for mild Hirsutism. Waxing, plucking or repeated bleaching can cause temporary hair removal but they all cause irritation and damage to the hair follicles and skin. Shaving is a good option. Permanent Hair Removal Electrolysis and laser are two ways in which hair can be removed permanently. Electrolysis is time-consuming and is useful to treat small areas. Laser is useful in treating larger areas. Both treatments are moderately painful and may need repeated sessions.

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PCOS Acne

High Androgen levels cause more oily secretions from skin glands in PCOS, this leads to a whole lot of skin problems like severe acne, skin tags in armpits, bra line and the neck. Treatment Options For PCOS, the dermatologist asks you for a few blood tests to check your hormonal levels. According to the reports of deranged hormones, hormonal treatment may be prescribed as per your doctor’s discretion.

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Male-Pattern Hair Loss

Male-pattern hair loss is often seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS hair loss occurs due to an increase in the male hormone (known as androgen) in the body. These excess androgens trigger hair thinning on the scalp. However, there is not complete baldness as seen in men. Treatment Options This problem can be difficult to treat. However, there are a few limited treatment options available that are to be used with caution.

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Acanthosis Nigricans

Rough, dark and patchy skin among women with PCOS is known as Acanthosis Nigricans. It is distinguished by dark, dense, velvety skin in body folds and creases. Treatment Options Acanthodians Nigrican, if seen as a result of PCOS, can be managed with the following treatment options. – Weight loss – Stabilizing hormones with various hormonal treatments mentioned above, which regularize the menses as well – Managing sugar and diet control – Cosmetic treatments such as creams for moisturizing and softening the skin and local antibiotics and antibacterial soaps – Laser therapy for reversing skin thickening

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