title: Polycystic ovary syndrome: a review for dermatologists: Part I. Diagnosis and manifestations.
abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women who are of reproductive age. The pathogenesis involves several associated hormonal pathways that culminate in metabolic, reproductive, and cardiovascular effects. The hallmark features of hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia have systemic long-term implications. Dermatologists frequently evaluate and manage the cutaneous manifestations of PCOS (ie, acanthosis nigricans, hirsutism, acne, and alopecia), and therefore play a key role in its diagnosis and management. In part I of this continuing medical education article, we review the definition, etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of PCOS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Housman
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Electronic address: rreynold@bidmc.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: Rachel V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Reynolds
mesh_terms: D000052:Acanthosis Nigricans / Q000209:etiology; D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000209:etiology; D000505:Alopecia / Q000209:etiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000097:blood; D003880:Dermatology; D005260:Female; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013739:Testosterone; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D011388:Prolactin
keywords: acanthosis nigricans; acne; anovulation; hirsutism; hyperandrogenism; insulin resistance; polycystic ovary syndrome