Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Up to 30% of women of reproductive age suffer from acne. In most cases, acne leads to different reproductive disorders.

The purpose of the study: To determine the frequency of hormonal disorders in women with acne and acne-similar changes of the skin.

Methods and materials of research: The study involved 30 female patients of 18–55 years old. Examined were their stature, the spread of acne and its predominant localization, and the presence of hirsutism syndrome. Among morphometric parameters measured were the circumference of waist and hips with calculation of the waist:hip ratio. BMI was determined as well. All patients were tested for venous blood glucose and HbA1c. Hormonal examination included the determination of following parameters: free testosterone, prolactin, TSH, 17-oxyprogesterone, DHEAS, oestrogen, progesterone, steroid-binding globulin, and anti-Müllerian hormone. Sonography of thyroid gland and pelvic organs was also performed.

Results of the survey: Study women were found to have ovarian hyperandrogenism, among different pathological conditions related to acne and acne-similar rash with the following percentage: atypical (late) forms of congenital adrenal dysfunction (27%); polycystic ovarian syndrome (20%); type 2 diabetes mellitus (17%); hypothyroidism (12%); hyperprolactinaemia (12%); early menopause (10%); and adrenal hyperandrogenism (1%). These parameters were only normal in 1% of examined subjects.

Conclusions: The background of acne and acne-similar rash changes in women of reproductive age are numerous hormonal and metabolic changes in the female organism. Not all cases of acne are accompanied with hyperandrogenism. Local treatment of acne in women should be preceded by intensive hormonal and instrumental examination of woman’s reproductive system, and determination of carbohydrate metabolism and thyroid status.