The Association of Glucose Metabolism Disorders and Acne in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Acne is a common dermatological manifestation of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrinological disorder among women of reproductive age. A growing body of evidence highlights glucose metabolism disorders, including insulin resistance, in the context of PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the association of acne and its severity with insulin resistance in a population of women with PCOS.

A total of 305 women with PCOS aged between 17-35 years were included in this retrospective observational study. Anthropometric, hormonal, biochemical, and ultrasonographic markers of PCOS were analyzed in relation to insulin resistance indices, including HOMA-IR and QUICKI.

Acne was present in 56.4% of participants, with 52.1% exhibiting mild and 4.3% severe cases. Younger age (p=0.006), higher DHEAS levels (p=0.001), and glucose metabolism disorders, including fasting glucose >100 mg/dl, p=0.026 and 2-h glucose higher than 140 mg/dl (p=0.019), were significantly associated with acne. Multivariate analysis indicated younger age (OR=0.94, p=0.012), elevated DHEAS levels (OR=1.03; p=0.006), and 2-h glucose levels >140 mg/dl (OR=3.25, p=0.029) as independent predictors of acne severity.

This study indicates the association between insulin resistance and hyperandrogonemia with both the presence and severity of acne in PCOS. These findings align with contemporary literature and underscore the importance of addressing the hormonal and metabolic factors in the etiological management of acne in PCOS.