The menstrual cycle and plasma testosterone levels in women with acne

A prospective study of the ovarian function and plasma testosterone levels was conducted in a group of 139 women presenting with a chief complaint of acne. In 90% of the patients the plasma testosterone levels were above the normal mean. Amenorrhea was present in 17.2%, anovulation in 18.4%, and variable degree of ovulatory dysfunction in 57.2% of the patients. The severity of ovarian dysfunction was directly proportional to the plasma testosterone levels. Age was inversely related to both plasma testosterone levels and severity of ovarian dysfunction. The results of this study suggest that acne may be associated not only with a hyperandrogenic state but also with ovarian dysfunction. They emphasize the need for a careful investigation of androgen levels and ovarian function in women with chief complaint of acne.