Journal of

Background and Aim: Adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome concern about weight gain, menstrual irregularities, acne and hirsutism. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of facial and trunkal lesions of acne in 14- to 18-year-old high school students with polycystic ovary syndrome in Shiraz in 2009.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 3189 14- to 18-year-old female students were enrolled.  Using questionnaires, data on personal information, clinical features and laboratory findings of hyperandrogenism and results of ultrasound examination were collected. Severity of acne was classified as mild, moderate and severe, based on the type and number of the lesions. Chi-squared and independent t tests were used for comparing proportions and means, respectively.
Results: The prevalence of severe acne was 5%. Mean total testosterone in individuals with severe acne was higher in comparison with those without acne. Severity of facial and trunkal acne were associated with polycystic ovaries (P<0.05). Mean level of luteinizing hormone (LH) was higher in those without acne than in those with severe acne (P >0.05).
Conclusion: Associations between severity of facial and trunkal acne lesions and polycystic ovaries were observed. Considering the undesirbale effects of acne on quality of life, hormonal screening and ultrasound examination in girls with moderate acne is recommended.

Background and Aim: Androgenic alopecia is one of the most common dermatological disorders. Hormonal and genetic factors determine the incidence of alopecia. Androgenic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss. It is progressive and symmetric in both sexes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of androgenic alopecia in 14- to 18-year-old female high school students in Shiraz.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 3190 14- to 18-year-old female high school students in Shiraz. A questionnaire was designed to collect personal information and record clinical features of androgenic alopecia.  Moderate and severe hair losses were defined as alopcia. For evaluation of alopecia associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, total and free testosterone blood levels were measured and abdominal ultrasound was performed. The collected data were described and analyzed through performing chi-square, Fisher's exact and and t tests using SPSS.

Results: 135 (4.2%) of participants had moderate to severe alopecia according to Ludwig's classification. No statistically significant correlation was observed in the mean of eather total or free testosterone levels between patients with androgenic alopecia, and those without (P>0.05). There was no statistical significant association between alpocia and polycystic ovary existence (P=0.2).

Conclusion: This study did not show a statistically significant relationship between patients with alopecia and androgenic hormones and polycystic ovary syndrome.