Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries and often leads to an imbalance in sex hormones, particularly an increased level of androgens (male hormones). This hormonal imbalance can show up on the skin in different ways, like causing acne, excess hair growth or oily skin. According to the Office on Women’s Health, one in every ten women of childbearing age has PCOS. Dermatologist Dr Prativa Shrestha shares how PCOS and skin diseases are connected. What are some common skin problems seen in people with PCOS? PCOS is a complicated problem because hormones are not balanced. Women usually have some male hormones, but in PCOS, these hormones become too high, affecting the body’s normal functions. Male hormones influence the transition of soft, light and less pigmented hair into dark, thick, pigmented hair in areas such as the upper lip, chin, middle of the chest, back, upper and lower abdomen, and upper arm. It makes the glands that produce oil work too much, leading t...