PCOS is a condition in which women have an imbalance of female sex hormones, stemming from low levels of estrogen and progesterone and high androgen levels (testosterone hormones typically found in small amounts in women). Why or how the changes in hormone levels occur in women with PCOS is not entirely understood. This hormonal imbalance causes the woman’s ovaries not to release eggs; instead, they form tiny cysts.

Symptoms of PCOS include lack of a period or an irregular period, acne, body hair growing on the chest, naval, face or around the nipples, thinning of the hair on the head, dark skin markings on the neck, armpits, groin or breasts as well as decreased breast size. The increase in the male hormone, androgen, is responsible for causing these male-characteristic symptoms.

A few natural treatments for PCOS include diet modifications to lower androgen levels and Saw Palmetto herbs. While the birth control pill might be the most popular way to control PCOS, it is by no means the only option.

PCOS can be controlled and go into 'remission.’ Women diagnosed with PCOS does not mean that they always have it. To determine if a client has PCOS, you will want to find out if they have a regular monthly period. If they are not, then they likely have active PCOS or elevated androgen levels, which are contributing to the acne. If they have a regular period every month, the PCOS is most likely in remission.

If you suspect a client may have acne triggered by PCOS, please have them contact their physician for testing and diagnosis.