Dermatological burden in polycystic ovary syndrome: Correlation of cutaneous manifestations with hormonal profile and quality of life in a hospital based cohort

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women and is frequently associated with dermatological manifestations. These cutaneous features not only serve as visible markers of the underlying hormonal imbalance but also contribute significantly to psychosocial distress. Assessment of quality of life (QoL) in such individuals, especially using validated tools like the WHOQOL-BREF, provides critical insight into the broader impact of PCOS. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and spectrum of cutaneous manifestations in patients with PCOS and assess their impact on quality of life using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. Methods: A hospital-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months among 130 women aged 18-40 years attending the Dermatology OPD at Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre. All patients presented with at least one cutaneous manifestation suggestive of PCOS and were confirmed by clinical examination and ultrasonography. Hormonal assays including serum testosterone, prolactin, LH, FSH, LH/FSH ratio, and DHEAS were performed. WHOQOL-BREF was used to assess quality of life across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Results: The most prevalent cutaneous features were hirsutism (77.7%), seborrhea (48.5%), acne (47.4%), and acanthosis nigricans (43.1%). Female pattern hair loss (40%), striae (19.2%), and acrochordons (15.4%) were also reported. Quality of life was significantly impaired in all domains, especially in patients with hirsutism and acne (social domain) and acanthosis nigricans (physical domain). Statistical significance was noted between dermatological manifestations and QoL impact (p