THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR ACNE ASSOCIATED WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66104/ktkpc322

Keywords:

Acne vulgaris; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Hyperandrogenism; Treatment.

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit frequently associated with hormonal alterations, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance. The present study aimed to review the main therapeutic approaches for acne in women with PCOS, including topical therapies, combined oral contraceptives, spironolactone, metformin, and isotretinoin, analyzing their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and possible hormonal and metabolic repercussions. This is an integrative literature review conducted through a search in the PubMed database, using Medical Subject Headings descriptors and free terms combined with Boolean operators. Studies published within the last five years, with full text available, addressing therapeutic interventions for acne in women with polycystic ovary syndrome were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten articles comprised the final sample and were submitted to qualitative analysis regarding therapeutic strategies and acne-related outcomes. The included studies indicate that acne associated with polycystic ovary syndrome can be managed through different therapeutic approaches. Isotretinoin demonstrated satisfactory efficacy in moderate to severe cases, although it requires metabolic monitoring. Metformin showed benefit particularly in patients with insulin resistance, acting indirectly by reducing hyperandrogenism. Combined hormonal therapy and spironolactone emerged as central strategies in the control of hyperandrogenic acne, while other antiandrogens and topical therapies remain complementary options. The findings reinforce the need for individualized treatment, considering hormonal and metabolic profile and clinical severity, often requiring integration between dermatological therapies and hormonal interventions for better disease control.

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Author Biographies

  • Ana Clara Andrade de Oliveira, Universidade Tiradentes

    Acadêmica em Medicina na Universidade Tiradentes.

  • Sindry Emanuelle Carvalho Lima, 84999444069

    Acadêmica em Medicina na Universidade Tiradentes.

  • Luma Rezende Barreto Faria, Universidade Tiradentes

    Acadêmica em Medicina na Universidade Tiradentes.

  • Luilla Araújo Magnavita Jacobina, Universidade Tiradentes

    Acadêmica em Medicina na Universidade Tiradentes.

  • Marcela Feitosa Tenório, Universidade Tiradentes

    Acadêmica em Medicina na Universidade Tiradentes.

  • Ana Caroline Santos Andrade, Universidade Tiradentes

    Acadêmica em Medicina na Universidade Tiradentes.

  • Júlia Gabriela Conserva Souza, Universidade Tiradentes

    Acadêmica em Medicina na Universidade Tiradentes.

  • Naiana Oliveira Alves, Universidade Tiradentes

    Acadêmica em Medicina na Universidade Tiradentes.

  • David Leandro Moreno Leon, Universidade Tiradentes

    Acadêmico em Medicina na Universidade Tiradentes.

  • Aderito José Oliveira Botelho, Universidade Tiradentes

    Acadêmico em Medicina na Universidade Tiradentes.

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Published

2026-04-04

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 05 (2026): REMUNOM - ISSN 2178-6925

Section

Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Ana Clara Andrade de Oliveira, Sindry Emanuelle Carvalho Lima, Luma Rezende Barreto Faria, Luilla Araújo Magnavita Jacobina, Marcela Feitosa Tenório, Ana Caroline Santos Andrade, Júlia Gabriela Conserva Souza, Naiana Oliveira Alves, David Leandro Moreno Leon, Aderito José Oliveira Botelho

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How to Cite

THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR ACNE ASSOCIATED WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW. (2026). REMUNOM, 13(05), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.66104/ktkpc322