Similar to other ethnic populations, Asian women with PCOS are at risk of developing IGT and type 2 DM especially if obese. The recommendation of the ADA is not appropriate for the diagnosis of type 2 DM in PCOS women.

One of the important etiologic factors in acne is an increase in sebaceous gland activity, which is androgen dependent. Acne is a common manifestation of hyperandrogenemia. Therefore, acne may not only cause cosmetic concern but may also be a sign of underlying disease. In females, the most common cause of hyperandrogenemia is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The purpose of this study was to determine the hormonal profiles of women with acne and the prevalence of PCOS in women attending the dermatological clinic with acne problems. The diagnostic criteria of PCOS were clinical findings of menstrual disturbances and hyperandrogenism (acne, seborrhea, hirsutism), pelvic ultrasound imaging of PCO (multiple subcapsular ovarian cysts 2-8 mm. in diameter, with dense echogenic stroma), and an elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio. There were 51 women with acne; 20 regularly menstruating volunteers without acne served as a control group. PCOS was found in 19 out of 51 patients with acne (37.3%) and none of the control group. Twenty acne patients had abnormal menstruation (39.2%). Acne cases had higher mean levels of serum total testosterone (T), free T, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and prolactin (PRL). No statistically significant difference was observed for LH, FSH or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Because of this high prevalence of PCOS in women with acne, all women presenting with acne should be asked about their menstrual pattern and examined for other signs of hyperandrogenemia. Hormonal profile determination as well as pelvic ultrasonography for ovarian visualization should be performed to confirm the diagnosis of PCOS in female acne patients who have menstrual disturbances.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the pregnancy outcomes in Asian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The retrospective cohort study was performed to compare pregnancy outcomes of 47 pregnancies in 41 PCOS women with 264 pregnancies in 222 women with normal menstruation. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk of PCOS on GDM, hypertensive disorder in pregnancy (HDP) and premature delivery. The mean age of both groups was 31 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) and proportion of BMI of > 25 kg/m2 were significantly higher in the PCOS than in the control group. There was no difference in the prevalence of GDM between the PCOS women and the high-risk group of the controls. The prevalence of HDP and premature delivery was significantly greater in PCOS women (21.3 and 13.3%) than in the controls (6.4 and 5.4%), respectively. PCOS was demonstrated as a risk factor for GDM and HDP with borderline statistical significance, but not for premature birth. The Cesarean section rate was higher in the PCOS than in the control group. In conclusion, the prevalence of GDM in Asian women with PCOS is high and comparable to those of a high-risk group.