Which term denotes hormonal condition affecting AFAB during child-bearing years with acne and thinning hair; may include abnormal hair growth on face and body?

Which term denotes hormonal condition affecting AFAB during child-bearing years with acne and thinning hair; may include abnormal hair growth on face and body?

• A. Hirsutism
• B. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• C. Hyperpigmentation
• D. Hypertrichosis

Answer: (B)

This describes a hormonal disorder that commonly affects people assigned female at birth during their child‑bearing years, where androgens drive symptoms like acne and thinning hair, and may also cause abnormal hair growth on the face and body. The best term for this overall condition is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS involves excess androgens leading to acne and hair changes, as well as irregular periods and ovaries with multiple small cysts. Hirsutism is a sign of androgen excess, but it’s not the name of the underlying condition. Hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis don’t fit this pattern as the defining hormonal problem in reproductive-age individuals. Therefore, PCOS is the correct term.

This describes a hormonal disorder that commonly affects people assigned female at birth during their child‑bearing years, where androgens drive symptoms like acne and thinning hair, and may also cause abnormal hair growth on the face and body. The best term for this overall condition is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS involves excess androgens leading to acne and hair changes, as well as irregular periods and ovaries with multiple small cysts. Hirsutism is a sign of androgen excess, but it’s not the name of the underlying condition. Hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis don’t fit this pattern as the defining hormonal problem in reproductive-age individuals. Therefore, PCOS is the correct term.