Why is Weight Loss Harder After 50?
As you get older, the number on the scale might get higher. Plus, you might notice it’s harder to move in the opposite direction. Here, we explore the factors behind that phenomenon.
Improving Your Complexion When You Have PCOS (PMOS)
There’s been a major shift in the world of PCOS recently. What health experts previously called polycystic ovary syndrome has a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS.
The goal behind this name change is simple: to demystify this condition and help women get better care for it. PCOS made it seem like the primary problem was ovarian cysts. Actually, though, this condition has wide-reaching implications, including changes in your skin.
We can help. Ashok Kadambi, MD, FACE, and our team have expertise in treating PCOS/PMOS. At Fort Wayne Endocrinology, we work with you to find treatment for all of the ways this condition affects you, including any impacts on your skin.
How PCOS/PMOS can affect your complexion
Because of the way PMOS affects your hormone levels, it can change your skin in several ways. The most common complexion woes include:
Acne
Imbalanced hormone levels can lead to hormonal acne that tends to develop on the lower part of your face, including under your chin. You might notice that it gets worse with your period.
The hormonal acne behind PMOS also tends to be deeper. Cystic acne is more common. And it’s usually harder to treat that traditional acne, too.
On top of all of this, your heightened androgen levels encourage your skin to produce more oil, which worsens acne and causes blackheads.
Dark patches
High levels of androgen and the insulin issues that come with PMOS can contribute to acanthosis nigricans. These are patches of dark skin that tend to develop on the underarms, inner thighs, back of the neck, or anywhere else your skin folds. They can also pop up on your face.
Unusual hair growth
Women with PMOS often experience hair growth in places other women don’t, which can include the face, chest, or back. Doctors call this excessive hair growth hirsutism.
Beyond all of these issues, PMOS can cause painful bumps on your skin where it rubs together and has skin tags.
What can you do to improve your skin?
The right treatment depends on what’s bothering you. Dr. Kadambi tailors a program for you.
He might recommend a multi-pronged approach that combines birth control to balance your hormone levels and metformin to improve how your body uses insulin, for example.
At the same time, lifestyle changes often improve symptoms — including complexion issues — for people with PMOS. A good skincare routine, healthy diet, and regular exercise can make a difference.
If you’re bothered by excess hair, you can remove it with waxing, laser hair removal, or dermaplaning.
If you’re not at a healthy weight, getting there can help with issues like acanthosis nigricans and bumps that rub the skin. Dr. Kadambi and our team offer a medically supervised weight loss program.
As its recent name change underscores, PMOS can introduce a range of challenges in your life. If you want help dealing with all of them, including complexion issues, book your appointment online or contact our Fort Wayne, Indiana, office today.
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