Dark Inner Thighs and PCOS
PCOS, can indeed cause dark inner thighs. PCOS can cause dark, thick and often velvety patches on the skin, commonly found on the inner thighs, neck and armpits.
However, if you notice you have dark inner thighs, make sure to consult with your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis as dark inner thighs can also be caused by other factors.
What Is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, known as PCOS, is a complex medical disorder of the endocrine system. It primarily affects women in their reproductive age. It is believed that PCOS is a polygenic and polyfactorial disorder, in which both genes and environmental factors contribute to its development. In PCOS, the symptoms and health problems can manifest widely [1, 2, 3, 4]
One of the characteristics of PCOS is hyperandrogenism. In such, we observe an excess of the male hormones in the body. This can lead to hirsutism, in other words excessive hair growth, acne or male pattern baldness [5, 6, 7]. Then another common symptom is ovulatory dysfunction. This can result in irregular or infrequent menstrual periods and lead to problems with fertility. Further than that, patients with PCOS may have an increased risk of endometrial cancer [9]
Further, PCOS has been associated with metabolic dysfunction, such as insulin resistance, obesity and an increased risk of type II diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. [10, 11,]
However, lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, can play a significant role in the management of PCOS [10, 11].
In another one of our blogs, we discussed whether PCOS can be lethal.
What Are The Symptoms Of PCOS?
The most common symptom of PCOS is irregular menstruation. In particular, women experience long cycles of more than 35 days apart, and fewer than 9 periods a year [12].
Another common symptom is excessive hair growth. In particular, this follows the male distribution pattern and hair can be found on the face, chest, stomach and tights [13].
PCOS can also be accompanied by acne, This is because of the high levels of androgens, which are typically increased in PCOS [9]. In addition, some women report dark thick patches of skin on the neck, arms, breasts or thighs or skin tags in their armpits or neck area [9]. Weight gain or difficulty losing weight is another common symptom. Some women with PCOS may also experience weight gain specifically around the waistline [9].
Women with PCOS tend to have cysts on their ovaries, however, this can only be determined through an ultrasound [9].
PCOS can also cause pelvic pain or mental health problems including anxiety or depression [9].
Find out whether you can use Ashwagandha for PCOS.
Are Dark Inner Thighs A Result of PCOS?
Yes, dark inner thighs can be a result of PCOS. Although it is one of the lesser-known symptoms, PCOS can cause the darkening of the skin in certain areas, including the inner thighs.
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However, dark inner thighs can also be caused by other means such as chafing, medications, sun exposure, dry skin, friction from tight clothing or a skin pigmentation disorder and diabetes mellitus can also cause this condition [15].
In conclusion, while PCOS can contribute to the darkening of the inner thighs, it is not the sole cause. If you notice this symptom, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.