Abstract
Introduction. Rosacea is one of the most common skin disorders and is more frequently observed in women. Despite a number of reports in the international literature, current evidence on hormonal disturbances associated with this condition remains inconsistent and insufficiently systematic. The aim of this study is to assess the levels of sex and tropic hormones in women of reproductive age with rosacea and to determine their associations with the clinical and medical history characteristics of the disease.
Materials and methods. A total of 50 female patients with rosacea, aged 19 to 48 years, were examined. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea was diagnosed in 62% of the patients, while papulopustular rosacea was observed in 38%. The Rosacea Diagnostic Assessment Scale and the Dermatology Life Quality Index were used. Serum levels of luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, estradiol, total testosterone, and cortisol were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay during the follicular phase, while progesterone levels were assessed during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The control group consisted of 20 apparently healthy women of comparable age. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test, the Mann – Whitney U test, odds ratios, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.
Results. Patients with rosacea showed increased levels of luteinising hormone (p = 0.035) and follicle-stimulating hormone (p = 0.045) were observed. Odds ratio analysis demonstrated an association between the development of rosacea and follicle-stimulating hormone levels above the reference range (OR = 10.6; 95% CI: 1.22–91.0; p 0.05). Gonadotropin hormone levels were higher in patients with more severe skin involvement. Patients with rosacea also showed lower levels of total testosterone (p = 0.020) and cortisol (p = 0.006). Total testosterone levels were lower in patients with more severe skin involvement and poorer quality of life.
Discussion and conclusion. Women with rosacea exhibit signs of hormonal imbalance, including features of premature ovarian insufficiency. Assessment of plasma sex hormone levels is recommended in patients with rosacea. Correction of the identified hormonal abnormalities may improve the effectiveness of comprehensive treatment for this dermatosis and enhance patients’ quality of life.