A 22-year-old female presents with painful, deep nodules and cysts on her chin and jawline. She reports that she often has menstrual irregularities and excessive hair growth on her body. What could be the potential cause, and what would be the treatment plan?
The patient appears to have a form of severe acne, specifically nodulocystic acne, but her additional symptoms of menstrual irregularities and excessive hair growth might suggest an underlying hormonal imbalance, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can lead to an increase in androgen levels, which can contribute to acne. Treatment should be multi-faceted, aiming to manage both the acne and potential PCOS. Combined oral contraceptives and anti-androgen medications, such as spironolactone, may help manage her acne and the hormonal symptoms.