How to treat acne due to hormonal imbalance

According to research, up to 20% of women aged 25-40 years suffer from acne, and 87% of them have a condition called hyperandrogenism - a high level of production or activity of male sex hormones. Everything that happens on the skin is a consequence of the synthesis of sex steroid hormones, which exert their influence through specific receptors. Hormonal acne in women most often begins to appear due to estrogen deficiency and excessive androgen production. Therefore, both the diagnosis and treatment of acne in women and men differ, as well as the reasons for their appearance.

Why do acne appear due to hormone imbalance?

The skin is a target organ for steroids, so acne and hormones are closely related. Androgens can influence the size of the sebaceous glands and lead to disruption of their functioning, more precisely to hypersecretion. An increase in sebum production causes a change in its composition and a significant reduction in the amount of linoleic acid. Because of this process, follicular hyperkeratosis appears, in which skin cells begin to rapidly divide. Dead scales of the epidermis clog the ducts of the sebaceous glands that exit into the hair follicles. In this area, an environment is created that meets all the requirements for the active growth and reproduction of conditionally pathogenic microflora, including acne bacteria. As a result of their vital activity, acne appears.

What hormones cause acne

The ovaries, adrenal cortex, and subcutaneous fatty tissue (to a lesser extent) are responsible for the production of androgens in a woman’s body. Androgens are necessary for full development during puberty, but their excess in adulthood leads to global changes that affect appearance, reproductive health, metabolic processes and menstrual background.

The list of hormones that influence acne is as follows:

1. testosterone;
2. progesterone;
3. dihydrotestosterone;
4. prolactin.

Increased testosterone is a background factor contributing to the occurrence of female acne, while progesterone is responsible for how severe hormonal acne will be. Dihydrotestosterone is a more active testosterone that increases the number of receptors in the skin and the sensitivity of the sebaceous glands to them. It also stimulates the secretion of sebum and changes its properties. Prolactin is not a steroid hormone, however, it helps reduce estrogen production, which affects hormonal levels. Acne due to hormones has received various names: “postmenopausal”, “premenstrual”, “endocrine”, “late”, “hyperandrogenic”.

Hormonal acne on the face can appear due to dysfunction of the ovaries or adrenal cortex, and can be acquired or hereditary. The reasons that influence the appearance of acne can be both an increase in the level of androgens, and their normal amount, but capable of turning into more active forms or penetrating into target organs, one of which is the skin.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Excessive androgen production and hormonal acne are more often a consequence of the disease polycystic ovary syndrome. Healthy ovaries produce two main hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and small amounts of androgens. The latter are necessary during pregnancy for the formation of a male fetus. The syndrome develops for many reasons, in particular during complicated pregnancy, head injuries, and endocrine disorders. In 70% of women, the disease is closely related to the pancreatic hormone insulin, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. When there is too much insulin in the blood, the ovaries begin to actively produce androgens. Male hormones disrupt the functioning of the ovaries, which results in the formation of cysts. One of the external signs of polycystic disease is acne on the face.

How does prolactin affect acne?

Hormonal acne in women can be a consequence of increased levels of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for the formation of mammary glands and milk production during breastfeeding. In addition, high levels of prolactin suppress the growth of follicle-stimulating hormone, without which estrogen cannot be produced. Prolactin is also a stimulator of androgen production. Insufficient concentration of estrogen and high growth of male hormones directly affect the appearance of acne.

Prolactin increases for the following reasons:

1. frequent stress;
2. strict diets;
3. taking antidepressants and steroid drugs;
4. kidney and liver disease;
5. pathology of the pituitary gland, etc.

Even a slight imbalance between hormones associated with taking medications, steroids, or the menstrual cycle can cause the occurrence or recurrence of acne.

Signs of hormonal acne

Hormonal acne in women is localized mainly in the face and less often in the upper torso. They are comedones and inflammatory elements (papulopustular rash). Acne in women can be single, which is typical for a mild stage of the disease, or multiple in the form of red bumps and pustules.

The most severe form is conglobate acne in the form of nodules and cysts, after resolution of which deep scars remain.

Acne due to hormonal imbalance is often accompanied by other symptoms of hyperandrogenemia: seborrhea, menstrual irregularities, excess male-pattern hair growth on the face, abdomen, around the nipples and arms.

Diagnostics

Before treating hormonal acne, a dermatologist, together with a gynecologist, examines the patient in order to identify the causes of the disease:

conducts a survey about the presence of gynecological diseases and the use of oral contraceptives; excludes diseases such as demodicosis, rosacea, perioral dermatitis; prescribes a biochemical blood test to identify the condition of the liver and kidneys; prescribes a laboratory study of the hormonal profile; reveals the nature of hyperandrogenemia (ovarian or adrenal).

It is possible that before treating acne due to hormonal imbalance, an ultrasound of the pelvic organs and an MRI of the adrenal glands will be necessary. In most cases, if hormonal acne is suspected, treatment will require consultation with a gynecologist and endocrinologist and appropriate examinations.

Acne therapy

When hormonal acne is diagnosed in women, treatment requires an individual approach. Both systemic and local medications are prescribed. Compliance with acne-toilet is a must, as this allows you to reduce treatment time, drug dosage and improve skin condition.

The general principle of how to deal with acne is aimed at reducing the level of male hormones, or stimulating estrogen and treating the disease that provoked hormonal imbalance.

Drugs are used that slow down the production of androgens in the adrenal glands and ovaries, block steroid receptors in the dermis, and suppress the process of converting testosterone into the more active form of dihydrotestosterone. For this purpose, combined oral contraceptives are prescribed.

Use of oral contraceptives

From a large list of drugs that are considered effective for treating hormonal acne in women, contraceptives based on ethinyl estradiol (estrogen), which reduces the level of androgen concentration in the blood, are isolated. As a result of taking medications, the secretion of the sebaceous glands is reduced and thus it is possible to cure hormonal acne.

However, in case of hormonal imbalance, therapy is mainly carried out with drugs based on drospirenone, dienogest, cyproterone acetate, desogestrel, the properties of which are similar to the female hormone progesterone. These are female gestagen hormones, which are produced in the body by the ovaries and slightly by the adrenal glands. They reduce the activity of androgens, prevent testosterone from being converted into active dihydrotestosterone, and reduce the sensitivity of androgen receptors in the skin.

Drospirenone

The 4th generation of combined contraceptives include drugs containing both ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone: Jess, Yarina, Midiana, Dimia. They not only eliminate acne, but also promote weight loss, so they are most suitable for women suffering from acne and prone to excess weight.

Midiana and Yarina are drugs with a low dosage of ethinyl estradiol. They are used according to the established scheme, 1 tablet for 21 days. The next course is after a week's break. The total duration of therapy is 6 months. During the treatment process, not only a significant reduction in acne is noted, but also that the skin becomes smoother, matte, its structure improves and the secretion of the sebaceous glands decreases.

Preparations Jess and Dimia microdosed with ethinyl estradiol are used for 24 days, then a 4-day break.

Cyproterone acetate

Until now, the most effective drug used to combat hormonal acne, especially severe acne, is Diane-35, which combines ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate. Analogues of Diana-35 are contraceptives Chloe and Belluna 35. All drugs belong to the 3rd generation of oral contraceptives. Cyproterone acetate is a substance with the most powerful antiandrogenic effect, but its use is limited and cannot last more than 6 months due to the high risk of side effects. After starting treatment, seborrhea and oily hair are noticeably reduced, and acne can be cured in 3-6 months. The drugs are used 1 tablet per day from the beginning of the menstrual cycle. The effectiveness of treatment can be judged after the first 3 months of use with mandatory monitoring based on test results.

Dienogest and desogestrel

Birth control pills based on dienogest (Janine, Siluet, Qlaira) are officially indicated for the treatment of acne. Siluet and Janine also contain ethinyl estradiol and are taken according to the standard regimen. Qlaira is several types of multi-colored tablets with different hormone contents, so the use of this contraceptive is multiphasic.

Using desogestrel-based contraceptives is another way to get rid of hormonal acne. These are drugs such as Regulon and Novinet. The reception scheme is classic.

Conclusion

Combined contraceptives only lead to a decrease in sebum production, so it is recommended to combine them with external agents based on azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and antibiotics. These are drugs such as Baziron AS, Skinoren, Differin. Don't fight acne on your own. Only by comprehensively influencing all parts of the process of acne vulgaris can acne be treated effectively. Therefore, treatment is carried out by two doctors - a gynecologist and a dermatologist. The gynecologist prescribes drugs to normalize the ratio of hormone levels, the dermatologist prescribes local agents that affect hyperkeratosis and destroy bacteria. Only combination therapy allows for long-term remission and such good results in the treatment of acne that are difficult to achieve using any one method or remedy.

One of the reasons for the formation of acne is hormonal imbalance. We often read about this in every second article about acne. Testosterone, estrogen, insulin and other other hormones play an important role in the general condition of a person, including the condition of the skin. But what is hormonal imbalance and how is it related to acne? We will try to talk about this in our investigation.

Direct connection between acne and hormones

Androgens are responsible for the production of skin secretions using the sebaceous glands. Androgens regulate all processes in skin cells, hair follicles, and dermis. In addition to the production of sebum, androgens lead the process of keratinization and cell division of the epidermis.

The liver is responsible for removing toxins from the body. If there is excessive production of hormones, they actively move through the systems. The liver is unable to cope with the excessive load and begins to remove impurities through the skin. Pimples appear.

Testosterone is a male hormone, but it is also present in small quantities in the female body. When for certain reasons its quantity increases, the sebaceous glands secrete more sebum. Sebum mixes with dead skin cells, impurities and clogs pores. The lard interacts with oxygen, oxidizes and turns black. In ordinary life, we see the result of this process in the form of black dots on the face. If nothing is done, bacteria continue to multiply and divide, resulting in acne formation. Thus, acne due to hormonal imbalance is really a big problem. Hormones are very sensitive and minimal factors accompany their imbalance.

Acne during hormonal imbalance occurs not only on the face. They also affect the back, shoulders, and chest.

Factors that cause hormonal imbalance

Scientific studies have shown that hormone disruption occurs for certain reasons. There is no point in trying to find the cause of hormonal imbalance on your own. It is better to entrust this to a doctor. There are natural and acquired causes of hormonal imbalance. Most often, hormone failure occurs due to one’s own fault:

1. Wrong lifestyle. Overwork at work, chronic lack of sleep and fatigue prevent a woman from recovering calmly. At such moments, in addition to acquiring depression, you are also at risk of hormonal imbalance.
2. Unbalanced diet. Addiction to diets leads to the fact that the body does not receive the normal amounts of minerals and vitamins necessary for the synthesis of hormones. At the same time, overeating, indulgence in fatty foods, alcohol, and smoking slow down the normal processes of hormone production.
3. Severe stress provokes the production of androgens. They turn on sebum production and start the chain of acne. Under stress, the body's protective and restorative functions are weakened, and acne appears again and again with full activity.
4. Colds and venereal diseases (gonorrhea, syphilis) reduce the body's immunity and defenses, which leads to hormonal imbalance.
5. Use of strong medications, steroids, and contraceptives. All medications must be strictly prescribed by a doctor. Acne due to hormonal imbalance from steroid use appears as nodular, cystic formations with cloudy contents. To treat such acne, it is enough to simply remove this drug from your lifestyle.
6. Lack or excess of sex. It has long been established that when having sex, the body produces hormones that contribute to the normal state of human life. Hormonal levels and lovemaking are closely related, which is why acne formation is also present here.

Causes of hormonal disorders that are beyond a person’s control

Some periods of life are a natural cause of hormone surges. We cannot control them, as they are part of a woman’s life. These reasons include periods:

1. Menses. In the first phase of the cycle, estrogen dominates, in the second - progesterone. In the last phase, you can see an increase in the amount of testosterone, which leads to acne. The number of rashes varies for each woman and depends on skin type and hygiene. The rash usually goes away on its own within a few days.
2. Postpartum period. In the first weeks after the birth of the baby, the female body is in a state of estrogen deficiency. Progesterone is the leader and causes hormonal imbalance and acne.
3. Menopause. During this difficult period in a woman’s life, estrogen decreases due to decreased activity of the adrenal glands. Even though women are mature, they can still see pimples on their face. It is necessary to consult a gynecologist so that he can prescribe a drug that compensates for estrogen.

In addition to natural causes, hormonal imbalances also occur due to dysfunction of internal organs. Pituitary gland disease is one of the causes of hormonal imbalances. The pituitary gland increases in size due to a lack of iodine in the body and hormonal surges are observed.

Adrenal gland dysfunction, especially tumors, leads to facial acne due to hormonal imbalance. The adrenal glands are known to be responsible for the production of estrogen.

Diseases of the pelvic organs and groin area negatively affect hormones. Ovaries and acne on the face are inseparable concepts. Ovarian tumors or polycystic ovaries affect the normal balance of hormones.

Therefore, in addition to visiting a dermatologist, every adult should consult an endocrinologist, gynecologist or urologist in case of frequent acne on the body. Acne may not be a dermatological problem, but a consequence of problems with internal organs.

Features of hyperandrogenism

Hyperandrogenism, in other words, an excess of sex hormones, has pronounced symptoms. In addition to acne on the body, you can observe:

1. Increased hair growth in women;
2. Acne cannot be treated;
3. Low timbre of voice in females;
4. Rapid weight gain;
5. Reducing breast size.

Less pronounced signs of hormonal imbalance may include severe fatigue, irritability, decreased libido in the fair sex, irregular periods, frequent headaches and pressure surges, and sweating. These signs are difficult to notice and link into one cause. We don't look at it as a symptom of a disease and then treat the dire consequences. To avoid this, listen to your body, give yourself time to rest and reboot.

How to treat acne due to hormonal imbalance?

The first step is to undergo a complete diagnosis. A trip to the dermatologist is not enough here. A dermatologist takes tests to determine whether acne is caused by an infectious disease. Staphylococci and streptococci provoke acne more often than hormonal imbalance. When tests do not show the presence of the disease, the dermatologist refers you to an endocrinologist or gynecologist for consultation. A hormone test is carried out, and an ultrasound scan of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and ovaries is performed.

Next, doctors, based on the tests, prescribe treatment. If women have a lack of estrogen, contraceptives containing the hormone are prescribed. Acne goes away within a few months. It is important not to stop taking the medications so that the acne does not return with even greater activity.

Excess testosterone is treated with antiandrogens, for example Spironolactone. In addition to the above medications, homeopathic remedies may be prescribed. Neuroleptics and drugs with potassium are also present in the normalization of hormones. If the problem lies in the internal organs or the presence of infection, additional treatment is prescribed. To treat acne caused by hormones during menopause, medications are prescribed to regulate the amount of missing hormones.

The patient is advised to adhere to a diet during the treatment period. Eliminate sweets and alcohol from the diet, add more fruits and greens. If necessary, vitamin complexes are used. This diet is introduced for a reason. It is necessary to regulate the blood glycemic index. The right amount of carbohydrates, lipids and fiber helps normalize insulin production, protein synthesis, and balances the amount of estrogen. This once again confirms that nutrition is an important component of a person’s normal life.

Hormonal balance is not just a clever phrase. This is an integral part of human life, which has an impact on the entire body. Take care of your health and avoid hormonal fluctuations.

Practical methods and tips

Sorrows can overtake us from where we did not expect. For example, you get up in the morning, get ready, have breakfast - you’re in a great mood. You go up to the mirror and oh horror! On your face, in the most visible place, several blackheads have appeared, not at all decorating your pretty face.

The mood instantly drops, and thoughts immediately pop into my head: where to run and how to treat? Let's figure out why acne appears due to hormonal imbalance, how to treat such cosmetic defects.

Root causes of acne

At least 80 percent of the world's population faces the problem of acne in their lives. Let's look at the causes of this unpleasant and sometimes dangerous disease.

The first, and probably one of the most common reasons, is gastrointestinal disease. As microbiologists assure us, this disease can arise as a result of the fact that pathogenic bacteria begin to actively develop in the stomach and intestines, the waste products of which are toxins that have a detrimental effect on the sebaceous glands located under the surface of the skin.

Subcutaneous sebum thickens and, having lost its former mobility, clogs the pores of the skin. This is how acne forms.

The second, but no less common reason is disruption of the glands. Acne, as a consequence of hormonal imbalance, is an equally terrible harbinger of serious disorders in your body.

Unlike gastrointestinal disease, hormonal imbalances are not caused by external sources such as harmful bacteria, but by external factors.

Among such factors you can safely include stress at home and at work, an unfavorable atmosphere, and a host of other factors. Experts prove with a high degree of probability that the development of hormonal diseases can be affected by diseases of organs that seem to be in no way responsible for this.

These organs include the brain, ovaries, adrenal glands, hypothalamus and endocrine glands.

All together and each individually, these organs affect the secretion of internal glands, which in turn leads to the so-called compaction of the sebaceous glands and, accordingly, blockage of the skin pores.

The only time you shouldn't worry about your hormones is during adolescence. After all, only in adolescence, when the whole body is rebuilt, the voice becomes rougher, and the dimensions of the body change, this is a completely natural phenomenon.

We wrote earlier about acne diseases due to dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, so let's look at ways to treat acne due to hormonal imbalance.

Treatment methods

Having consulted with a specialist and learned that the cause of your acne is hormones, the question immediately arises - how to treat acne due to hormonal imbalance.

There is no need to panic or become depressed. Hormonal imbalance is a fairly common phenomenon, one might say widespread in our time. In our time of advanced technology, there are many ways to recover from this disease.

If acne occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance, it is not enough to limit yourself to a strictly balanced diet; in this case, it will not help much. In this case, you should undergo a comprehensive examination by an endocrinologist and, if you are a woman, by a gynecologist.

You should also get tested to identify the hormone that caused you such a dirty trick in the form of acne. After receiving all the test results, you must begin taking medications as prescribed by your doctor.

You cannot expect immediate results; treatment will take some time, since it will take some time to normalize the hormonal environment. If the cause of hormonal imbalance is the adrenal glands or ovaries, then you will have long-term treatment and surgical intervention by specialists is not excluded.

Medicines as a way to combat imperfections

Hormonal skin diseases are treated both with medications and folk remedies. Medicinal methods mainly include treating the disease with ointments and chemical drugs. Antibiotics:

1. Doxycycline, once a day for ten to fifteen days;
2. Rondomycin, twice a day for a week;
3. Sumamed, one ampoule for a week.

Medicines containing zinc. Such as zinc oxide or sulfate, every time after meals. There is also a wide range of ointments, which, after consultation with a specialist, you can purchase at any pharmacy.

Traditional methods

Traditional methods of treating hormonal imbalance and, as a consequence, acne include mainly herbal infusions. Basically, infusions of wormwood and sage for women, and ginseng, carrot juice, and celery juice for men are very helpful in treating this disease. I can talk about traditional methods of treatment for a long time, since there are a great many of them.

And finally I would like to say. Do not neglect such an inconspicuous symptom as acne, because they may be harbingers of a more serious disease and, as it were, signal that not everything is as good with the body as it seems.

If you have the slightest suspicion, you should contact a specialist for diagnosis and further treatment. It is quite possible that by receiving such a signal in a timely manner, you will preserve your health for many years.

Goodbye, dear readers, and don’t forget to subscribe to new articles. We hope our article was able to shed light on the questions that interest you.