What do acne look like due to hormonal imbalance?

Many women notice how rashes appear on their skin from time to time, but not everyone is aware of their true causes. Acne in most cases is associated with hormonal imbalance in the body caused by an imbalance of male and female sex hormones. Most often, hormonal acne in women occurs due to excess androgens.

Is it dangerous?

The rash itself is not a symptom of any disease. It is more correct to consider them an external defect that occurs as a result of an increased level of male hormones in the female body. At the same time, acne needs to be treated and not left to chance. Hormonal acne in women should not be ignored, since acne is often accompanied by a bacterial infection, which, in turn, can lead to serious inflammation.

With androgen deficiency, sebum production is reduced, so acne does not appear. Moreover, hormonal acne on the face in women can occur not only due to excess androgens: the level of insulin in the body can play a certain role in the problem. Most often, representatives of the fairer sex suffer from acne in adulthood, in the period 30-50 years, but acne is often a manifestation of premenstrual syndrome at a younger age.

By the way, acne appears less frequently in men. Acne due to hormonal changes is observed in young men, but by the age of 20-23, acne usually goes away on its own, without intervention.

How to distinguish it from other rashes

What does hormonal acne look like in women? It is not difficult to distinguish such acne. Typically, pustules are localized where there are many sebaceous glands - on the temples, forehead, chin, neck, in the nasolabial triangle. In appearance, pimples resemble small red formations that occupy a wide area of ​​the affected area. Sometimes each pimple contains a pus-filled white head. There may also be a deep subcutaneous cyst underneath. Hormonal acne is usually not itchy, but can be very painful, inflamed, and enlarged.

Causes of hormonal imbalance

To understand why hormonal acne occurs in women, it is necessary to look deeper into the problem, find and eliminate factors that contribute to increased androgen synthesis. Acne, which is difficult to respond to external treatment, appears under the following conditions and diseases:

1. polycystic ovary syndrome;
2. malignant or benign tumors of the adrenal glands, appendages;
3. long-term use of hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs;
4. the use of anabolic steroids and other steroids when playing sports;
5. carrying out conservative hormonal therapy and surgery for the purpose of gender reassignment.

Hyperandrogenism can be a consequence of menopause, pregnancy, and childbirth. Sometimes the cause of hormonal rashes is diabetes mellitus or thyroid disease. To determine the exact cause of hormonal acne, a woman should contact a gynecologist-endocrinologist and undergo the necessary tests. Typically, such patients, in addition to skin rashes, also have other symptoms indicating an excess of male hormones:

1. increased hair growth on the face, chest, neck, chin, abdomen;
2. absence or irregularity of menstruation;
3. increased muscle mass, deep voice;
4. reduction of mammary glands in volume;
5. weight gain, obesity.

Mechanism of rash occurrence

Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are synthesized in the skin - these are the same androgens that activate the growth of new cells and the production of fatty secretions. Against the background of excess male hormones, the following occurs:

1. sebum production increases, which leads to a decrease in linoleic acid on the surface of the epidermis - this leads to irritation and an inflammatory reaction;
2. excess fat clogs pores and prevents normal skin breathing;
3. When contaminated, sebum oxidizes, bacteria multiply in clogged pores, resulting in comedones and ulcers.

Insulin and acne: where is the relationship?

An increased concentration of androgens in the blood is not the only possible cause of rashes in women. Hormonal acne often appears when insulin levels in the blood increase. Active production of this substance leads to a cascade hormonal reaction of the body, which contributes to increased production of oily secretions and the formation of ulcers on the skin. The results of some studies have allowed scientists to come to the conclusion that one of the ways to prevent and treat hormonal acne in women is a carbohydrate-free diet. Moreover, it is recommended to give up not only sweets, pastries, bread, potatoes, but also whole milk.

Insulin resistance plays a certain role in the development of this skin problem. Due to the resistance of skin tissues to the effects of this hormone, they are not adequately supplied with glucose. As a result, the pancreas begins to produce even more insulin, which ultimately leads to the appearance of hormonal acne in women. In the photo they do not differ from those rashes that occur against the background of hyperandrogenism. The appearance of a pustular rash is a reason for additional examination and exclusion of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Deficiency of female hormones

Sometimes acne appears due to hormonal imbalance in women, not with an excess of male hormones (analysis shows that this indicator is normal), but with a lack of estrogen. These are the substances that have a protective effect, preventing inflammation and the formation of acne. Hormone-related rash is not uncommon after spay removal. The same can be said about patients with reduced thyroid function: hypothyroidism prevents the normal functioning of the reproductive system and sufficient secretion of estrogen.

Menstrual cycle and rashes

At the beginning of the cycle, estrogens predominate in the blood of women, but after ovulation their concentration decreases, and the level of progesterone, on the contrary, increases. If a woman is healthy, then the amount of testosterone in her body should remain the same, regardless of the phase of the cycle. If its level is exceeded, then when estrogen decreases (the least of these hormones are produced on the eve of menstruation), testosterone begins to become active, manifesting itself as acne on the face, chest, and neck.

A similar process occurs in adulthood, when the functions of the ovaries fade and there is less estrogen in the body, while testosterone continues to be produced by the adrenal glands with the same activity.

Principles of treatment

First of all, you need to make sure that the cause of the rash is a hormonal imbalance. To do this, the doctor will direct the patient to undergo tests that will determine the level of androgens, estrogens, progesterones, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. To clarify the diagnosis, an ultrasound of the endocrine system and ovaries may be required.

Treatment of hormonal acne in women should be based on eliminating the factors that cause skin problems. It is necessary to combat acne comprehensively. First of all, you should work to restore the functions of the sebaceous glands, achieve healing of existing acne and eliminate inflammation in the hair follicles. After the skin has healed, measures are taken to remove age spots and acne scars. Before treating hormonal acne, a woman should also reconsider her diet, consult a doctor about the use of external medications, medical and hygiene procedures.

Drug therapy

Treatment involves not only the use of external remedies for hormonal acne, but also the use of oral medications necessary to treat the underlying disease that causes hormonal imbalance - polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperandrogenism, hypothyroidism, diabetes.

Some medications reduce androgen synthesis and help restore hormonal levels. Drugs that suppress male hormones include Cyproterone, Gestrinone, Nilutamide, Finasteride.

In addition, it is recommended to use medications that minimize the severity of symptoms. To treat acne on the skin, you need to use retinoids - tablet preparations that contain microelements that are structurally similar to vitamin A. Of the retinoids, women are often prescribed:

Such drugs are effective in treating mild hormonal acne on women's faces. Retinoids help normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands and reduce the production of natural sebum.

Oral contraceptives for acne

If the cause of rashes on the face is estrogen deficiency, the woman is prescribed birth control pills. Hormonal oral contraceptives reduce the influence of male androgens and maintain the necessary hormonal levels. The most common and safest drugs are:

Hormonal pills for women against acne should be taken in the same way as for preventing pregnancy. It is not advisable to skip taking the drug.

Products for external use

If retinoids show low effectiveness, the use of topical drugs cannot be avoided. To eliminate inflammation of the skin, it is recommended to use non-hormonal ointments based on zinc, erythromycin and other antiseptic components. For example:

For severe hormonal rashes, ointments and creams containing corticosteroids are prescribed. Among such products, Dermovate, Elokom, and Lokoid are popular. Unlike previous remedies, hormonal ointments cannot be used for a long time: they are addictive and cause side effects.

Reviews from women about home treatment

Hormonal acne in women can be treated not only with pharmaceutical drugs. If you study user feedback, instead of ointments and tablets, homemade lotions, masks and baths with medicinal herbs help a lot. To eliminate inflammatory lesions on the skin, the following is often used:

These plants have an antiseptic and decongestant effect and effectively relieve inflammation. At the same time, you need to understand that folk remedies will be effective only if the cause of the hormonal imbalance is eliminated. In addition, you need to take into account that you should not apply hot compresses to your face, since local heating of the skin can lead to the spread of the inflammation zone and deterioration of the condition of the epidermis.

Judging by the reviews, women often treat hormonal acne on their own, without rushing to see a doctor about this problem. Many people try to get rid of rashes using natural remedies. In particular, the following recipes are popular:

1. With aloe. Add 2-3 drops of rosemary oil to the pulp obtained from the leaf of this plant. The resulting lotion is used to wipe the skin of the face throughout the day. The product cleanses well, so it can be used before applying medicinal ointments.
2. Vegetable face mask. Cucumber, potatoes and pumpkin are grated and the resulting gruel is mixed in equal quantities. Then add 2 tbsp to the vegetable mix. l. sour cream and apply to the skin of the face, evenly distributing it over the surface and not affecting the skin around the eyes. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
3. Infusion of oak bark. For 1 liter of boiling water you will need 3 tbsp. l. vegetable raw materials. Use the resulting solution to wash or wipe the rash several times a day. Before use, filter the infusion through cheesecloth.
4. Wormwood compress. An infusion of wormwood is prepared in the same way as the previous remedy with oak bark. A piece of natural fabric is soaked in the infusion, applied to the face and kept for 30-40 minutes.

Traditional recipes do not help everyone with hormonal acne, but according to reviews, most women notice an improvement after prolonged use. Before starting treatment with home remedies, you should make sure that there is no allergic reaction to the components used.

Additional methods to combat acne

There are additional ways to treat skin pustules caused by hormonal imbalance. To get rid of acne on your face, you can use one of the physiotherapeutic techniques. If you have acne, dermatologists recommend taking the following course:

1. phototherapy - exposure to light flashes that destroy pathogenic microflora in areas of inflammation;
2. ozone therapy – enrichment of soft tissues with oxygen through exposure to nitrogen, which promotes regeneration of the epidermis;
3. mesotherapy - involves the introduction of subcutaneous self-absorbing medications that help eliminate scar formation and accelerate the healing process.

If the rash persists for a long time, it will not be possible to avoid acne scars. In severe advanced cases, a cosmetic defect can be eliminated using a laser.

The female body constantly experiences hormonal fluctuations. The background changes during puberty, pregnancy, the menstrual cycle and menopause. Diseases can also affect production.

Hormonal acne in women is a common phenomenon that is difficult to treat.

The influence of hormones on skin condition

The appearance of acne is caused by the sebaceous glands. They secrete a certain amount of sebum necessary for the natural protection of the epidermis. With hormonal imbalance, hypersecretion begins (increased secretion), and the composition of fat changes. Skin cells begin to divide at a faster rate.

“Old” scales of the epidermis die and become clogged in the ducts of the sebaceous glands, which exit into the hair follicles. In this environment, numerous bacteria begin to multiply, causing inflammation. The result is noticeable red pimples, which are clearly visible in the photo.

What hormones cause acne?

Androgens, steroid male hormones, pose a danger to the skin. In women, they are produced by the ovaries, subcutaneous fatty tissue and the adrenal cortex. During puberty, they are needed for normal physiological development.

In adulthood, an excess of hormones poses a serious danger to the entire body.

Hormonal acne on the face in women can be caused by:

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

The amount of testosterone is responsible for the amount and “severity” of acne. Dihydrotestosterone increases skin receptors and increases the sensitivity of the sebaceous glands, changes the composition of sebum and stimulates its production.

The process is intensified under the influence of insulin-like growth factor and insulin: they lead to a cascade hormonal reaction and increased sebum production. Female hormones - estrogens - protect the epidermis, and if there are not enough of them, the likelihood of acne formation increases significantly. The thyroid gland is responsible for these hormones.

When do acne appear?

Minor acne can occur even in infants. In children, small sebaceous glands are located close to the surface of the skin. If a nursing mother suffers from hormonal imbalance, the problem passes on to the baby.

Numerous pimples affect the cheeks, nose, back of the head and forehead. Gradually, the body adapts to environmental conditions and the pathology goes away on its own, without the intervention of doctors.

Teenagers experience a kind of hormonal “swing”. The gonads are at the stage of formation and the normal ratio of hormones is achieved gradually. The result is numerous large acne. In this case, you can do without medications and fairly high-quality skin care.

Hormonal acne on the chin, cheeks and body often occurs during the premenstrual period. At the beginning of the cycle, estrogen is the predominant hormone, but during ovulation its levels begin to fall. Testosterone is stable. Against this background, natural protection is reduced, and acne begins.

After childbirth, the level of estrogen in the female body is unstable, and the amount of progesterone increases rapidly. Sebum production increases significantly. Acne affects the lower part of the face and can persist for a long time.

Hormonal imbalance can also be triggered by stress, contraception or irregular sex life.

During menopause, decline occurs and ovarian activity decreases significantly. Estrogen synthesis weakens, and there is no longer enough of it for the normal functioning of the body’s systems.

At the same time, the adrenal glands work almost as before, continuing to secrete androgens. Without auxiliary hormone therapy, acne becomes a companion to menopause.

Diagnostics for selection of therapy

In adolescence, acne due to hormonal imbalance can be overcome with quality care, but adult women need more serious treatment. To identify the exact causes of acne, you need to undergo a series of tests.

The list includes:

1. blood for hormone levels;
2. Ultrasound of the reproductive system;
3. Analysis of urine.

Additionally, a CT scan of the head may be required.

A blood test can reveal the levels of pituitary, thyroid and androgen hormones. It is recommended to take this test within 5-7 days after the end of menstruation.

Urine shows how much androgens are excreted per day, and donation should be performed in the second phase of the cycle. It is advisable to do an ultrasound between the fifth and tenth day after menstruation.

Treatment with medications

After carrying out the necessary diagnostics, the specialist decides how to treat acne. To overcome the problem, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the disruption of the sebaceous glands.

For this the following can be used:

Metformin reduces insulin resistance, and spironolactone is a kind of antiandrogen. It is necessary to normalize testosterone production.

Antiandrogens allow you to get rid of acne within three months of treatment.

If it is necessary to restore the balance of progesterone and estrogen, hormonal oral contraceptives are prescribed. They are selected individually after testing.

The disadvantage is the duration of the effect: there will be no acne while the woman is taking the drugs. After canceling them, the problem comes back again.

Diet

You can get rid of hormonal acne with diet only if the pathology is caused by insulin. For other disorders, changing the diet helps to generally cleanse the body and normalize the condition of the skin as a whole.

You will have to get rid of:

1. Sahara;
2. muffins;
3. animal fats;
4. carbonated drinks;
5. sweets.

The danger comes from fast carbohydrates, which are easily absorbed by the body. They are replaced with foods with a low glycemic index. Preference is given to vegetable fats, the amount of proteins remains at the same level.

ethnoscience

Treatment with folk remedies is possible with the approval of a doctor. More often they are an auxiliary method. So, to balance testosterone and improve skin condition, it is recommended to regularly consume fish oil. You should drink in courses, leaving an interval of 1-2 months.

Conclusion

If there is a high level of estrogen, and progesterone after ovulation is too low, the tree of Abraham helps. It affects the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. However, the plant is not hormonal. The course of application is no more than three months, after which a pause is made.

Hormonal acne can be a serious problem, but it is possible to get rid of it. To do this, you need to consult a doctor and follow the recommendations.

Almost every person experiences the appearance of acne or rashes on the skin. Hormonal acne (acne) is expressed in inflamed rashes on the facial skin that appear for various reasons.

If you leave this unpleasant problem unattended and do not take any measures, the disease can become chronic.

What is hormonal acne

Hormonal acne is an inflammatory process of the sebaceous gland, in which the pores on the skin become clogged, and thereby suppuration occurs. With acne In most cases face in adolescence and young people, but it can also appear in adults.

This is due, first of all, to the restructuring of hormonal levels in the body. For many, this is a serious psychological problem that causes complexes. It gets even worse when scars appear on the site of acne.

This video will tell you the reasons for the appearance of hormonal rash:

Types of acne

Depending on the reasons that led to the appearance of rashes, there are two types:

1. Exogenous acne. Occur under the influence of external factors. The reasons for the appearance of this kind of rash is regular and severe contamination of the skin, for example, due to profession.

Common Causes of Acne

The following causes and factors that provoke the appearance of hormonal acne are identified:

1. Hormonal background. The skin quickly reacts to hormonal surges and disturbances. Thus, acne is typical during periods such as pregnancy, puberty and menstruation in women.
2. Improper diet and diseases of the digestive tract, which causes inadequate absorption of food and increased formation of toxins in the body. Toxins, in turn, cause acne.
3. Taking hormonal medications and certain types of medications.
4. Increased activity of the sebaceous glands, as a result of which excess amounts of sebum cannot be distributed over the surface of the skin, gradually accumulating and creating conditions for the proliferation of microbes and the formation of acne.
5. Hereditary predisposition, namely the genetically determined number of sebaceous glands and their secretory activity.
6. State of the immune system.

Weak immunity is not protected from diseases, including acne.

1. Lack of personal hygiene and improper skin care, which leads to the accumulation of dead skin cells.
2. Development of seborrhea.
3. Using low-quality cosmetics and skin care products, for example, those that have passed their expiration date.

What are hormones

There are dangerous periods that affect hormonal changes, namely pregnancy, puberty, and menopause. Of course, there are predisposing factors that influence changes in hormonal levels:

1. Frequent stressful situations;
2. Poor nutrition;
3. Use of contraceptives;
4. Smoking and alcohol abuse;
5. Infections that negatively affect the endocrine system.

These factors lead to insufficient and incorrect production of hormones responsible for the distribution of substances throughout the body.

The state of hormonal levels affects the general condition of a person.

Even a slight imbalance can lead to unpleasant consequences, for example, the appearance of acne. Thus, to prevent such situations, you need to control your hormone levels.

How to treat hormonal rash

When treating, the reasons that influenced the formation of the rash should be taken into account. If acne appears during a woman’s menstruation, this is a periodic phenomenon that does not require treatment, only proper and complete skin care and a balanced diet.

If the rash spreads across the skin, treatment is required. To completely get rid of hormonal rash, you need comprehensive treatment and patience, since it will take a lot of time.

This will ensure your skin stays healthy. In cases of severe damage with deep and painful skin rashes on the face, back and chest, consultation with a doctor and taking medications are required.

Experience treating hormonal acne, watch this video:

In addition, it is recommended to undergo testing for the level of hormones in the blood to identify which hormones lead to the appearance of acne on the skin. Laboratory tests will help with this, based on the results of which the doctor will be able to prescribe appropriate medications.

After taking the necessary medications, the functioning of the sebaceous glands should normalize and the hormonal levels should stabilize.

As a rule, doctors are in no hurry to prescribe medications, since many have contraindications and side effects. The following steps will help bring your hormonal levels back to normal:

1. Maintain a balanced, healthy diet;
2. Maintain a proper daily routine with proper rest and sleep;
3. Lead a correct lifestyle;
4. Try to avoid stressful situations, receiving only positive emotions.

Treatment depending on the degree of rash

The course of treatment is prescribed depending on the reasons that influenced the appearance of acne, as well as the severity of the rash:

1. If there are no more than ten elements of the rash on the skin with virtually no symptoms of inflammation, they speak of mild acne. Treatment in this case is carried out with local therapy drugs, the active substances of which either prevent the appearance of acne or contribute to their destruction. These are various gels, ointments, creams, lotions.
2. If more than ten to thirty rashes appear on the skin, they are classified as moderate acne. In this case, it is necessary to use not only external preparations, but also oral preparations.
3. When more than forty rashes appear on the skin, severe acne is considered. Treatment is prescribed according to the reasons; antibacterial or hormonal therapy may be prescribed.

In extreme cases, with suppuration and severe inflammation, the lesions are injected with special preparations. It should be borne in mind that with a hereditary predisposition to acne, acne is quite difficult to treat.

As a rule, the treatment course is aimed at preventing further spread of the rash and the development of a chronic form of the disease.

How to avoid hormonal rashes

You can improve the condition of the facial skin and thereby normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, reducing the likelihood of acne, by properly caring for the skin. First of all, it is following simple rules:

1. Wash your face at least 2 times a day, using foams and gels for washing;
2. Try not to overuse cosmetics.
3. It is recommended to visit a cosmetologist twice a month and have the skin of your face professionally cleansed.
4. Regular visits to the bathhouse will help to steam your skin well, open and cleanse your pores.
5. Maintain a proper diet.
6. Take a course of multivitamins.

The main thing is to never squeeze out pimples and blackheads, so as not to cause an infection and provoke the development of an inflammatory process.

Finally

If the frequent appearance of hormonal rashes is not responded to in time and left without treatment, it can develop into a serious disease that will be difficult to cope with. Make an appointment with your doctor and get tested for hormones, so you will know exactly how to quickly achieve the desired result.