Acne due to hormonal imbalance what to do

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.

Hormonal acne is a consequence of excess or insufficient production of male and female steroid hormones. According to statistics, more than 20% of women under the age of 45 suffer from acne. In 88% of cases, the cause is excessive activity of androgens, that is, male hormones. Red nodular or white pimples on the face are the result of hormonal imbalance. The skin condition is aggravated by estrogen deficiency. The principles of treatment of dermatological disease are determined by the causes of the formation of the rash.

What does hormonal acne look like?

Acne and hormones are closely interrelated, since the activity of the sebaceous glands and the condition of the hair follicles depend on the functional state of the endocrine system. Hormonal acne or pimples are localized in the upper back and face. They look like small inflammatory elements of several types:

1. red nodular;
2. light beige purulent;
3. multiple ulcers.

With severe hormonal imbalances, conglobate acne occurs - grouped acne in the form of large cysts or nodules. After opening them, pigment spots or scars remain on the skin.

What hormones cause acne to appear?

Hormonal acne is the result of disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands. The skin pores contain sebaceous glands that secrete oil. They contain androgen-sensitive receptors. Excessive concentration of male hormones in the body provokes increased secretion of fatty secretions. It provides a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, overactive sebaceous glands increase the risk of inflammation of the hair follicles and the formation of acne.

Testosterone and DHEA-S

Testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) affect receptors found in the sebaceous glands. They literally “force” them to produce more sebum. Increased testosterone in 98% of cases leads to dermatological problems. Its active form (dihydrotestosterone) begins to be produced by the adrenal glands even before puberty. Therefore, acne very often appears in teenagers.

If a woman has hormonal acne, she is prescribed hormone tests. If there is an increased concentration of androgens in the blood, a drug treatment regimen is drawn up. In addition, they follow a therapeutic diet, since the formation of dihydrotestosterone is influenced by diet and diet.

Excessive levels of testosterone in a woman’s body negatively affect the functioning of internal organs. Hormonal imbalance is accompanied by the formation of tumors on the ovaries, menstrual irregularities, seborrheic dermatitis, and hirsutism (male pattern hair growth).

Progesterone

The skin contains progesterone receptors that are sensitive to the steroid hormone. Progesterone is one of the main links in the synthesis of other steroid hormones and corticosteroids. Its deficiency leads to dysfunction of the sebaceous glands, thinning of the skin and the formation of wrinkles.

Despite the fact that progesterone is considered a pregnancy hormone, it can have a very direct effect on the condition of the skin, and that is why on certain days of the month acne, increased levels of oiliness in the epidermis and other unpleasant problems may appear on women’s faces.

Acne from hormonal imbalance occurs due to a chronic lack of progesterone. Its deficiency is fraught with serious disorders - polycystic ovary syndrome, neurological disorders. Typical signs of a lack of progesterone in the blood include:

1. dull hair;
2. the appearance of acne;
3. menstrual irregularities;
4. breast reduction;
5. formation of dark spots in the groin;
6. increased growth of facial hair.

If symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor - endocrinologist, gynecologist. Hormonal imbalances are fraught not only with acne, but also with more serious problems.

Estrogen

The sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced in women by the sex glands, that is, the ovaries. Acne on the face occurs when their functions are impaired and the level of steroid hormones in the blood decreases. Hormone-associated acne also occurs in women with hypothyroidism. A decrease in the activity of the thymus gland leads to a decrease in the amount of estrogen in the body.

Typical manifestations of hormonal imbalances include:

1. ovarian pathologies;
2. disruption of the menstrual cycle in women;
3. dysmenorrhea;
4. premature skin aging.

After ovulation, the concentration of estrogen in the blood decreases, which increases the influence of testosterone on the functioning of the exocrine glands. For this reason, 84% of women develop acne on the nose, chin, upper back, and chest a week before menstruation.

Other

The condition of the skin is directly affected by the content of other female and male hormones. Their level depends on the content of other bioactive substances that affect the activity of the adrenal glands, gonads, pituitary gland, thymus and pancreas. In 7% of cases, acne is the result of hyperandrogenism - an excess of androgens in the body.

In addition to natural causes, hormonal imbalance in the body can also be affected by various diseases of the endocrine system.

In 72% of patients, acne due to hormonal imbalance is caused by overactive pancreas. Excessive insulin production leads to fluctuations in blood sugar, which affects the functioning of the gonads. With a strong decrease in the amount of glucose in the body, the ovaries begin to synthesize more androgens.

Additional triggers for hormonal acne

The causes of acne formation lie in the negative impact of such factors:

1. unbalanced diet;
2. humid climate;
3. low-quality cosmetics;
4. emotional stress;
5. taking medications;
6. endocrine pathologies;
7. dysfunction of reproductive organs;
8. menopause period;
9. consequences of abortion;
10. excessive cleanliness.

Acne from hormonal pills appears when you abuse contraceptives. They disrupt the functions of the endocrine system and exocrine glands. The risk of skin diseases increases during puberty and menopause.

What tests should you take for acne?

Boils, acne are nonspecific symptoms that accompany perioral dermatitis, demodicosis, rosacea, etc. To identify the hormonal factor in the formation of acne, they undergo the necessary examination:

1. Ultrasound of the ovaries and pelvis;
2. MRI of the adrenal glands;
3. Analysis of urine;
4. blood chemistry;
5. analysis of hormones (thymus gland, ovaries).

For multiple pimples on the face, the level of insulin in the blood plasma is determined, and the functional state of the liver is also assessed. Patients undergo consultation with a gynecologist, gastroenterologist, and endocrinologist.

How to get rid of hormonal acne

The goal of hormonal acne therapy is to eliminate the factors that cause the dermatological problems. Elimination of disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands leads to the normalization of the functions of the sebaceous glands and the disappearance of rashes. Therefore, before treating hormonal acne, you should accurately determine the cause of its formation.

Complex acne therapy is aimed at:

1. restoration of the functions of the sebaceous glands;
2. removal of existing acne;
3. elimination of inflammation in hair follicles;
4. reduction of age spots and acne scars.

In the treatment of hormonal rashes, external and oral medications, diet therapy, and physiotherapeutic procedures are used. Particular attention is paid to hygiene procedures and skin care.

Drug therapy

Treatment of hormonal acne in women involves taking medications that eliminate the underlying pathologies - polycystic ovary syndrome, hirsutism, hyperandrogenism, etc.

Problems with acne caused by hormonal imbalance require consultation with several doctors: a dermatologist, an endocrinologist, and for women, a gynecologist.

To reduce the severity of symptoms of hormonal disorders, the following drugs are used:

1. Retinoids. The preparations contain substances that are similar in structure to retinol (vitamin A). Used to eliminate mild hormonal acne. Normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, reducing the production of natural fat. Adapalene, Retasol, Trethionine, Differin are used to treat acne.
2. Antimicrobial ointments. External agents are prescribed when retinoids are ineffective. To eliminate inflammation in the skin, preparations with zinc, erythromycin and other antiseptic components are used - Klenzit S, Erythromycin-gel, Zinerit.
3. Antiandrogens. Medicines reduce the synthesis of male hormones, thereby restoring hormonal levels. The acne treatment regimen includes Gestrinone, Finasteride, Nilutamide, Cyproterone.
4. Contraceptives with estrogen. Taking birth control pills leads to a decrease in androgen activity. They are used when local systemic antimicrobial agents are ineffective. The most effective drugs are Diane 35, Logest, Regulon, Yarina, etc.

In severe cases of hormonal acne, they resort to complex therapy, which combines local and systemic drugs. The treatment regimen includes antibiotics, Benzoyl peroxide and Metmorphine, which increases the sensitivity of insulin receptors.

ethnoscience

Hormonal acne in women is treated with compresses, lotions, masks and baths with medicinal herbs. To eliminate inflammatory lesions on the skin, use aloe, sage, peppermint, chamomile, birch buds, etc. They have antiseptic, antiexudative (anti-edematous) and anti-inflammatory properties.

Effective acne remedies:

1. Facial lotion. 3-5 aloe leaves are grated. Using gauze, squeeze out the juice, to which add 1-2 drops of thyme essential oil. Wipe acne with lotion 3-4 times a day.
2. Acne mask. Mix grated cucumber, pumpkin and potatoes in equal proportions. Add 2 tbsp. l. milk and apply to clean skin. After 20 minutes, wash off any remaining makeup with cool water. Perform the procedure once a day for at least 2 weeks.
3. Decoction of birch buds. 3 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured into 1 liter of water and boiled for at least 10 minutes. The strained broth is used to wipe acne up to 5 times a day.
4. Tincture with thyme. Pour 10 g of thyme into 1 glass of water and boil for 4 minutes. Mix the liquid with vodka in a 2:1 ratio. Treat acne three times a day.
5. Compress. 10 g of wormwood is poured with boiling water and left for 3 hours. Soak gauze in the infusion and apply to the face for 40 minutes. The procedure is performed once a day.

Women during menopause are recommended to make applications with gelatin to increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin. To dry out ulcers, masks with cosmetic white and blue clay are also used.

Helper Methods

When treating acne on the face, it is strictly not recommended to use hot compresses, baths and warming massages. Local heating of tissues with ulcers is fraught with the spread of inflammation and deterioration of the skin condition.

To eliminate hormonal rashes, use:

1. phototherapy – treatment of acne with pulsed flashes of light that destroy microbial flora in inflammatory areas;
2. mesotherapy - the introduction of absorbable drugs under the skin that eliminate scar formation after acne;
3. ozone therapy – exposure of soft tissues to nitrogen in order to enrich them with oxygen and accelerate skin regeneration.

When there is severe hormonal imbalance, large cystic cavities often form. Surgical removal of tumors leads to the appearance of scars. To prevent cosmetic defects, large pimples are removed with a laser.

Hormonal rashes are treated comprehensively using medications and hardware techniques. To restore the functioning of the sebaceous glands, doctors advise using vitamin and mineral complexes with Omega-3, zinc, calcium, retinol, tocopherol - Zincteral, Askovit, Vetoron, VitAE, Adaptovit.

This type of acne occurs due to hormonal imbalance in the body - a disturbance in the exchange of male sex hormones, or androgens. They are produced in different quantities by both women and men. In individuals with androgen deficiency or reduced sensitivity to them, sebum production is reduced and hormonal acne does not occur. Insulin and insulin-like growth factor also play a certain role in the development of pathology.

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In women, hormonal acne most often occurs between the ages of 30 and 50, and also appears during the premenstrual period. In men, the prevalence of this pathology is slightly lower. Juvenile acne most often has a non-hormonal cause, or it is not the leading one.

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Causes and mechanism of development

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Excess androgens

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The body synthesizes androgen precursors. In the skin they are converted into testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. These substances stimulate the growth of skin cells and the production of sebum.

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Causes of acne due to excess androgens:

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1. an increase in sebum secretion leads to a decrease in the concentration of linoleic acid on the skin surface, which irritates epidermal cells and promotes inflammation;
2. hypersecretion of sebum leads to an increase in its viscosity and blockage of pores, which creates unfavorable conditions in the sebaceous glands;
3. under the influence of sunlight and external pollution, sebum substances oxidize, causing the appearance of comedones and other types of acne;
4. With increased skin greasiness, favorable conditions are created for the proliferation of bacteria that cause inflammation.

The reasons why the synthesis of androgens in the body increases:

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1. polycystic ovary syndrome;
2. tumors of the adrenal glands, ovaries, and in men – testicles;
3. abuse of anabolic steroids during sports;
4. operations to change the female to male sex.

Signs of hyperandrogenism are detected in 20-40% of women with hormonal acne. Therefore, if such a rash appears, it is necessary to contact a gynecologist and endocrinologist and undergo a thorough examination.

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In addition to acne, patients usually have other signs of androgen imbalance:

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1. hirsutism – excessive hair growth on the chest, face, abdomen and thighs;
2. sudden appearance of acne on previously healthy skin;
3. ineffectiveness of conventional treatment for such pathology;
4. absence or irregularity of menstruation;
5. muscle enlargement, decreased voice tone;
6. reduction in the size of the mammary glands;
7. weight gain, initial signs of diabetes.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor

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Not all people experience hormonal acne with elevated levels of androgens in the blood, since this process is more closely related to the synthesis of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone from their precursors in the skin, which may not be reflected in routine blood tests for hormones. The process is enhanced by the action of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF).

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Insulin and IGF trigger a cascading hormonal response that causes increased sebum production and an increased risk of acne. There are studies showing that eating a diet limited in sugar, other carbohydrates and milk reduces the appearance of hormonal acne.

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Insulin resistance also plays a role in the appearance of this skin pathology. This is tissue resistance to the action of insulin, as a result of which they do not receive enough glucose. To provide cells with energy, the pancreas is forced to produce more and more insulin, which, among other things, leads to the formation of acne. This mechanism is most clearly evident in people with type 2 diabetes.

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Lack of estrogen and hypothyroidism

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Female sex hormones - estrogens - have the opposite effect of androgens and protect the skin from hormonal acne. When there is a lack of these hormones (for example, when the ovaries are removed as a result of surgery), rashes begin to appear.

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Hormone-associated rashes are also observed in patients with hypothyroidism, that is, with reduced thyroid function. This disrupts the functioning of the reproductive organs and the production of estrogen, which has a negative effect on the skin.

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Types of hormonal acne

Acne in babies

Rashes occur in the first months of a newborn's life. They are associated with the reaction of superficially located small sebaceous glands to maternal sex hormones. Often in this case the mother suffers from acne.

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Such pimples are few and far between. They look like small lumps or raised areas with a small reddened rim around them caused by inflammation. The forehead, nose, cheeks, nasolabial folds, and back of the head are mainly affected.

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This is a physiological condition and does not need to be treated. It is only necessary to maintain the baby’s hygiene, bathe on time, change bed linen, and so on. A few days after its appearance, the rash disappears spontaneously.

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Manifestation of the disease in adolescents

The maturing gonads in girls and boys do not always provide a normal balance of hormones in the body. The result is a skin rash, usually located on the forehead, nose and chin. With age, hormonal balance is restored, and with proper care, acne disappears in most young people. In this case, taking medications is often not necessary.

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Premenstrual acne

In the first (follicular) phase of the cycle, estrogens dominate in the blood, and after ovulation their level decreases and progesterone begins to predominate. Testosterone levels remain stable throughout the cycle.

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However, by reducing the “restraining” effect of estrogens before menstruation, testosterone begins to have a negative effect on the skin, and acne of hormonal etiology appears on the face, chest, and back.

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Rash during menopause

At the age of 45-50 years, ovarian function begins to decline, which leads to a reduction in estrogen synthesis. As a result, the amount of androgens, which in women are produced mainly in the adrenal glands, increases relatively.

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A rash may appear despite the use of hormone replacement therapy if it contains a large amount of progestin and a relatively small proportion of estrogen. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to select the optimal treatment option.

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Hormonal acne in men

The condition usually only appears in men who take too many anabolic steroids. However, acne does not always indicate a high level of male sex hormones.

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The main cause of hormonal rashes is insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, a diet with limited carbohydrates is effective for correcting the condition.

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The question of the nature of the pathological condition of the skin in men has not been fully studied, so treating hormonal acne can present significant difficulties.

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Rash after childbirth

After the birth of a child, the level of progesterone in a woman’s body quickly increases, and the amount of estrogen is unstable. As a result, sebum production increases and pores become clogged. Hormonal acne that occurs after childbirth is usually located on the neck and lower face, and persists for several months.

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The most effective treatment option is birth control pills. However, they should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account possible breastfeeding.

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External manifestations

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The rashes are localized in places where sebaceous glands accumulate, on the face, lower cheeks, chin and neck. These are small red formations located on a large surface of the skin. If inflammation occurs, pain appears and itching is possible.

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In some cases, intense acne occurs with the formation of purulent heads or deep subcutaneous cysts.

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For diagnosis, examinations for hormones (estrogens, testosterone, TSH, T4 and others) are prescribed, if necessary - ultrasound of the thyroid gland, ovaries, adrenal glands, pituitary gland.

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Treatment

Helps get rid of hormonal acne by reducing testosterone levels. Methods aimed at eliminating insulin resistance or increasing estrogen concentrations, as well as antiandrogens, may be useful. Additionally, a diet, taking certain nutritional supplements and proper skin care are required.

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Drug therapy

To cure pathological rashes, it is necessary to eliminate their cause. To do this, you should carry out all diagnostic measures prescribed by your doctor.

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Conservative therapy consists of taking the following medications:

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1. oral contraceptives containing estrogens and progesterone - reduce the production of androgens and the appearance of rash by the end of the 3rd month of use; however, after their cancellation, acne may appear again, and in even greater quantities than before treatment; It is better if in combination with ethinyl estradiol there are substances such as drospirenone, norgestimate or norethindrone;
2. antiandrogens (spironolactone) – reduce the production of testosterone and the formation of dihydrotestosterone in the skin, which helps eliminate acne in 66% of women within 3 months of use; however, the medicine is not recommended for the treatment of rash in men;
3. Metformin – reduces insulin resistance.

Oral contraceptives should not be used by women with high blood viscosity, hypertension, breast cancer, or smokers.

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Diet

How to treat hormonal acne with nutrition has been studied in detail since 2002. The most harmful substances in this pathology are sugar and carbohydrates, as well as dairy products.

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1. exclude sugar and easily digestible (“fast”) carbohydrates from the diet, which lead to a sharp increase in the concentration of insulin in the blood;
2. replace “fast” carbohydrates with foods with a low glycemic index, for example, cereals, whole grain bread;
3. Fats and proteins should not be limited, but the quality composition of fats should be dominated by vegetable ones.
4. Switching to such a diet reduces the appearance of rashes in 25–50% of patients. This food:
5. reduces the level of testosterone and other androgens;
6. reduces the production of insulin and IGF;
7. increases the synthesis of proteins that bind and inactivate sex hormones;
8. activates the secretion of estrogen;
9. reduces the symptoms of premenstrual acne.

Dairy products are also harmful for patients with hormonal-associated acne. The following effects have been proven:

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1. increased levels of insulin and IGF;
2. increased production of androgens in the ovaries, adrenal glands, testicles;
3. increased skin sensitivity to androgens.

People who regularly consume milk are more prone to acne.

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Herbal medicine and nutritional supplements

The most useful are those plants and drugs that reduce insulin levels or restore the balance of sex hormones.

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The following funds can be distinguished from them:

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1. Vitex sacred or Abraham's tree. Products based on it are available in the form of tablets, capsules, tea and tinctures. Reduces the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome and accompanying acne, and is also useful for elevated prolactin levels and irregular menstrual cycles.
2. Cinnamon. Despite evidence of the effectiveness of this herb for insulin resistance, for hormonal acne the data is conflicting. It helps some patients, but not others. In any case, adding cinnamon to dishes will not harm your health, but it can reduce the severity of acne.
3. Apple cider vinegar slows down the digestion process and the absorption of carbohydrates, thereby reducing the peak insulin production. Its benefits have been proven for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, it helps some patients get rid of acne when taken orally 2 tablespoons per day.
4. Mint. Drinking 2 cups of peppermint tea per day has been shown to suppress androgen synthesis and increase estrogen production, which is beneficial for women with hormone-dependent rashes. Men should not take this drug, as it reduces potency and libido.

Nutritional supplements that will be useful for hormonal imbalances and related skin problems:

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1. preparations containing magnesium and calcium reduce inflammation, also enhance skin cell renewal and regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
2. omega-3 fatty acids contained in sea fish or, for example, flaxseed oil, make the skin softer, even out its texture, and also rejuvenate the entire body;
3. zinc and copper prevent inflammatory processes and bacterial growth;
4. probiotics, essential for intestinal health, which helps the body utilize excess hormones;
5. vitamins that ensure active metabolism in cells; Vitamin B6 specifically prevents skin inflammation and sebum production.

Skin care

The same remedies are used as for other types of acne. In addition, there is a peculiarity - preference is given to drugs containing dihydrotestosterone blockers. This substance, as mentioned above, is formed in the skin and becomes the main cause of rashes.

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Therefore, for hormonal acne, it is recommended to choose cosmetics containing the following components:

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1. green tea;
2. lotus extract;
3. Argan oil;
4. tea tree oil;
5. sesame seed oil.

Powerful dihydrotestosterone blockers - essential oils of black currant, primrose, rose hips, grape seed or hemp. Products containing olive or coconut oil should be avoided.

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In addition to these medications, it is recommended to use medications to prevent complications of hormone-dependent rashes, such as infection. The drug Zinerit, containing zinc salt and erythromycin, is ideal for this purpose. It not only dries the skin and reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands, but also prevents the proliferation of bacteria on the skin surface that cause inflammation and the formation of pustules.

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For moderate rashes, creams containing retinoids can be used. It is important to treat exposed skin with sunscreen every day, as these substances increase the risk of sunburn.

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The duration of treatment is about 10 weeks. If after this period the rash has not disappeared, a second consultation with a dermatologist, gynecologist, or endocrinologist is necessary.

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Additional tips to combat hormonal acne:

1. do not sunbathe, in summer constantly use products with a UV filter with SPF of at least 15-30;
2. wash with warm water and foam containing, for example, green tea extract, without soap, morning and evening;
3. do not touch your face with dirty hands during the day;
4. do not squeeze out blackheads;
5. Do not cauterize with alcohol, iodine, brilliant green, or potassium permanganate.