Is it true that hormonal imbalance could lead to the development of hormonal acne? The answer is a big yes! Scientific studies proved that acne is expected to occur when a person is experiencing hormonal irregularities such as during menstruation, pregnancy or even menopausal period. Thus this is also commonly termed as androgenic disorder since androgens are the hormones responsible for this skin condition.
Does an Imbalance of my Hormones Cause Acne?
Both males and females have androgen hormones; but women are only having about ten percent compared in men. Hence, these hormones are linked to stimulate the sebaceous gland to produce sebum or oil into the skin.
However, when there are higher levels of androgens and it changed from the normal activity, excessive production of sebum could occur. This leads the pores to clog and trap the oil inside. These plugged skin pores could be a good habitant for the bacteria to grow together with other debris causing the appearance of acne.
Moreover, women sometimes respond differently; since there is a common female hormonal condition by which acne is connected with. It is the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which has a testosterone-induced skin and hair changes features such as acne.
In addition, there are women who tend to have acne but with normal androgen levels. Thus with this, one must take into consideration that acne in this case can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition.
Testing for Hormonal Acne
Hormonal testing is done when this type of acne is suspected. This is a blood test by which it can measure androgens in the blood stream. If the determined level of the hormones is elevated, then h. acne is determined. Thus, attending to the required treatment as soon as possible will be helpful to make the skin be free from further effects of adult acne.
Treatment
Management of acne due to hormonal imbalances is not as crucial as you think. There are lots of available choices of hormonal treatments from which you can choose from.
The very common over the counter drug Benzoyl Peroxide is the first line treatment for acne together with the topical acne treatments such as Retinoids and other antimicrobial or oral antibiotics when inflammation is severe. Also, a dermatologist may prescribe Isotretinoin for women with cystic acne and scarring.
For most women, acne caused by hormones is from the natural cycles a normal woman goes through such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. With this, doctors commonly prescribed a lower dose of oral contraceptive or birth control pills as well as with androgen receptor blockers that will keep the androgen production balanced.
Moreover, a Spironolactone known as a blood pressure medication is quite effective too; since this drug blocks aldosterone which is similar to androgen.
How to Control Hormonal Acne?
Hormone-causing acne can inhibit by controlling some of the modifiable factors in your lifestyle such as the following:
Weight Loss
Excess weight due to over accumulation of fats in the body plays a role in converting weak female and male sex hormones to more potent androgen hormones. By this, individuals who are overweight are likely to experience acne. That is why planning activities for weight loss is necessary to control the formation of acne.
Stress Reduction
Lack of sleep, anger, and long working hours are some of the things that create stress to a person. But did you know that by experiencing all of those now and then will make you more prone to acne? Yes, because stress affects the hormonal activities specifically androgens. It will be more helpful if you conquer your stress by doing relaxation techniques like yoga and many more.
Daily Cleansing
Regular cleansing of skin can be a big help to clear and minimize bacteria and other debris to take advantage to the excessive oil from your skin. However, too much washing is not beneficial for you since it will cut the normal flora of the skin.
Prevention
You should not able to begin to treat acne if in the first place; you manage to prevent it anyways. Here are some beneficial things to prevent you from having acne:
- Be sure to clean your skin everyday at least twice daily
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants and Vitamins especially Vitamin A, C and E
- Drink plenty of water to help clean and flush toxins in the body
- Try to have relaxation exercises regularly
- Be cautious in the cosmetics you use; for some can be harsh to the skin and can block pores
Summary
No one can predict the occurrence of acne in one’s skin. Hence, there are available skin regimens to try and engage with to prevent you from having it. However, if you currently have hormonal acne, right treatment should be emphasized and done to avoid complications and further acne scarring.