Treating the Hormonal Cause of Acne

 

Acne by its very nature can be considered a hormonal disease. Hormones are responsible for the maturation of the oil glands in our skin. This is why children do not experience acne.
There are several times in our lives when our hormones can become unbalanced and wreak havoc, including puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
Hormonal acne is seen mostly in women due to the natural cycles a woman goes through, such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.   Because of this, doctors sometimes prescribe low-dose birth control pills and/or androgen receptor blockers to reduce blemishes by keeping androgens steady.
Androgen hormones create male traits in women such as a deepening of the voice, an increased libido or hirsutism that causes excessive or abnormal growth of hair. They also stimulate the oil glands. The oil mixes with skin cells and bacteria, causing inflammation in the skin that can result in the arrival of zits.

Various oral medications have been developed to cure adult hormonal acne. These medications usually affect hormones by creating a balance in the production thereof. Among the most common medications for hormonal Acne treatment:  

• Anti-androgens control the body’s production of the said hormone. As such, it minimizes the risks of the skin becoming too oily, which in turn will prevent acne from forming. Medications such as spironolactone and flutamide are the most recommended anti-androgens.
• Oral corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories are prescribed by some dermatologists to their patients whose problem is mainly concerned in an unregulated production of androgens. These drugs further help the patient prevent acne inflammation. Dexamethasone and prednisone are the usual anti-inflammatory Products used by acne sufferers.
• Oral contraceptives. These drugs have progestin and estrogen to replace androgens. As such, the body will produce less oil. Low dosages of oral contraceptive pills are FDA-approved to cure blemishes and severe acne. The said type of medication is a great adult hormonal Acne treatment for women who are still not yet ready to have a baby.

Suggestion
However, an adult hormonal acne treatment such as an anti-androgen drug is known to cause irregular menstrual period. It is usually associated with menstrual spotting and nausea. On the other hand, oral corticosteroids can lead to the thinning of bones, which gravely affects the health of the acne sufferer, and weight gain.  We’d recommend discussing with doctor or dermatologist before taking any medicine.