Is Acne Linked With Hormones?

Posted on 16 June 2009

Dermatologists have always linked acne with the hormonal changes that occur within the body, and this has also played a major role in the acne treatment process. In fact, the most common hormone that is known to cause acne is testosterone, also known as the male hormone. According to a research done by American Academy of Dermatology, it has been proved that testosterone stimulates the oil glands in the body to excrete more oil. This excess oil when mixed with the dead cells, results in clogging of the pores, and this triggers acne development.

There are many acne treatment medications available in the market to control the hormonal disturbances. Using the right acne treatment method can considerably reduce the acne breakouts.

Effect of testosterone on sebaceous glands:

The androgen hormones are released from the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. Testosterone is a type of androgen hormone. Though it is usually known as a male hormone, it is found in both men and women.

These hormones work with the enzyme 5a reductase, to create di-hydrotestosterone, which stimulates the sebaceous glands. This causes an increase in the sebum production. Due to this, the follicles are clogged with excess oil. This blockage of follicle creates a comedo, or an acne breakout. The most effective acne treatment in this case would be to control the influence of testosterone on the oil glands.

Testosterone causes teen acne:

During puberty, there is an acute increase in the excretion of the androgen hormones. This explains why acne erupts more during teenage. For most people, the acne breakouts reduce normally after this phase. You can however try using some acne treatment products to control the severe breakouts. For some people, the acne breakouts happen even after reaching the age of twenty. There are many over the counter treatments available that you can select from to fight acne and its effects. It is recommended that you consult a dermatologist before opting for any of the acne treatment products.

The impact of hormone on adult acne:

The testosterone also causes adult acne, particularly in adult women. At times, when there is lack of estrogen in a woman’s body, it leads to increased production of testosterone. These hormonal disturbances are usually caused during the period of ovulation and perimenopause, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. It may also be caused sue to excessive use of certain oral contraceptive pills. Sometimes, certain conditions like polycystic ovary disease can cause the excess production of testosterone, resulting in increased acne breakouts.

Possible acne treatment:

There are several types of acne treatment products available in the market that can control the excess production of testosterone in the body. However, before using an acne treatment method, always consult your dermatologist to ensure that it is safe for you. Some acne treatments are known to aggravate the breakouts, so be careful while choosing an acne treatment product.

4 Responses to “Is Acne Linked With Hormones?”

  1. Andy Dcruz says:

    My sister started having acne problem during her pregnancy period. I know that is normal due to hormonal changes. Her son is now almost a year old, but she still has the problem. And some of them really look ugly. Is it normal? Or shall we consult a dermatologist?

  2. Suzan says:

    Hi,
    I heard about your site from one of my friends. I am 27 years old and I am using oral contraceptive pills for over a year. Though I suffered from mild acne breakouts during my teen years, I am not that prone to it. But for last few months I am having serious acne problem. Is it due to those oral contraceptive pills that I am using?

  3. Bella says:

    Hi, I am 17 and have some ugly acne scars on my cheeks and chin. Please advice how to get rid of them.

  4. Debby says:

    Nice blog here.

    @Andy: I think your sister should consult with a dermatologist immediately and ask for some oral medication. Also tell her to follow a proper skin care routine.


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