What hormones affect acne in women

How and why hormones affect acne

The skin is a target organ for steroids, so acne and hormones are closely related. Androgens can affect the size of the sebaceous glands and lead to disruption of their work, more precisely to hypersecretion.

An increase in sebum production causes a change in its composition and a significant reduction in the amount of linoleic acid. Because of this process, in turn, follicular hyperkeratosis appears, in which skin cells begin to divide intensively.

Dead flakes of the epidermis clog the ducts of the sebaceous glands that exit into the hair follicles. An environment will be created in this area that meets all the requirements for the active growth and reproduction of conditionally pathogenic microflora, including acne bacteria.

As a result of their vital activity, acne appears.

Specific functions are superimposed on any hormone produced by our body, testosterone also has its so-called duties: it forms the skeleton, muscle mass, is responsible for erection and fertilizing ability.

The increased level of the male hormone can be triggered by many factors, the most harmless of which are the irregularity and lack of sleep, inconsistent and malnutrition. Irregular sexual relations can also affect a man's hormonal levels.

Be careful! Uncontrolled therapy with drugs like Gonadotropin, Nafarelin, Danazol, Finasterin, Mifepristone, Flutamide, Phenytoin, Moclobemide, Tamoxifen can lead to increased testosterone.

Hormonal acne. Causes and treatment

Below is an adapted translation of an article on high testosterone levels in women by Westin Childs, a medical practitioner and specialist in functional medicine. Childs blogs for patients, writes as accessible as possible, shows printouts of the tests he relies on, and gives specific recommendations.

For women suffering from hirsutism, this article is useful both in terms of content and as an illustration of the approach.

Weight gain, acne, hair loss (and hirsutism - approx. Why testosterone levels are rising and what should be done to reduce it?

Any doctor is able to say that the concentration of testosterone is above the norm, but few are ready to voice recommendations for solving the problem. To move towards a normal life, you need to understand what exactly is happening with your body.

In this case, the problem is that in 95% of cases, high testosterone levels are not a syndrome, but a symptom of another hormonal imbalance. Therefore, the main task is to find this imbalance and solve the problem associated with it - then the concentration of testosterone in the blood will decrease.

When hormone levels rise high enough, it becomes more difficult to figure out what exactly started the process. This situation is fundamentally different from low levels, where it is enough to "add the missing" to reduce symptoms. Therefore, most general practitioners are confused when faced with rising hormone levels.

1. Insulin resistance

The connection between insulin resistance (or simply high blood sugar) and testosterone is HUGE (more on this connection, read a separate article - approx. hairbug).

Insulin is able to lower and increase testosterone levels. In men, the hormone usually lowers testosterone levels, and in women, both options occur.

To determine the connection in your body, you need to donate blood for glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin along with total and free testosterone. If a high level of insulin is found along with a high level of free testosterone, insulin is the cause of the hormonal imbalance.

An elementary reason for the appearance of symptoms that say that the level of testosterone is lower than necessary can be the observance of a certain diet that limits the calorie intake. Low testosterone in women, as in men, can be due to disease of the gonads or kidneys, obesity, Down's syndrome or in women during menopause, as well as the use of certain medications.

Some oral contraceptives may be the reason for lowering testosterone. Which explains why contraceptives should be chosen after consultation with a gynecologist.

In diabetes, the level of the hormone is always lower, therefore, when establishing this fact, it is necessary to check the general condition of the body to exclude the need to treat the underlying disease.

Hormonal acne in men

Contents

The problems of low testosterone are known to many: sexual desire begins to decrease, the male figure acquires feminine features, infertility can develop, etc. But what happens to the body when a man has an increased level of testosterone. An excess of this hormone can also lead to very unpleasant consequences.

First, you need to decide why you have an increased level of testosterone in the blood. The goal is to cure the root cause. Below I will talk about ways to treat the six causes that I talked about earlier.

Table

Testosterone is the male sex hormone. But it is also present in the female body.

Increased testosterone in women leaves its mark not only on the appearance, but also changes the female character. Women with a high level of this hormone occupy high positions and are prone to unreasonable risks.

Scientists have proven that the desire to compete and lead is directly proportional to the level of the male hormone.

- development of spermatozoa.

Elena Malysheva: "Powerful potency can be at any age!"

Good day, dear readers. Blackheads and acne on the face and body in women can form for various reasons. A fairly common cause that is common to women of different ages is hormonal failure.

Are you wondering what hormones affect acne in women? That's what we'll talk about today.

Remember that you need to treat not only the cause of the skin rash, but also the rash itself. For external treatment, I recommend using Tritin lotion.

Hormonal acne in women is more common than in men. And the sensitivity of the skin is not so important here.

The main factor is gynecology. Menstrual cycles greatly affect the amount of steroids carried in the blood.

A sharp appearance of acne is observed before menstruation already a week before the start.

Depending on the state of the body, the process is local or extensive.

Signs of hormonal acne

Hormonal acne in women is localized mainly in the face and less often in the upper torso. They are comedones and inflammatory elements (papulopustular rash). Pimples in women can be single, which is typical for a mild stage of the disease, or multiple in the form of red bumps and pustules.

Acne due to hormonal failure often coexists with other symptoms of hyperandrogenemia: seborrhea, menstrual irregularities, excessive male-pattern hair growth on the face, abdomen, around the nipples and arms.

High testosterone men usually have a low tone of voice, good physical development. Such representatives of the strong half are impulsive and risky, sexually active. Such men usually do not have permanent sexual partners. Such people often become drug addicts, alcoholics, etc.

In men with high testosterone levels, aggressive behavior, increased irritability and excitability are observed, and suicidal tendencies are possible. In such representatives of the strong half, there is increased hairiness over the surface of the entire body and abundant rashes in the form of purulent acne.

But on the head, the hair may, on the contrary, fall out, which will manifest itself as a completely unmasculine bald head. Increased testosterone content is often found in professional bodybuilders who build muscle mass through the use of anabolic steroid hormones.

When using such drugs, there is a violation of the secretion of one's own testosterone.

The male body begins to independently regulate the content of the hormone by reducing its production, due to which dysfunction of the gonads develops. As a result of such a restructuring of the body, inhibition of the work of the testicles can occur, up to their atrophy, and this process inevitably leads to the development of infertility.

The excess of the male hormone can provoke various disorders of the cardiovascular system, against which diseases such as arterial hypertension, vascular thrombosis or heart attacks subsequently develop.

Signs of increased testosterone indicate hormonal disorders in a man's body, which can be triggered by his psychological or physical condition. Improper nutrition, bad habits (alcohol, smoking, drugs), environmental pollution, stress, various inflammatory processes can cause an excess of testosterone in men.

A short-term increase in androgen can occur due to heavy physical exertion, excessive sexual arousal.

Anabolic steroid use also causes increased testosterone in men.

Symptoms of High Testosterone

Before discussing the causes of high testosterone levels in the blood and how to correct it, we need to list the symptoms of this condition.

Symptoms are of key importance, because the body of each person has its own limits of normal. I have seen plenty of women with all the symptoms of elevated testosterone levels, while their tests were only at the upper limit of normal.

(Read the article about that.how much the concept of "norm" differs for individuals, geographically limited populations, and humanity in general - approx.

Hairbug)

Diagnosis

How can hormone tests help?

As you know, a pimple appears at the site of a clogged and inflamed sebaceous gland. It is directly affected by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is formed from testosterone in the skin when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase begins to act on it.

This is why many acne patients are referred for DHT and 5-alpha reductase testing.

Female sex hormones, in turn, are called estrogens. They are often referred to as testosterone antagonists. Because of this, women who suffer from skin rashes are advised to additionally take an analysis for the level of estradiol and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

The treatment of acne, the appearance of which is provoked by hormonal failure, will be long and complex. Initially, you need to eliminate the cause of the rash - hormonal failure.

Treatment will directly depend on the results of the above tests, as well as the diagnosis of the endocrinologist and gynecologist.

You can start any treatment only after it has been approved by your doctor. Do not self-medicate, as this can only aggravate the situation.

The female hormonal background is unstable. Breaking it completely with the wrong treatment can leave you with acne and other problems for life.

If you want to get rid of acne faster, you can start to properly care for problem skin. Wipe pimples with special lotions, for example, Tritin. or other similar drugs. Wash your face with a gel for problem skin, scrub your skin periodically.

Many people are now trying to treat problem skin with the help of folk remedies. Among them, masks, scrubs, herbal infusions for wiping the face are especially popular. On this site you can find a lot of interesting recipes from traditional medicine.

All of them are tested and have a lot of positive feedback. Remember that if the treatment of hormonal acne is approached competently and correctly, then you can get rid of them in a few months.

I hope this story was informative and useful for you. If so, then do not forget to share articles on social networks with your loved ones and friends.

In addition, if you want to be notified of new articles and news, I recommend subscribing to our website updates. All the best to you and see you soon!

Author of the article: Elena Smirnova (dermatologist)

Publication date: 12-03-2016

Photo-5 Importance of hormone tests

Hormones have a very important effect on the body. Androgens are especially important. Changing the amount of these hormones affects the condition of the skin. In turn, this is explained by a chemical reaction.

The skin reacts to the increase in hormones by producing sebocytes. These cells are responsible for the production of fat. Under the influence of hormones, the density and viscosity of fat increases. This leads to the fact that the skin ducts are clogged. As a result of this, we see acne on the face.

If treatment is not started on time, then over time, comedones will become chronic, and it will be very difficult to get rid of them.

Many people prefer to squeeze out pimples, but this does not solve the problem, but can only worsen the situation.

Acne treatment with hormones

Reducing testosterone in men should occur in a complex way. Only then is it possible to obtain a positive result.

After examination, testing and diagnostics, the doctor may prescribe medication, i.e. hormone therapy. A common method for the treatment of elevated hormone in young men is hormone therapy with the use of a luteinizing androgen preparation. The result of the method of treatment is the normal level of hormones according to the age of the male person.

High testosterone in men, its development with the main signs - irritability, aggression, increased hairiness, increased uncontrolled sexual desire, and so on. it is imperative to treat, and for this you should undergo a thorough examination by a specialist who will identify the reasons for the increase in the hormone in the blood.

Many doctors lower male testosterone levels with Magnesia, Nafarelin, Carbamazepine, Digoxin, Ketoconazole, etc.

In the treatment of hormonal acne in women, local and systemic therapies are used, aimed at the following processes:

• reducing the formation of sebum (retinoids and hormonal ointments and creams);
• removal of dead cells from the ducts of the skin glands (azelaic acid, Benzoyl peroxide);
• normalization of skin microbiocenosis (antibiotics);
• restoration of disturbed hormonal levels in the body (hormonal contraceptives).

The following medicines are used as external agents for mild and moderate severity of the disease:

• preparations with azelaic acid (Skinoren gel, Skinoklir, Azelik, Azix derm, Aknestop and others);
• retinoids (Adapalen, Adaklin, Adolen, Differin, Klenzit and others);
• to eliminate comedones - 1-2% alcohol solutions of clindamycin (Zerkalin), salicylic, boric acid, Resorcinol;
• zinc-containing ointments;
• Benzoyl peroxide, which has bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties.

Superficial peeling, mechanical cleaning of the face, photodynamic therapy are used as additional means of treatment and care. It is recommended to use special detergents with a pH close to the acidity of the skin.

In the treatment of moderate and severe inflammatory acne, external agents are used:

• Baziron gel;
• Baneocin powder;
• Differin cream;
• antibiotic ointments - erythromycin, tetracycline, lincomycin, gentamicin, clindamycin.

The following agents are used as systemic therapy:

• Combined oral contraceptives with antiandrogenic properties. They reduce the production of androgens and prevent their binding to skin receptors. With long-term use, these drugs can achieve a stable remission of hormonal acne.
• Systemic retinoids (Isotretinoin, Roaccutane, Acnecutane).
• Systemic antibiotics (Doxycycline, Clindamycin and others).
• Antiandrogens - cyproterone acetate (Androkur, Klimen, Chloe), Spironolactone, Flutamide, Finasteride.
• Corticosteroids for severe inflammation (Prednisolone).

Methods of taking "Diana - 35" for acne

Diane-35 contains a combination of ethinyl estradiol (35 mcg) with cyproterone acetate (2 mg). The drug is a monophasic oral contraceptive with an antiandrogenic effect.

Ethinylestradiol acts as an estrogen and cyproterone acetate as an antiandrogen. The latter, in addition to antiandrogenic action, has a pronounced antigonadotropic and progestogenic effect.

The drug is taken one tablet per day continuously for 21 days, preferably at the same time after breakfast or dinner.

Reception of each next package begins after a 7-day break, during which menstrual-like bleeding is observed. Usually, the first package of Diane-35 begins on the first day of the menstrual cycle (i.e., on the first day of menstrual bleeding).

Duration of application of Diane-35 is at least 9 months. In the sebaceous gland, the drug inhibits the synthesis of sebum, which makes it difficult for P. acnes to multiply.

Despite the positive effect of therapy in 70% of women with late manifestations of acne, relapses after cessation of therapy are also common - in almost 60% of patients.

There are other low-progestin contraceptives: norgestimate (Cilest), desogestrel (Marvelon), gestodene (Logest).

In combination with ethinylestradiol at low doses, they have a low androgenic potential. The drugs should be used for at least 6-9 cycles, and in women who have other manifestations of androgenism, such as hirsutism and / or androgenetic alopecia, more than 1 year.

Photo-7 Acne treatment

It is necessary to treat acne in a complex way. It is the doctor who will determine how to deal with them, what to do in this case, as well as what hormones caused them, and will be able to choose an effective treatment regimen. After the patient has passed tests for hormones, he is prescribed treatment.

Even with the normal course of natural changes in the body, hormonal acne should not be triggered. Doctors will always tell you how to treat these formations: a dermatologist, an endocrinologist and a gynecologist. These experts will determine exactly how to get rid of hormonal acne without harming your health.

Hormones and acne on the face are very often interconnected and doctors need to clearly determine the cause of the rash. For this, venous blood tests are needed. Having made such an analysis for hormones, the doctor determines the further course of treatment.

How to get rid of acne if hormones are in order?

Photo-9 How to get rid of acne

Attention! Not always the cause of acne is a hormonal imbalance in the body.

In this case, dysbacteriosis can be suspected. What drugs help, the gastroenterologist will determine. Properly selected diet and drugs for the stomach can also be effective. Often the cause of acne is the Demodex subcutaneous mite.

Acne Therapy

When hormonal acne is diagnosed in women, treatment involves an individual approach.Both systemic and local preparations are prescribed. Obligatory item is the observance of the acne toilet, as this allows you to reduce the time of treatment, dosage of drugs and improve skin condition.

The general principle of how to deal with acne is aimed at reducing the level of male hormones, or stimulating estrogen and treating the disease that provoked hormonal failure.

Hormonal pills for acne

Photo-8 Medicines for acne

Hormonal pills are prescribed in courses. It takes a lot of time to solve this problem. Self-medication is not worth it. This will leave scars on the face, but the pimples will not go away. The list of pills that help with acne includes antibiotics and some other remedies.

Attention! Cosmetics against acne gives only a temporary result

Hormonal ointments and acne cream

Acne treatment should be comprehensive. Therefore, the doctor prescribes not only antibiotics and hormones, but also ointments against acne. These tools are divided into several types:

• Antibiotic ointments. Erythromycin, levomekol, synthomycin. These ointments allow you to remove the inflammatory process. However, they are not always effective.
• hormonal ointments. These ointments have a stronger effect on the skin. They help to improve the metabolism in the skin and heal well. However, these drugs have contraindications and can cause an allergic reaction. Hormonal face cream can help, but only if used correctly.

It should be noted that it is impossible to self-medicate, even if we are talking about "harmless" acne. In addition, in order for the treatment to be effective, you need to undergo an examination and take tests.

Signs and consequences of hormonal excess

The results of increased testosterone in males - they have a lowered timbre of voice, a well-developed physical condition, they are distinguished by aggression, increased irritability, impulsiveness, and have many sexual contacts with different sexual partners. Such people can become alcoholics or drug addicts.

In males with an excess of testosterone, suicidal tendencies, increased hairiness of the entire surface of the body, severe acne, pimples, and purulent acne are noted. But the head, on the contrary, may have a complete absence of hair.

Increased testosterone is usually characterized by male bodybuilders, they increase muscle mass by using steroid drugs that disrupt androgen secretion.

The body of representatives of the strong half of humanity can begin to independently regulate the hormonal volume by lowering the process of its creation, the development of pathologies of the gonads is possible. Due to such a restructuring of internal processes, the inhibition of the functional of the testicles develops, namely atrophy, which then leads to infertility.

An excess of hormones provokes the development of various pathologies of the cardiovascular system, against their background, serious diseases may appear - heart attacks, thrombosis, arterial hypertension.

Is it bad to eat sweets?

There is another factor in the body that can cause local inflammation. It's insulin.

His production is directly related to the amount of glucose that he is forced to utilize. The more abundant glucose intake, the more insulin is produced, converting glucose into glycogen.

Excess glycogen is converted into fatty acids - triglycerides. An excessive amount of triglycerides, the body also needs to go somewhere, so the work of the sebaceous glands is enhanced, especially on the face, head, back and chest.

So, the body can respond to the abuse of sweets with the formation of acne and oily seborrhea of the head.

Nutrition for increased testosterone

If necessary, you can reduce testosterone levels by eating according to a certain diet, but only for a limited period of time, since prolonged abuse of such a diet can adversely affect health.

To lower testosterone production, you need to eat more salty foods, and foods high in phytoestrogens, which include linseed oil, red grapes, and soy. Phytoestrogens are female sex hormones that inhibit the secretion of testosterone.

It is recommended to drink infusions of clover and hops, full-fat milk, and eat eggs.

To reduce the testosterone content, it is necessary to completely exclude dishes and foods containing glucose and starch. The sugar contained in these dishes affects the body by increasing testosterone levels.

Also, high-testosterone men are not recommended to eat meat, which also stimulates the secretion of the male hormone

But you should not eat like this for a long time, since such a diet can provoke the development of many disorders and pathologies.