Can Hormones Cause Acne?

If you’ve ever gone from clear skin to blemishes in what seems like no time, you’ve probably wondered what kinds of factors contribute to acne.

Do you think hormones are to blame? If you are a teenager, a woman, or even an adult, you could be right to blame hormones for your oily, unpredictable skin.

Women and Acne

Women are especially susceptible to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, the starting and stopping of birth control pills, or those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, it is not a universal condition. Some women find that their acne clear and their skin is brighter during pregnancy. Others don’t see a difference whatsoever.

The reason that women are more likely to be affected by acne in terms of hormones is because low levels of estrogen, coupled with high levels of androgen hormones, can cause the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum.

Teenagers and Acne

Teen acne generally begins between the ages of ten and thirteen. The most common progression starts on the nose, and then spreads to the forehead, chin, and cheeks. In more severe cases, acne may affect the neck, shoulders, chest, back and upper arms.

Hormones released at the onset of puberty are responsible for the appearance of acne during the teen years. These hormones stimulate the skin’s sebaceous, or oil glands, creating an oily skin that is more prone to pore blockages and breakouts.

Treatment

While pregnant and nursing women should always consult a physician before undergoing any kind of serious treatment, up to 40% of the teenagers who have acne are eligible for prescription-strength treatment.

Most acne is curable, but it is better to get to the source of the acne and control the hormones rather than just treat the skin with harsh chemicals. There are pills and treatments that deal with hormones, but you should always be aware of side-effects.

Conclusion

If you are a teenager or a women going through any of those conditions and you have acne, you might consider trying a hormone-based acne pill. Most topical treatments are designed to dry out your skin and reduce the oil. In fact, many people do more harm than good when they use too much of a concentrated product or switch products often.

A safer alternative might involve talking to a dermatologist or doing some research to find an alternative that lets you control oil production and have clearer, smoother skin.