Hormone Imbalance and Acne

Medical evaluation for acne is the first essential step to treat acne

Acne can be caused by underlying medical issues. Dr. Shafa’s experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology gives her the unique ability to evaluate each patient from inside and out. Ask for an appointment to be evaluated medically before beginning treatment for acne.

After a medical evaluation, you may need treatment for the underlying diseases or conditions, such as a hormonal imbalance, which may be the cause of your acne. Here are a few examples of how hormonal imbalance can cause acne.

What type of hormone imbalance can cause acne?

  • Increased testosterone production for females or males can be associated with acne and excessive facial hair growth
  • Irregular monthly periods can be due to lack of ovulation, leading to hormonal imbalance and acne
  • Polycystic ovarian disease can be the cause of acne, facial hair growth, and weight gain
  • Hormonal imbalance during puberty or menopause can lead to acne with or without mood swings
  • Acne can be the first sign of androgen-secreting tumors

The above are included but are not limited to the possible underlying medical causes of acne that need to be evaluated.

Hormone Treatment for Acne

Acne can be one of the first presenting signs of the overproduction of androgens. We are able to check your hormones (including testosterone level) by blood test. However, the level of testosterone may or may not be elevated, even though acne can be related to testosterone.

Hormone Treatment for Females

Certain treatments can be a great tool for female patients with acne since we have a few options to control testosterone levels for females. The treatments are listed below:

  • Birth control pills (Stops ovarian androgen) and
  • Spironolactone (Blocks androgen receptors)

These treatments cannot be used for male patients because we do not want to hinder testosterone production, especially in young males.

Hormone Treatment for Males and Females

Other options for any gender to balance hormones may be indicated if there is such an underlying disease such as:

  • Steroids (stops adrenal gland androgens)
  • Removing hormone-producing tumors
  • Identifying and avoiding digestion of products with hormone effect(s)

 

Other Treatments

Acne Surgery | Acne Home Therapy | Accutane or Isotretinoin | Topical Treatment for Acne | Acne Scar Overview | Acne Scar Correction with TCA | Acne Scar Leveling with Plasma Laser and Steroid Injection | Fractional CO2 Laser for Acne Scar | Subcision for Acne Scars Removal | Scar Excision – A Good Choice for Deeper Scars | Acne Before and After

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