Acne and Hormones

The role of hormones in acne vulgaris has been verified as a contributing factor to the development of pimples. While there is a direct link between hormone levels and acne, medical scientists still argue that hormones alone cannot be responsible for acne and other factors have to be taken into consideration. Acne development during puberty and in certain hormonal disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome highlight the integral role of hormones in acne vulgaris.

Acne affects both males and females more often in puberty than any other stage in life. The increased production of male sex hormones (androgens) in the body stimulate the growth and activity of the sebaceous glands. Often referred to as 'oil', sebum travels up hair follicles to the exterior of the skin. This often causes the 'oily skin' appearance associated with puberty. The sebum may trap bacteria, dust and other residue and cause a blockage of the pore. The inflammatory process associated with this blockage and any complication by a bacterial infection results in what we typically refer to as a pimple.

The Effects of Hormones on Acne in Males

In young males, the adrenal glands begin to secrete DHEAS (dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate) around the time of puberty. This hormone precursor gives rise to two other hormones, namely testosterone and dehydrotestosterone (DHT) which jointly act on the body during adolescence. These hormones are essential for normal and healthy development of the adult male. However they often contribute to increased sebum production resulting in the development of pimples. The increased concentration of androgens in males is one of the main reasons for the higher incidence of acne vulgaris in teenage boys.

The Effects of Hormones on Acne in Females

Menstruation and the cycle of the female hormones, primarily estrogen, is a contributing factor to acne in females. Minute amounts of androgens, male sex hormones, are also present in the female body and affect the onset and severity of acne. Contraceptives may assist with stabilizing the hormone levels in females and reducing the development of pimples. The use of contraceptives for the management of acne vulgaris is not advisable but can greatly assist with hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Acne often develops in other episodes of life when there are hormonal fluctuations as in pregnancy and menopause.

Due to the fluctuating hormone levels, teenage acne can be difficult to manage in both males and females. Infected pimples should be treated with topical or short courses of oral antibiotics but the problem will often persist due to the role of hormones in the teen years. As the hormone levels stabilize in the late teens and early adulthood, acne usually reduces in severity or resolves. Evidence suggests that other hormonal disorders can contribute to acne either directly or indirectly by its effects on the sex hormones. Stress, anxiety and depression are known to affect acne at any age. Counseling and stress management can prove to be effective in managing the mental-emotional disorder and ultimately assist with acne.

There is a definitive relationship between the hormones, primarily the sex hormones, and acne and in the teens, this contributing factor cannot be removed. Conservative management of acne under the supervision of a dermatologist may be advisable until the specific period is passed. Teen acne is often a skin condition with significant psychosocial impact due to the emotional vulnerability of the teenage years but it is important to understand that teenage acne will resolve with the coming years.

An interesting resource is Health Talk for more advice on acne and other skin diseases.