Hormonal Acne Symptoms

Acne is rated among one of the most common skin problems, not just in the United States, but all around the world. Although people would want to believe, that acne is a teenage phenomena, however, there are a number of adults, who suffer from acne as well. Such acne is often hormonal acne. Majority of people in the age group 20 to 30 years suffer from either mild to moderate form of acne. Such acne is often very frustrating, as we all expect it to be left behind, when we leave school. We will see the symptoms, along with causes and how to get rid of hormonal acne as well.

Hormonal Acne Causes

The causes of acne will help us in getting rid of the problem at the earliest. There are many reasons, which can cause hormones to go topsy-turvy. One of the causes is, secretion of hormone androgens. This leads to over production of oil by the body. The oil forms a layer on the skin, which is more prone to breakouts. Such condition is seen around menopause, ovulation, pregnancy and, in some cases, also during menstruation in women. Polycystic ovary syndrome is also known to cause the hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance in women should be treated in time, else it can aggravate the condition.

The other cause of hormonal fluctuations can be medication. Birth control treatments, along with hormonal therapies, steroids, can cause acne breakout. In some cases, these treatments can give rise to different diseases as well. In some cases, acne problems are related to the genes as well. If there is a history of acne in your family, then you should be able to nail the problem by now.

Hormonal Acne Symptoms

Hormones and acne indeed go hand in hand. The symptoms of hormonal acne are:

• If you notice acne at a particular time in your menstrual cycle, then it may be related to hormones. You may notice acne outbreak during ovulation or during menstruation.
• If you are under a lot of emotional stress, then chances are high that your hormones are playing up and giving rise to acne.
• If you suffer from severe case of hormonal imbalance, then chances are high that you will suffer from absent or irregular menstruation along with acne.
• Some women also suffer from facial hair growth. The areas affected are often the top of lip, on the chin and/or side of the face.
• Change in voice, related to hormonal imbalance and acne, may be one of the other symptoms, which may be seen.
• Darkened skin around skin folds is a common phenomena associated with hormonal imbalance.

How to Control Hormonal Acne

Often, hormonal acne treatment depends on other factors accompanying this condition. If there is a history of ovary disease, pituitary or adrenal glands or diabetes, the line of treatment will differ accordingly. One of the oldest hormonal acne cures is the use of oral contraceptive pills. Often estrogen - progesterone combination pills are prescribed. However, a low dose pill is prescribed for the same. The duration of taking these pills will depend on a number of other factors. At the same time, it is important to note that these pills can give rise to a number of other problems like weight gain, nausea, etc.

If hormonal imbalance is caused due to problems with the adrenal glands, then corticosteroids are prescribed. They are anti-inflammatory drugs, which help in suppressing androgen production. These drugs are also helpful in reducing inflammation related to severe acne. Like oral contraceptives, corticosteroids also have side effects. They are also known to cause weight gain, as well as bone thinning.

The third line of treatment includes anti-androgens. They help in suppressing androgen production in the ovaries, as well as the adrenal glands. These are also able to block androgen reception by the cells in the sebaceous glands, which in turn is able to stop acne formation. Irregular menses, breast tenderness, are some side effects of these drugs. Along with these treatments, in some cases, natural acne cures are of immense help as well.

We have just seen the causes of hormonal acne, along with hormonal acne symptoms and cures. It is important not to self assess and self treat this condition. It is better to seek medical attention to avoid any further complications. Along with hormonal acne, if you suffer from any other problem, then treatment for the same should be considered as well.