TLDR Hormones, especially androgens, play a big role in acne, but most acne sufferers don't have a hormone disorder. Hormonal treatments, including birth control pills, can be very effective for women whose acne doesn't improve with regular treatments.
In 2004, Diane Thiboutot's research paper "Acne: Hormonal Concepts and Therapy" explored the role of hormones in acne development and the potential of hormonal therapy. The study found that hormones, particularly androgens, significantly influence acne, but most acne patients do not have an endocrine disorder. Hyperandrogenism was considered in female patients with severe acne, sudden onset, or associated with hirsutism or irregular menstrual periods. The study also discovered that most women with acne have normal serum androgen levels but respond to hormonal therapy. Hormonal therapy options included androgen receptor blockers, inhibitors of androgen production by the ovary or adrenal gland, and oral contraceptives. The paper also debunked the myth of antibiotic interaction reducing oral contraceptive efficacy. The study concluded that hormonal therapy, including oral contraceptives, is an excellent option for treating women whose acne is not responding to conventional therapy.
233 citations,
November 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Creating stronger blockers for skin enzymes might lead to better treatment for conditions like acne and excessive hair growth.
196 citations,
May 2001 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Sebocytes play a key role in controlling androgen levels in human skin.
82 citations,
January 2000 in “Hormone Research in Paediatrics” DHEA stimulates skin oil glands and could help postmenopausal women, with potential for acne and excessive hair growth treatments.
45 citations,
September 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” The enzyme 17β-HSD type 2 mainly performs oxidation in human sebaceous glands, which may help protect against acne.
416 citations,
September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.
36 citations,
November 1995 in “Clinical endocrinology” Low-dose flutamide helps reduce excessive hair growth and is even more effective with birth control, without bad effects on blood fats.
118 citations,
September 2004 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Hormones, especially androgens, play a big role in acne, but most acne sufferers don't have a hormone disorder. Hormonal treatments, including birth control pills, can be very effective for women whose acne doesn't improve with regular treatments.
