Hormone Therapy in Acne
January 2013
in “
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
”
hormone therapy acne androgens sebum production PCOS CAH androgen receptor blockers oral contraceptives spironolactone cyproterone acetate drospirenone flutamide low-dose glucocorticoids GnRH agonists 5α-reductase inhibitors hyperandrogenism metformin polycystic ovary syndrome congenital adrenal hyperplasia birth control pills Aldactone Androcur Yaz Eulexin glucocorticoids gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors Glucophage
TLDR Hormonal treatment is effective for women with acne not helped by usual treatments, especially if they have hormonal imbalances.
The document from 2013 reviews the effectiveness of hormone therapy in treating acne, particularly in cases resistant to standard treatments and potentially linked to hormonal imbalances. It highlights that acne, affecting about 33% of individuals aged 15 to 44, is influenced by androgens which stimulate sebum production. Hormonal therapy is beneficial even for female patients without elevated serum androgen levels. Conditions like PCOS and CAH, which involve hormonal imbalances, often present with acne. The review details various hormonal treatments, including androgen receptor blockers, oral contraceptives, and drugs that inhibit androgen production. It also notes the impact of diet on acne and the importance of diagnosing the source of androgen excess for tailored treatment. Specific drugs discussed include spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, drospirenone, flutamide, low-dose glucocorticoids, GnRH agonists, and 5α-reductase inhibitors, along with their dosages, combinations, and side effects. The document concludes that hormonal treatment should be considered for women with acne unresponsive to conventional treatments, particularly in the presence of hyperandrogenism, and recommends metformin for obese teenagers with PCOS to improve symptoms and restore normal menstrual cycles.
