Management of Acne Vulgaris with Hormonal Therapies in Adult Female Patients

The 2015 review article discussed the use of hormonal therapies (HT) for treating acne vulgaris in adult women. It focused on noncontraceptive hormonal therapies (like spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, and flutamide) and hormonal contraceptives. The study found that flutamide at a low dosage of 62.5 mg daily or 1 mg/kg/day was safe and effective for treating acne vulgaris. Cyproterone acetate, which blocks testosterone receptors and decreases gonadotropin secretion, was also effective. HT was beneficial in reducing hormone imbalance and symptoms in acne patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO), a common cause of hyperandrogenemia. The review concluded that HT should be considered for patients with clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism and for cases of conventional therapy-resistant acne without hyperandrogenemia.