Systematic Treatment With Sex Hormones in Dermatology

February 1976 in “ PubMed ”

H Zaun

TLDR Sex hormone therapy is effective for certain skin conditions like acne and seborrhea, but less so for female hair loss and excessive hair growth.

In 1976, dermatologists critically evaluated sex hormone (SH) therapy due to the removal of a group of hormonal contraceptives from the market. These contraceptives were used in treating skin diseases due to their antiandrogenic side effects. SH therapy was found to be effective in treating hormonally induced skin disorders, such as those involving oil or endocrine secretion, and hair growth. It was indicated for the treatment of female acne, with a 70% success rate reported after 2-6 months of intensive therapy. It was also effective for seborrhoea, with a 90% success rate reported after 1-3 months of intensive treatment. However, the results were limited for female androgenic alopecia and hirsutism. It was recommended that patients with skin disorders avoid any androgen-effective oral contraceptives, even for birth control purposes, due to potential androgenic aftereffects. The 2-phased Eunomin with chlormadinone was one recommended hormonal antiandrogenic preparation available at that time.

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research Acne: Hormonal Concepts and Therapy

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.

research Systematic Treatment With Sex Hormones in Dermatology

February 1976 in “PubMed”

Sex hormone therapy is effective for certain skin conditions like acne and seborrhea, but less so for female hair loss and excessive hair growth.