We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Hormonal Acne?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,827
Share

Hormonal acne is the development of skin blemishes in association with hormone imbalances. People often develop acne during puberty, when their hormones are fluctuating, and as their hormone levels settle, the condition should resolve. In some adults, the acne persists, and differences in hormone levels can be a cause, although there may be other reasons as well. Treatment of hormonal acne can incorporate a number of options, depending on the patient.

In cases of acne caused by hormone imbalances, the body overproduces oil in its oil glands, leading to an increased risk of comedones and irritated skin. Hormonal acne often appears on the face, but it can show up anywhere on the body, and sometimes it may cause very deep scarring, especially if the patient picks at it.

Conservative treatments for hormonal acne include skin care regimens designed to dry the skin, keep the pores clear, and suppress oil production. Over-the-counter products, as well as prescriptions, are available for this. If these measures are not successful, more aggressive medications may be needed. A patient can also be evaluated for an underlying endocrine problem to see if that is causing the acne, and other symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and nausea. Sometimes, hormone therapy or suppression may be needed to resolve a medical issue, and this can address the acne as well.

Women are more at risk of developing hormonal acne than men. Pregnant women often experience skin problems as their hormone levels shift during the pregnancy, and acne is also associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition also known to increase hair production and cause women to gain weight. In women who develop acne without a prior history and know they are not pregnant, it may be advisable to consult a doctor for evaluation to see if the acne is a warning sign of a more serious hormone imbalance.

Hormonal acne can be frustrating for patients, as they are often told to wait and see if the problem resolves on its own. Medications for acne management are available, and patients who are experiencing distress as a result of their skin problems may want to ask about aggressive treatment options if commonsense steps for skin care do not help. In most cases, dermatologists or skin care specialists can provide a patient with access to more treatment options, as well as sympathetic treatment, as doctors who specialize in treating the skin are sensitive to aesthetic concerns about acne.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-hormonal-acne.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.