Acne, the most common skin disease in the United States, most often plagues teenagers, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In fact, some 85 percent of teens, along with many adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s, get pimples each year. It's not clear why acne develops, but AAD researchers believe hormones play a large role. Fortunately, standard acne remedies can treat hormonally driven acne, and women with hormonally driven acne have another treatment option--oral contraceptives.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, three factors contribute to pimple formation. First, surging hormones or hormonal fluctuations drive the skin's sebaceous glands to produce too much sebum, or oil. At the same time, the skin sheds skin cells at an irregular rate, which causes irritation of delicate pores and hair follicles. The skin cells combine with excess sebum and proceed to clog the pores. Once the pores are blocked, bacteria can grow behind the blockages, and infection sets in.
Function
Even in young adults, especially in women, hormonal changes can exacerbate existing acne or cause a new flare-up of pimples. Hormonal fluctuations are common in women right before their menstrual periods, in pregnant women and in women who suffer from a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which causes menstrual irregularities, facial hair growth and infertility along with acne.
Treatments
Even if you believe hormonal changes are driving your acne, your dermatologist likely will want start with tried-and-true acne remedies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Over-the-counter acne medications that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid might help to control your pimples, but if they don't work well on your acne, your dermatologist may want to prescribe topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin and antibiotics.
Expert Insight
Oral contraceptives work to stop acne breakouts by moderating hormonal fluctuations. Most physicians reserve oral contraceptives for women whose acne doesn't respond to preferred first-line treatments. In addition, oral contraceptives aren't suitable for everyone--women who are older than 35, who smoke, or who have a history of migraine, cancer or high blood pressure likely shouldn't take birth control pills, the Mayo Clinic warns. Three brands of birth control pills--Yaz, Estrostep and Ortho Tri-Cyclen--hold U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to treat acne, but other brands of pills may be equally effective.
Considerations
Regardless of what treatment you use for your hormonally induced acne, clearing your pimples will take time. With most topical prescription medications, you'll begin to see results within a few weeks or more. Oral contraceptives take even longer to work--often several months or more--and your acne might get worse before it gets better. Acne can be stubborn to treat, and persistence is key to successful treatment of hormonally induced acne.
Member Comments