The major culprit in the cause of acne, a skin disorder is the hormone androgen. Increased secretion of androgens promotes the secretion of sebum from skin pores which causes clogging of the pores. This is aggravated by the dirt and dust that cause swelling of the pimple. Increased secretion of androgens in teenagers is the cause for teenage acne in most of the males. Thus, any therapy that aims at regulating the secretion of androgens gives positive results. Here is a discussion on how hormonal therapy gives satisfactory results in treating acne.

Hormones play a great role in controlling various metabolic activities. This high efficiency of hormones is made use in treating various diseases. Let’s see the role of hormone therapy in controlling acne. Before going for hormonal therapy it is suggested to rule out any disorders of adrenal, pituitary glands or ovaries. Hormonal therapy works for only healthy women. Hormonal treatment is the most preferred method to treat acne that has been for a very long time. It is suggested to use hormonal therapy only under medical supervision.

Oral contraceptives are used to treat acne. These pills regulate the balance between various female sex hormones and thereby control the extent of oil production by sebaceous glands. They reduce the amount of free testosterone and hence regulate acne. However, the use of these pills is associated with certain side effects like nausea, vomiting, weight gain, headaches like migraine, mood changes and hair loss. Female sex hormones estrogens and progesterone that generally constitute the oral contraceptives regulate the secretion of androgens, a hormone that plays role in cause of acne. These pills are considered to be safe and this method of treating acne is approved by FDA. Oral contraceptives used to control acne are a combination of progesterone and a form of estrogens. But these pose the risk of blood clots and are not recommended for people with history of blood clots. It is not suggested for people who smoke and to those with high blood pressure. Other risks factors associated with increased use of oral contraceptives to treat acne include breast cancer and aggravated liver diseases.

Another set of hormonal drugs that are used in treatment of acne include oral corticosteroids. Corticosteroids that are similar to adrenal secretions reduce the extent of swelling of pimples. These drugs act by regulating the secretion of androgens. Side effects associated with these drugs include obesity and bone loss.

Anti-androgens are drugs with dual action of regulating the secretion of androgens and also restricting the intake of the hormones by cells. They even control the extent of sebum production and comedone formation. Anti-androgens can be used along with other acne treatments to have a booster effect. Some of the anti-androgens used to treat acne include spironolactone and flutamide. Side effects include breast tenderness and irregular menstrual cycle.

It is suggested to take care of acne at the initial stage and should not try to rupture the pimples to avoid scarring that takes very long to reduce.

Jonathan Pitts

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