The Link Between Acne & Hormones
It is common for us to experience a variety of skin disorders, such as acne and pimples, among others. In one study amongst women who are above the age of 20, it has been revealed that 50% of women aged 20-29 are affected by acne, while its prevalence amongst women who are aged 40-49 is still at 25%. Aside from puberty and menopause, there are many factors that can be blamed, including but not limited to pollution and the dirt that gets trapped on the surface of our skin. In some cases, if you are taking medications, its side effects can include skin disorders, and your diet can be instrumental too. In this article, the discussion will be focused on one of the most commonly pinpointed cause of acne and other skin problems, hormones.
The Link Between Acne and Your Period
Acne breakout amongst women is most commonly associated with menstruation. An average menstrual cycle would be 28 days and in each day, there is a different hormonal activity that can show different effects on your skin. When there is an increase in the level of progesterone, which is typically experienced on the second half of the menstrual cycle, it is common to experience swelling of the skin. More so, if you have a high level of testosterone during your period, sebum production can be increased. In some cases, this can be a good thing as this can lead into having a glowing skin. In other instances, however, this is dreaded as it leads into the increase in bacteria that cause acne breakout.
While some might think that menstrual acne is nothing but a matter of hygiene, it is a myth that should be debunked. It is more of an internal effect. This, however, does not mean that taking care of your skin is no longer necessary. The use of certain skincare products can still prove to be helpful as it can minimize the undesirable effects of changes in your hormones.
The Link Between Acne and Menopause
During menopause, hormonal levels become imbalanced. In the years leading up to menopause, these hormonal levels will fluctuate before they finally begin to taper off and decrease at a steadier pace. The two primary hormones that contribute to menopausal acne, particularly in women who experienced severe acne issues during puberty, are estrogen and androgen.During menopause, a relative increase in androgens occurs just as estrogens begin to fluctuate and deplete. When these androgens cannot be converted into estrogens as effectively, they begin to manifest on the skin as acne.
Depending on the type of acne you have (mild, moderate, or cystic), your treatment options will vary. For women with mild acne, topical ointments, adjustments in diet, and even just changing the pillowcase more often can help reduce it. For women with moderate to cystic forms of acne, prescription-strength medications may yield more benefits. However, menopausal acne can be affected by factors other than changes in hormones which requires individualized discussion in a one-on-one consultation session.
Signs That Your Hormones Are The Reason
Again, it should be pointed out that not all skin disorders are caused by your hormones. There are four key considerations that will help you determine if it is caused by hormones or by other external factors. One would be timing. In most cases, the peak of acne breakout would be a week during menstrual cycle or going through menopause. The location of the skin problem should be also looked at. If it is located in the jawline or beneath the cheekbones, it is most likely a result of acne. The specific appearance of the acne, specifically its shape, will also be a critical factor. If they are cystic and deep, there is a higher probability that it can be linked to your hormones. Lastly, if you have used topical treatments but they do not prove to be effective, this is one of the most obvious indications that the problem does not originate from the surface of the skin but internally, which means it is because of hormonal imbalance.
What Can Be Done
If you are worried that your skin disorder is a result of hormonal imbalance, it would be best to seek help from an expert. While most would run to their dermatologist, an ob-gyn can be more useful. Hormonal testing can be done to properly determine the root cause of acne, especially if it is accompanied by excessive facial hair, abnormal menstrual period, and deeper voice than normal. You may need to evaluate the birth control method you are using and see if it is a reason for the problem. There are some birth control methods that can be blamed for such, but it is hard to generalize in the absence of professional consultation. In most cases, just a few modifications with your lifestyle may be effective. Increasing intake of vegetables and fruits that are good for the skin can be suggested. There are also oral contraceptives and topical retinoid that may be prescribed, specifically those that are approved by the FDA. At the end of the day, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach in the treatment of acne that results from hormonal imbalance. Each treatment approach should be tailor-fitted to the needs of the individual.
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Introducing About Afsi
Afsanah Felsher, MS, NBC-HWC, is dedicated to helping individuals find their way to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life, grounded in the science of sound nutrition, structured exercise, and balanced hormones.
If you or someone you care for suffers from stress and or anxiety, if you or they struggle to achieve balance between work and home, are continuously connected to a place of work and consequently suffer from insomnia, restlessness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and or skin issues; if you or they struggle to shed excess weight, then look no further than AFSI Health, where your symptoms are not simply recognized, but respected and treated with care by finding the root cause.
