Every woman has to face with some things like bloating, cramping, mood swings and acne. It happens every month. Acne is considered to be influenced by hormones. However the researchers haven’t got any answer on this very subject – until now. 50% of all women suffer from female hormonal acne, which intensifies at the last week before menstruation – as it was recognized by recent researches.
Unfortunately, typical female hormonal acne treatment products, such as systemic or topical antibiotics and retinoids aren’t always effective against female hormonal acne. Your doctor will be able to identify if your acne is hormonally-influenced and recommend female hormonal acne treatment products by the following clues:
- The character of acne is temporary and the breakout occurs for the first time.
- Acne breakouts during the last week before the period;
- A record of abnormal monthly periods;
- You get an oily skin
- Hirsutism (hair in improper places, too strong hair growth);
- The levels of certain androgens are increased
Female hormonal acne starts at the age of 20-25, sometimes it is topical for teens and at times mature women may have it. The lower part of their face (the jaw or the chin) can be damaged. It has been noticed that most women have pimples on their face. However, some women suffer from female hormonal acne on their back or chest. Usually female hormonal acne is represented with single inflammatory papules, small inflammatory pimples, and regular comedones. But what is the reason of it?
At the age of nine (before adolescence) dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), an androgen, is produced by the adrenal glands. In the beginning of puberty some “male” hormones, such as dehydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone, step in to act in a woman body, stimulating excessive secretion of sebum (the natural oil of skin) by the sebaceous glands.
So, it is not unusual for teens, especially boys, to have acne problems. It is obvious that boys suffer from acne more because of the “male” hormones. As we know the hormones in teenagers are in a permanent state of flux that is why it is very challenging to treat teen acne. However, first-line treatments can provide the result. For example topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide supported by an oral antibiotic can lead to a good result. However, most often these medications, even coupled with an oral antibiotic, do not provide a long-term remedy for treating acne in teenagers because of the hormonal changes. Frequent adjustments to courses of treatment are often necessary.
Some women still have to use female hormonal acne treatment products in their adulthood. Female hormonal acne usually get worse before their period. You can ask why this happen. If a woman isn’t taking any kind of hormonal pills to prevent pregnancy, the estrogen levels will be at the middle during a normal menstrual cycle, then it will be lower while nearing the period. After ovulation takes place, a female body starts producing progesterone, the hormone, the role of which is to stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more skin oil. And more skin oil means more female hormonal acne.
Pregnant women can also require female hormonal acne treatment products and here hormones are also responsible. Elevated level of oil can appear during the third trimester as well as frequent breakouts. Menopause is also a dangerous time for female hormonal acne because level of estrogen decreases and testosterone remains the major hormone.
Female hormonal acne that develops during menstruation does not disappear without medical help. You should consult the dermatologist and choose female hormonal acne treatment products if you wish to get rid of it. You should trust only the best herbal acne products if you want to avoid side effects associated with low-quality medicines.
Dr. Jerry K is the founder and CEO of YourWebDoc.com, part of a team of more than 30 experts. Dr. Jerry K is not a medical doctor but holds a degree of Doctor of Psychology; he specializes in family medicine and sexual health products. During the last ten years Dr. Jerry K has authored a lot of health blogs and a number of books on nutrition and sexual health.