What hormones to donate for acne in women. What hormones to hand over for acne. Why are hormone tests prescribed for acne?

Acne (pimples, acne) is a common problem. The diagnosis is usually made without testing, however, additional research methods are still needed to choose a treatment strategy.

The patient's approach to acne treatment is largely determined by the severity of the current stage of acne. Often, in order for acne to disappear, there are enough simple external remedies that eliminate acne and improve skin condition, as well as general health measures (healthy eating, hygiene, reducing stress levels, etc.). However, if acne is severe, or the above methods have been tried, but did not give the desired result, then an analysis is necessary. Only additional tests for acne help find the root cause of acne.

What tests are taken for acne and acne?

When asked what tests to take for acne and acne, the following categories are usually indicated:

· Hormonal analyzes;

· blood chemistry;

· Ultrasound and X-ray.

Skin analysis for acne

It is advisable to take skin tests for acne before starting treatment. The simplest option for an analysis for acne, which is often started, is a microscopic examination of a skin scraping carried out by a dermatologist.

It allows you to identify the presence of demodex - a subcutaneous tick, after which the appropriate adjustments are made to the treatment program. However, this is not the most common cause of acne. If the analysis of the scraping reveals any other disorders of the skin microflora, then the treatment should be concentrated in this direction (in the absence of other indications).

As part of the analysis of the microflora of the skin in the treatment of acne and acne, it is possible to test the antibiotic sensitivity of the pathogenic flora. This is done in case of ineffectiveness of previously prescribed antibiotic therapy. Fortunately, it is extremely rare to resort to this analysis, since today in the arsenal of a dermatologist there are drugs, the sensitivity to which in Propionibacterium acnes is extremely high. It is much more expedient to empirically use highly effective tetracycline antibiotics for moderate and severe acne, which makes it possible to halve the number of inflammatory rashes in 6 weeks than to wait for a long time for the results of an analysis of the skin microflora culture and only then start choosing an antibiotic to get rid of acne.

Hormone tests for acne

Hormone tests are one of the most important in determining the cause of acne, since it is hormonal imbalance that is one of the main causes of acne. So, an increase in the level of androgens during puberty very often provokes acne, and if the tests confirm the imbalance, then the treatment plan must take into account the possibility of its correction.

A hormone test for acne will be mandatory if the following factors are present:

· Relatively late onset of acne (the patient is over 20 years old);

· Manifestation of clinical signs of hyperandrogenism in women - a disorder caused by an increase in the activity of male hormones (often manifested as hirsutism);

· Irregular monthly cycle;

· Manifestations of acanthosis black (a type of skin hyperpigmentation);

· overweight.

All of these factors indicate hormonal imbalance and require detailed analysis to eliminate the true cause of acne.

For women, taking tests for hormones with acne should be submitted on the 5-7th day of the menstrual cycle (counting from the first day of the onset of menstruation). This test checks the level of the following hormones: LH, FSH, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, estradiol, prolactin, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dehydrotestosterone, thyroid hormones, and sex hormone-binding globulin. After that, on the 21-23th day of the menstrual cycle, the patient with acne should re-test the progesterone level.

If the above tests revealed any problems that caused acne, then an additional examination of the patient with acne is necessary: \u200b\u200ban ultrasound of the pelvic organs (the study is carried out on the 5-7th day of the cycle), which makes it possible to exclude or confirm polycystic ovary syndrome, the presence of neoplasms or inflammation appendages.

If there are abnormalities in the analysis of hormones in patients with acne of both sexes, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound examination of the adrenal glands, and in men also the genitals - of the prostate and testicles. In addition, in case of acne, to exclude a tumor process in the adrenal glands and pituitary gland, it is possible to take an X-ray of the sella turcica and adrenal glands, but this is done only if the hormone tests do not correspond to the norm.

Blood test for acne

An important indicator of health in acne is a biochemical blood test. It takes into account the following indicators: bilirubin, glucose, ALT, cholesterol, creatinine, triglycerides, urea, alkaline phosphatase. This blood test can detect a wide range of acne-related problems, including chronic inflammation, bowel or liver problems, and other internal diseases. If abnormalities in the blood test are found, it is necessary to consult an appropriate specialist who will work in parallel with a dermatologist, helping to eliminate the true cause of acne.

Thus, careful diagnosis and testing for acne and acne are the key to successful acne treatment.

What tests for hormones for acne do you need to take and is it worth doing? This question is asked by many people suffering from moderate to severe acne. There is a direct link between the level of certain hormones and skin condition.Very often, the skin reacts violently to a hormonal surge in the body.

There are many reasons for the appearance of acne, one of which lies in the changes in hormonal levels. If the cause of acne is precisely in hormones, such rashes are called hormonal.

Very often, dermatologists and cosmetologists refer their patients to hormone tests if no methods of dealing with acne help. Many patients wonder if they need to be tested for acne. To do this, one should understand how hormones affect the human body, including the development of acne.

First of all, we are talking about the level of hormones. If a system (organ) malfunctions in the body, this can lead to fluctuations in the level of hormones. At the same time, the activity of the sebaceous glands changes, the secretion secreted by them becomes thicker, which complicates its exit from the sebaceous ducts. As a result, the secretion accumulates in the sebaceous ducts, which causes inflammation.

Therefore, if visits to a dermatologist or cosmetologist do not give the desired effect, it makes sense to examine the state of organs and body systems, which can lead to a violation of hormonal levels. These include:

• cortex;
• endocrine glands;
• adrenal glands;
• hypothalamus;
• ovaries, etc.

A failure of one of the systems can cause acne in both women and men, regardless of age.

Acne in adolescents

A close relationship between hormones and skin condition is evident in adolescents. It is the rapid hormonal surge that is the main cause of acne at this age.

In particular, an increased level of androgens leads to a dermatological problem. It is they who actively stimulate the production of sebum, which subsequently clogs the ducts of the sebaceous glands and provokes the appearance of acne. Both girls and young adults have increased levels of androgens during puberty.

In addition, the situation can be burdened by heredity. If one of the parents or both of them suffered from acne at a young age, then their child is likely to develop the disease. Therefore, during the period of puberty of a son or daughter, parents should be very careful about this.

Hormonal acne in women

Not only teenagers, but also young women can develop acne due to hormonal disruption. There are frequent cases when in adolescence a girl had clear skin on her face, and after 25 years, acne suddenly begins to appear rapidly.

For most women, the appearance of acne depends on the menstrual cycle. In some women, pimples may appear several days before the onset of menstruation, in others during menstruation, and in others within a few days after it. Everything is individual. The reason for the appearance of rashes during menstruation lies in the change in the level of steroid hormones. The skin is very sensitive to their increase.

If a woman is not predisposed to acne, then during this period she may have several inflamed elements on her face, which quickly pass on their own and do not require any treatment. But if a woman is prone to developing acne, then the situation can be much more serious than 2-3 pimples.

If such rashes appear in a girl, this can hardly be called a cause for concern.

In the case of such rashes in a woman aged 28 years and older, you need to pay close attention to your health and undergo a comprehensive examination. In most cases, hormonal acne at this age has serious causes.

Among them:

• polycystic ovary;
• inflammatory processes.

These diseases always cause hormonal imbalances. Another reason is abortion, in which a colossal failure of the woman's hormonal system also occurs. Sometimes acne appears during pregnancy, when hormones also change. However, such a picture is rather rare.

What tests need to be taken

If the appearance of acne has a clearly hormonal cause, it is necessary to pass hormone tests.

Otherwise, visits to a beautician can be endless and fruitless.

Of course, it's not enough just to go to the laboratory and have a blood test for hormones. A comprehensive examination is required.

So, you need to consult an endocrinologist, and women must visit a gynecologist. A blood test is just a link in this chain, albeit a very important one.

The purpose of the hormone test is to determine which hormones contribute to the uncontrolled development of acne.

The picture will be different in each case. However, some hormones are known to be the most common culprit for skin problems.

What hormones trigger acne

There are 2 hormones, an increase in the level of which leads to the development of acne most often.

Steroid hormones

In particular, we are talking about androgens. The most common cause of acne in adolescents is an increase in androgens. These are male hormones that are also present in women. In adolescents, their level rises sharply, which is the trigger mechanism for starting chemical reactions, as a result of which sebocytes, that is, secretory cells of the sebaceous glands, are intensively produced.

This, in turn, increases the amount of sebum secreted with a very thick consistency. Sebum clogs the ducts, which causes acne. First, microcomedones appear, which eventually transform into open or closed comedones. These plugs prevent subcutaneous fat from flowing out unhindered. Therefore, it remains in the ducts in which propionic bacteria begin to multiply.

In fact, they are always present in the sebaceous glands, but do not manifest themselves. If they begin to multiply vigorously, then they provoke the development of acne and other inflammatory elements. For example, abscesses are also their consequence. The hair follicle expands under the influence of bacteria and can rupture, as a result of which an abscess appears.

Testosterone

It is a male sex hormone that is produced in both men and women. In this case, the influence of genetics is great, since the hormonal background and skin characteristics of the parent (or parents) are copied. Thus, the type of skin and its reactions are inherited by humans.

The higher the testosterone level, the higher the risk of skin problems such as acne, etc.

What other indicators are important

In laboratory research, several more indicators are taken into account:

1. Luteinizing hormone, or LH. It is a peptide hormone that is essential for the functioning of the reproductive system. It is responsible for the secretion of estrogen in women and testosterone in men.
2. Follicle-stimulating hormone. It is responsible for the maturation of the follicle in women and sperm in men.
3. Estradiol. It is a female sex hormone that is produced by ovarian follicles in women, testes in men, and adrenal glands in both sexes.

It is very important to fulfill a number of conditions when passing the analysis:

• take a blood test in the morning, on an empty stomach;
• on the eve of not doing physical work, not playing sports, etc.;
• women should be tested on the 5th - 7th day from the onset of menstruation.

Laboratory testing is usually carried out during the day.

It is worth noting that some doctors do not consider it appropriate to refer the patient for a blood test. They explain this by the fact that the hormonal background changes every minute, so the result obtained during the study is nothing more than an objective assessment of what was happening in the body at the time of blood donation.

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However, for patients with severe acne, laboratory testing is often the last chance to get rid of acne. After such an analysis, the doctor selects an adequate treatment, which consists in the appointment of hormonal drugs.

Hormone testing really helps to find the cause of acne. Most people only develop rashes during puberty. After coming of age, they disappear without a trace. Some have to suffer from a skin defect in adulthood. They are not helped. Acne can cause serious psycho-emotional distress. When desperate people turn to a dermatologist, he may order tests for hormones in the blood.

Why are hormone tests prescribed for acne?

The appearance of acne on the face is directly related to the changes that occur in the human body during puberty. Puberty begins after the completion of the development of the hypothalamic - pituitary system. The hypothalamus begins to secrete gonadotropin in portions - a releasing hormone. Its main amount is produced during sleep.

Acne appears due to changes in the body

Gonadotropin-releasing stimulates the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Under their influence, sex steroids begin to be actively released, causing the development of secondary sexual characteristics. They are produced by the sex glands and the adrenal cortex. Sex steroids include androgens (male sex hormones), estrogens, and progestins. An excess of androgens causes a hormonal abnormality called hyperandrogenism.

High androgen levels are needed to stimulate hair growth in the armpits and pubic area. However, along with hair growth, other processes develop in the body. The skin contains a complex of androgen-sensitive elements (sweat and sebaceous glands, hair follicles). An increased level of androgens stimulates their activity and causes an increase in the secretory activity of the sebaceous glands.

Not only the amount of sebum changes, but also its quality. It becomes viscous and partially loses its bactericidal properties. It contains less linoleic acid than people with normal androgen levels. Due to a decrease in the concentration of linoleic acid, an increase in the desquamation of the epithelial cells of the follicle occurs. As a result, the mouth of the hair follicle is blocked, and the sebaceous ducts are blocked. Violation of the outflow of sebum and its excessive secretion cause acne.

Hyperandrogenism develops not only in adolescence. Excessive secretion of male sex hormones is also observed in adulthood. It is caused by various hormonal disorders caused by diseases of a different nature.

Androgen tests can reveal the true cause of hormonal imbalances. After correcting the pathological condition, it is often possible to eliminate acne.

Who is prescribed hormone tests?

Several signs indicate the presence of hormonal imbalance. If available, a dermatologist will recommend testing the level of hormones in the blood.

Small hairs on the upper lip may indicate hirsutism

Tests for hormones must be taken if there are manifestations of hirsutism. This term is called excessive male-pattern hair growth in female representatives. In hirsutism, terminal hair appears in girls on the upper lip, chin, chest, upper back, abdomen, buttocks, and inner thighs. Terminal hairs are called hairs that can grow for 2 years, reaching a considerable length. The degree of hair growth also depends on the sensitivity of the hair follicles to androgens. It may be due to a hereditary factor.

Excess weight may indicate a high level of androgens in acne. Overproduction of male hormones decreases insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance and impaired carbohydrate metabolism cause uncontrolled weight gain. With excess body weight, the amount of specific proteins - sex steroid-binding globulins (SSSG), which carry androgens, decreases. As a result, a large amount of free male sex hormones appears, which are converted into intracellular metabolites with high activity. For example, testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone, the activity of which is 2 times higher.

Excess androgens cause menstrual irregularities. Therefore, the ratios of hormones in women with irregular cycles should be checked.

A characteristic sign of a high concentration of male sex hormones is the localization of acne in the lower part of the face, in addition, oily skin with enlarged pores.

Tests are prescribed for people who have long and unsuccessfully tried to cure acne.

A sign of hormonal imbalance is acne after 20 years. The presence of abnormalities is indicated by hyperpigmentation and coarsening of the skin in the folds (acanthosis nigricans).

What tests need to be taken

This will be determined by a dermatologist. In most cases, an analysis is prescribed for the level of testosterone and other androgens. Testosterone rises with hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex. This condition is typical for ovarian tumors.

All analyzes are taken from the patient's vein

It is important to determine the concentration of thyroid hormones: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (TZ) and thyroxine T4. High TSH levels can be a sign of insufficient adrenal function or the presence of a tumor. An increase in the level of T3 and T4 is accompanied by the activation of all processes in the body. High concentrations of these hormones cause hyperthyroidism. With hyperthyroidism, various pathologies occur.

If acne appears regularly, blood tests are done to determine the level of follicle-stimulating hormone. Its excess occurs due to insufficiency of the gonads or the development of a tumor process. An increase in FSH levels is a sign of hypofunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, in addition, polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of hyperandrogenism. Its presence may be indicated by a high level of prolactin. An analysis for this hormone is also prescribed to determine the causes of acne. Excessive production of prolactin occurs in hypothyroidism and in diseases of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.

To assess the condition of the body, an analysis for the level of progesterone may be prescribed. A high rate may signal congenital adrenal hyperplasia or neoplasms in the ovaries.

Acne is common in people with diabetes. To identify the pathological process in the body, an analysis is assigned to the level of insulin.

Diagnosis may require an LH test. It ensures the normal functioning of the gonads and regulates the production of sex hormones. An increase in the concentration of LH occurs with impaired functioning of the adrenal glands and gonads. Its low level is a sign of malfunctioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Determining cortisol levels allows you to estimate the amount of testosterone. Cortisol is the opposite of the male sex hormone. The lower the cortisol level, the more testosterone in the blood.

How to get tested for hormones

Men can be tested at any time. After puberty, hormone levels in healthy men remain approximately the same. In women, the ratio of hormones changes depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle.

Unlike men, women need to be tested on certain days.

To obtain objective data on the concentration of hormones in the blood in women, tests are done on certain days of the menstrual cycle. What hormones to take and on what day, the doctor will determine. For blood sampling, the 5-7th day of the menstrual cycle is usually appropriate. It is counted from the first day of the onset of menstruation. The period from 21 to 23 days of the cycle is also suitable. At this time, a repeated analysis of the progesterone level is often prescribed.

To exclude the influence of external factors on the result, it is not recommended to eat food 2-3 hours before blood sampling. It is necessary to stop using thyroid and steroid hormonal drugs 2 days before the study.

It is necessary to give up any physical activity 24 hours before the analysis. It is advisable to take a day off at this time in order to minimize the likelihood of a stressful situation or psycho-emotional overstrain. No smoking is allowed 3 hours before the test.

How the test results are used

When an increased level of androgens is detected in women, antiandrogens are prescribed. The drugs suppress the production of sebum by 60–65%. In severe cases, glucocorticosteroids may be recommended.

If serious disorders in the body are detected, the patient is referred to a therapist, endocrinologist or gynecologist for specialized studies and diagnosis. Treatment of the underlying disease will help restore health to the skin.

If tests for acne have not revealed hormonal imbalance, additional research is carried out. Dermatologists study the microflora on the surface of the skin and test its sensitivity to antibiotics. The cause of acne can be a demodex subcutaneous mite or intestinal dysbiosis.

Under normal conditions, in the large intestine of any person there are certain types of microorganisms that take part in the processes of processing intestinal contents, and also prevent the development of other pathogenic microbes. With the development of dysbiosis (that is, when "normal" intestinal microorganisms die, and their place is taken by pathogenic infectious agents, which can occur with prolonged use of antibacterial drugs), a violation of the digestive process may occur. Also, dysbiosis can cause increased activity of the immune system, which together can contribute to the development of acne.

The essence of this method is to take biological material from damaged skin and study it in the laboratory in order to determine the forms and types of microorganisms present there. For research, a swab can be taken from the skin of the affected area (the doctor runs a sterile swab over the skin several times), as well as the fluid secreted from pustules or pustules.

Blood for research is usually not taken, since bacteremia (presence of bacteria in the blood) is almost never observed in acne. The resulting material is sent to the laboratory, where it is sown on various nutrient media. After a few days, colonies of various microorganisms grow on the media, which makes it possible to establish their appearance, as well as to determine the sensitivity to antibacterial drugs.

Clean skin and hormones

This skin type by itself suggests that acne and blackheads are unlikely to occur. If this happens, then you must first of all take care of your nutrition, check the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dry skin itself is the risk of acne formation - keratinous particles become larger and they can clog the sebaceous glands.

It is advisable to take skin tests for acne before starting treatment. The simplest analysis option for acne, which is often started with, is a microscopic examination of a skin scraping carried out by a dermatologist.

It allows you to identify the presence of demodex - a subcutaneous tick, after which the appropriate adjustments are made to the treatment program. However, this cause of acne is far from the most common. If, during the analysis of scrapings, any other violations of the skin microflora are revealed, then the treatment should be concentrated in this direction (in the absence of other indications).

As part of the analysis of the microflora of the skin in the treatment of acne and acne, it is possible to test the antibiotic sensitivity of the pathogenic flora. This is done in case of ineffectiveness of previously prescribed antibiotic therapy. Fortunately, it is extremely rare to resort to this analysis, since today in the arsenal of a dermatologist there are drugs, the sensitivity to which in Propionibacterium acnes is extremely high.

It is much more expedient to empirically use highly effective tetracycline antibiotics for moderate and severe acne, which makes it possible to halve the number of inflammatory rashes in 6 weeks than to wait for a long time for the results of the analysis of the seeding of the skin microflora and only then start choosing an antibiotic to get rid of acne.

A woman's body is subject to hormonal fluctuations depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, and even our temperament determines the ratio of certain sex hormones.

In previous articles, I have already said that not only female sex hormones are produced in a woman's body, but also male ones, which are called androgens. Testosterone belongs to androgens - in the female body it is produced not only by the ovaries, but also by the adrenal glands.

Now let's look at why testosterone affects the condition of our skin. The thing is that skin cells have special receptors for hormones - including testosterone. These receptors are responsible for the action of androgens.

Androgens (in our case, testosterone), in turn, regulate all processes that occur in the cells of the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, hair follicles. These are the processes of division, keratinization and - the main thing in our topic - the secretion of sebum.

Hormonal "storms" in the body most directly affect the formation of acne on the skin. Why is this happening, and what hormones affect acne?

Excess or deficiency of hormones stimulates the excessive formation of sebum, increases the viscosity of the separated sebum, weakens the skin's immunity, disrupts the normal detachment of the upper stratum corneum of the epidermis, suppresses regeneration at the cellular level.

What hormonal acne looks like

Hormonal acne is the result of increased sebum production. In normal amounts, sebum (i.e. sebum) is essential for the health and protection of the skin, but excess sebum can cause clogging of pores, including dead cells and impurities. In such an environment, bacteria begin to grow rapidly, to which the skin reacts with inflammation, which is accompanied by redness and pain.

Often, the cause of increased production of sebum is the male sex hormones (androgens) - testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. The problem of acne is exacerbated if the level of female sex hormones, especially estrogen, decreases.

• the most common cause of high testosterone in women is polycystic ovary syndrome, one of the characteristic symptoms of which is the appearance of acne;
• diabetes or insulin resistance (because insulin stimulates testosterone production);
• ovulation (for this phase of the menstrual cycle, an increase in testosterone levels is characteristic).

Causes of increased levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)

This hormone is produced mainly in the adrenal cortex (95%), its production increases under stress conditions, therefore constant stressful situations can provoke the appearance of hormonal acne.

Read: Acne in Bodybuilders: Causes and Treatment Methods

The cause of acne is that the normally functioning sebaceous gland, which is a duct, becomes clogged for some reason. At the same time, she continues to work, and the duct is filled with fat, which cannot come out.

Predisposing factors for development:

1. Heredity.
2. Poor nutrition - excessive consumption of fats and fast carbohydrates, negatively affects the condition of the skin, contributes to the formation of acne.
3. Lack of personal hygiene.
4. Interaction with various chemicals.
5. Hormonal imbalance is typical for adolescents, for many endocrine diseases, for taking steroid drugs.
6. Infectious skin diseases.

For the well-functioning work of the female body, hormonal background is of particular importance.

With an imbalance in the relationship between the endocrine glands and the subsequent distortion of the indicators of biological substances, the state of the epidermis changes.

Estrogens, produced in a woman's body during reproductive age, inhibit the formation of acne.

Hormones maintain skin elasticity and prevent aging. Thanks to estrogen, the work of the sebaceous and sweat glands is regulated.

If, for some reason, an imbalance of biological substances occurs, the well-functioning processes are disrupted.

Hormonal acne and facial rashes in women appear for various reasons. Failure can occur under the following circumstances:

• unhealthy diet, bad habits;
• self-administration of hormonal drugs, contraceptives;
• lack of intimate relationships;
• stress and emotional distress;
• lack of sleep, chronic fatigue;
• pregnancy, postpartum period;
• inflammatory diseases;
• endocrine disorders;
• gynecological operations;
• taking steroid drugs;
• pathology of the thyroid gland.

Hormonal acne in women can appear with a stable menstrual cycle. As a rule, this is a temporary phenomenon that occurs during the ovulatory and luteal phases.

Treatment of acne in women in these cases is not prescribed. Correction requires only failures that have a pronounced clinical picture and are determined by laboratory tests.

Hormonal facial eruptions are different from infectious eruptions. Acne is localized in the mouth, especially on the chin and nasolabial folds.

Acne can be seen along the jaw line. The cheeks and forehead are less affected. As a rule, there are black dots on the nose, which periodically become inflamed and secrete a purulent secretion.

On the body, hormonal acne is located mainly on the shoulders, upper back, buttocks. Inflamed acne can be found in the thighs and buttocks.

The mechanism of acne formation is quite fast. First, the pores are clogged, after which, under the influence of hormones, the secretory activity of the sebaceous gland increases.

The secreted secretion cannot go out, accumulates under the epidermis and creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.

The appearance of bacteria in a confined space causes inflammation, redness of the skin around the pimple and suppuration within it.

The body synthesizes androgen precursors. In the skin, they are converted to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. These substances stimulate the growth of skin cells and the production of sebum.

The causes of acne in the presence of an excess of androgens:

• an increase in sebum secretion leads to a decrease in the concentration of linoleic acid on the skin surface, which irritates the cells of the epidermis and promotes inflammation;
• hypersecretion of sebum leads to an increase in its viscosity and blockage of pores, which creates unfavorable conditions in the sebaceous glands;
• under the influence of sunlight and external pollution, sebum substances are oxidized, causing the appearance of comedones and other types of acne;
• with increased greasiness of the skin, favorable conditions are created for the growth of bacteria that cause inflammation.

The reasons why the synthesis of androgens in the body increases:

• polycystic ovary syndrome;
• tumors of the adrenal glands, ovaries, in men - the testicles;
• abuse of anabolic steroids when playing sports;
• operations to change the female sex to the male.

Signs of hyperandrogenism are determined in 20-40% of women with hormonal acne. Therefore, when such a rash appears, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist and endocrinologist, and undergo a thorough examination.

In addition to acne, patients usually have other signs of androgen imbalance:

• hirsutism - excess hair growth on the chest, face, abdomen and thighs;
• sudden onset of acne on previously healthy skin;
• ineffectiveness of conventional treatment for such a pathology;
• absence or irregularity of menstruation;
• increase in muscles, decrease in the timbre of the voice;
• decrease in the size of the mammary glands;
• weight gain, initial signs of diabetes.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor

Not all people have hormonal acne with elevated levels of androgens in the blood, as this process is more closely related to the synthesis of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone from their precursors in the skin, which may not be reflected in routine blood tests for hormones. The process is enhanced by the action of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF).

Insulin and IGF trigger a hormonal cascade that increases sebum production and increases the risk of acne. There are studies showing that a diet that is low in sugar, other carbohydrates, and milk can reduce the appearance of hormonal acne.

Insulin resistance is also important in the appearance of this skin pathology. This is the resistance of tissues to the action of insulin, as a result of which they do not receive enough glucose. To provide the cells with energy, the pancreas is forced to produce more and more insulin, which, among other things, leads to the formation of acne. This mechanism is most pronounced in people with type 2 diabetes.

Lack of estrogen and hypothyroidism

Female sex hormones - estrogens - have the opposite effect of androgens and protect the skin from hormonal acne. With a lack of these hormones (for example, when the ovaries are removed as a result of surgery), rashes begin to appear.

Hormone-associated rashes are also observed in patients with hypothyroidism, that is, with reduced thyroid function. This disrupts the reproductive organs and the production of estrogen, which has a negative effect on the skin.

The main cause of a rash is an imbalance. However, there are other factors that can cause acne to form on the skin. One of these is the sensitivity of the body to a certain component of the drug. The sebaceous glands are the first to respond to antibiotics.

Another important factor is allergies and genetic predisposition. Often, a person is not even aware of the presence of an allergy to one or another drug. In some cases, with prolonged use of a certain antibiotic, a reaction in the form of acne may occur. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock occurs.

To prevent acne from occurring, you need to do the following:

• use facial hygiene products that match your skin type;
• in time to eliminate diseases and pathologies that can provoke the appearance of acne;
• exfoliate to get rid of dead skin
• eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Single rashes can appear even in completely healthy people. In this case, any specialized gel (Baziron AS, Skinoren, Differin) can be used to eliminate them.

Peeling can help prevent comedones. Infection of comedones causes the appearance of large purulent inflammations, which can leave behind scars and post-acne. Acne is a difficult problem, but with the right approach, you can get rid of it in a matter of months.

Hormonal acne is caused by an increase in oil production under the skin. Naturally, this is a metaphor. Think of the capillaries in your skin as a river. Usually a healthy flow of oil comes to the surface

This is important because it lubricates the skin

But when there is too much oil, and when it combines with normal skin cells and environmental particles on the skin's surface, it can clog pores. When the oil clogs the pores, bacteria, feeling food shortage, begin to consume the skin. This causes inflammation.

Critical periods

Acne in women who have long crossed the 20-year mark may appear once a month due to the onset of the menstrual cycle, during hormonal changes during pregnancy, during menopausal changes in the body. These typically feminine rashes go away quickly as soon as the remodeling ends.

Long-term persistent rashes indicate a pathological process, the onset of the disease or other failures. Acne due to hormones can be triggered by:

• Taking or canceling contraception.
• Ovarian dysfunction.
• Excessive production of male sex hormones.
• Diseases of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, and others endocrine glands.
• Termination of pregnancy.

The reason that causes acne on the face can be a complex of factors, not necessarily hormonal in nature:

• Various chronic inflammatory processes, for example, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, sinusitis, gastritis, duodenitis, dysbiosis, inflammatory processes of the urinary system and other organs.
• Care errors, which include the use of inappropriate for skin type and comedogenic products, irregular care, washing, moisturizing, self-cleaning comedones.
• Influence of ecology, unhealthy diet, irregularities, bad habits, stress.
• Some features of the skin type, for example, oily skin, is more prone to acne formation.
• Infectious diseases that are not related to the hormonal background of the body.

If we talk about the localization characteristic of hormonal eruptions, then it is impossible to single out any specific one. As a rule, this is the area of \u200b\u200bthe forehead, cheeks, chin, back or chest in the décolleté area, but there may be others.

Skin analysis for acne

Hormone tests are one of the most important in determining the cause of acne, since hormonal imbalance is one of the main causes of acne. Thus, an increase in the level of androgens during puberty very often provokes acne, and if the tests confirm the imbalance, then the treatment plan must necessarily take into account the possibility of its correction.

· Relatively late onset of acne (the patient is over 20 years old);

· Manifestation of clinical signs of hyperandrogenism in women - a disorder caused by an increase in the activity of male hormones (often manifested as hirsutism);

· Irregular monthly cycle;

· Manifestations of acanthosis black (a type of skin hyperpigmentation);

· overweight.

All these factors indicate hormonal imbalance and require detailed analysis to eliminate the true cause of acne.

For women, taking tests for hormones with acne should be taken on the 5-7th day of the menstrual cycle (counting from the first day of the onset of menstruation). This test checks the level of the following hormones: LH, FSH, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, estradiol, prolactin, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dehydrotestosterone, thyroid hormones, and sex hormone binding globulin. After that, on the 21-23th day of the menstrual cycle, the patient with acne must re-test for the level of progesterone.

If the above analyzes revealed any problems that caused acne, then an additional examination of the patient with acne is necessary: \u200b\u200ban ultrasound of the pelvic organs (the study is carried out on the 5-7th day of the cycle), which makes it possible to exclude or confirm polycystic ovary syndrome, the presence of neoplasms or inflammation appendages.

If there are abnormalities in the analysis of hormones in patients with acne of both sexes, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound examination of the adrenal glands, and in men also the genitals - of the prostate and testicles. In addition, with acne, in order to exclude a tumor process in the adrenal glands and pituitary gland, it is possible to take an X-ray of the sella turcica and adrenal glands, but this is done only if the hormone tests do not correspond to the norm.

An important indicator of health in acne is a biochemical blood test. It takes into account the following indicators: bilirubin, glucose, ALT, cholesterol, creatinine, triglycerides, urea, alkaline phosphatase. This blood test can detect a wide range of acne-related problems, including chronic inflammation, bowel or liver problems, and other internal diseases.

Thus, careful diagnosis and testing for acne and acne are the key to successful acne treatment.

In case of a significant problem, it is necessary to pass the following tests for acne:

• Blood for biochemistry - allows you to determine the work of internal organs, to identify violations.
• Blood for HIV infection - determine the general suppression of immunity, is prescribed in case of additional health problems.
• Analysis for DAC - reveals the development of secondary syphilis.
• Scraping for cultural sowing - makes it possible to determine the development of a subcutaneous tick and other bactericidal and viral diseases of the skin.
• Thyroid hormone test - can detect thyroid disease.

In addition to those indicated, tests for sex hormones are mandatory.

Testing to identify the cause of the formation of a large number of acne is carried out at a certain time:

• blood tests only in the morning and on an empty stomach, it is forbidden to drink coffee or tea, brush your teeth;
• sex hormones from women are taken on certain days of the menstrual cycle, depending on its type;
• 2 days after sex and drinking alcohol.

Acne is a common name for acne, so you will have to take tests here on a general basis.

Among the most probable are:

• general blood analysis;
• bacteriological blood test;
• tests to check sex hormones;
• tests to check thyroid hormones.

Different tests are often prescribed for men and women. The common ones include a blood test of two types. Often, the blood is additionally checked for glucose in order to detect diabetes mellitus in time.

Among women

The main analyzes in women include the determination of sex hormones - steroid, cortisol, testosterone and estradiol. They should be handed over after menstruation - on 3-6 and 20-22 days of the cycle.

In men

In men, the first thing dermatologists do is check the thyroid gland, because smoking and alcohol often cause it to malfunction. The thyroid gland is checked in the presence of gynecomastia - the growth of a man's chest.

Often, to prevent acne, a man is forced to quit smoking, since blood tests reveal a general intoxication of the body.

To determine the problem, it is important to pass the tests correctly, therefore, the doctor's recommendations should be followed.

For the results to be more accurate, you must:

• be in a good mood - you should not resort to examination during the period of mourning and other experiences;
• the day before, do not eat heavy and unhealthy foods - fried, fatty, flour, salty, smoked, spicy foods are prohibited; it is also not recommended to consume large amounts of protein;
• if a person takes any medications on an ongoing basis, it is necessary to inform the doctor about this; on the eve of the tests, you should not drink potent drugs - antiviral or antibiotics;
• sexual intercourse should be avoided;
• you can not donate blood after sports, exercise should be abandoned in the evening.

Furuncles, acne are nonspecific symptoms accompanying perioral dermatitis, demodicosis, rosacea, etc. To identify the hormonal factor in the formation of acne, the necessary examination is carried out:

• Ultrasound of the ovaries and small pelvis;
• MRI of the adrenal glands;
• analysis of urine;
• blood chemistry;
• analysis for hormones (thymus, ovaries).

With multiple acne on the face, the level of insulin in the blood plasma is determined, and the functional state of the liver is also assessed. Patients are consulted by a gynecologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist.

Tests for hormones for acne are taken after excluding the infectious nature of the disease. For this, a woman is advised to visit a dermatologist and take a culture.

The absence of a bacterial pathogen is an indication for examination by an endocrinologist and gynecologist. Experts recommend performing the following diagnostics:

• blood biochemistry;
• thyroid hormones;
• sex hormones;
• adrenal hormones;
• pituitary hormones;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

Increased testosterone levels, or hyperandrogenism, are not so difficult to treat, but long enough. But the results will appear already from the first days of treatment!

Many are worried: what will happen after the drug is discontinued? If you take the medicine for 1-2 months, of course, after the end of the intake, everything will return to normal. Well, if you have been taking the drug for a year or more, the result will be stable and will persist even after cancellation.

Do not delay solving your problem, because beautiful skin is not only evidence of your health, but also a guarantee of a good mood every day!

Teenage difficulties

For acne due to hormonal disruption in adolescents and women, the excessive production of the sebaceous glands is responsible, which is spurred on by the production of hormones such as:

• Dehydroepinandrosterone.
• Adrenal corticotropic hormones.
• Excess testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and other hormones.

Acne and acne in adolescents can be complicated by a lack of proper care, skin type features, the presence of chronic inflammatory processes, turning into advanced forms of acne.

Elevated androgen levels are a hormonal cause of acne in adolescents and adults

According to research results, about 50% of women aged 20-29 face the problem of acne.

Microcomedones formed as a result of blockage of the hair follicle ducts develop into open or closed comedones. Fat and by-products of the sebaceous glands do not escape, and as a result, the growth of P. acnes bacteria is activated. Substances formed as a result of the metabolism of these bacteria cause irritation in the surrounding tissues and provoke inflammation. When pustules form, the hair follicle increases in size until it breaks.

Hormonal causes of acne can also be hereditary. According to some scientists, the characteristics of the skin's reaction to hormonal changes are embedded in the genetic code. Therefore, if both parents are faced with the problem of acne, in 9 cases out of 10 their child will also inherit the disease.

It used to be thought that the appearance of acne in adolescents is associated with hormonal surges, but now the main reason is heredity and poor nutrition.

What tests need to be taken for acne

When hormonal acne is diagnosed in women, treatment involves an individual approach. Both systemic and local medications are prescribed. An obligatory item is the observance of the acne-toilet, as this allows to reduce the time of treatment, the dosage of medications and improve the skin condition.

Drugs are used that slow down the production of androgens in the adrenal glands and ovaries, block steroid receptors in the dermis, and inhibit the conversion of testosterone into a more active form of dihydrotestosterone. For this purpose, combined oral contraceptives are prescribed.

From a large list of drugs, how to treat hormonal acne in women is considered effective, contraceptives based on ethinyl estradiol (estrogen), which reduce the concentration of androgens in the blood, are isolated. As a result of taking medications, the secretion of the sebaceous glands decreases and thus hormonal acne can be cured.

Nevertheless, with hormonal failure, therapy is mainly carried out with drugs based on drospirenone, dienogest, cyproterone acetate, desogestrel, the properties of which are similar to the female hormone progesterone. These are female hormones, gestagens, which are produced in the body by the ovaries and slightly by the adrenal glands.

Even newborns have hormonal rashes. Rashes occur a few days after birth, or the baby is already born with them.

The reasons affecting the manifestation of a pathological rash are associated with the high level of hormones in the mother's body, which took place during pregnancy.

The baby's sebaceous glands respond to maternal hormones or the mother's skin with acne. Pimples in babies are few, they are seals with slight redness around. A rash in newborns protrudes on the forehead, nose, cheeks, nasolabial triangle, and the back of the head.

This phenomenon does not require special treatment. It is enough for the child to bathe in time, change bedding and underwear. Normally, with regular hygiene, the rash disappears after a few days.

In newborns, within a month after birth, you can observe the following picture: the skin becomes covered with a small rash, "blooms". This phenomenon is known as neonatal rash. It is caused by the reaction of the skin to a change in the hormonal background of the child, which triggers the mechanism that causes the formation of small white pimples. What to do in such cases?

There is no need to treat such "blooming", gradually, when the skin adapts to the surrounding conditions, the pimples will disappear by themselves.

WHAT HORMONES AFFECT ACNES IN WOMEN

Studies have shown that androgen receptors exist in the sebaceous glands and cells lining the pores. If a woman has high levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, they will affect these receptors in most cases. Simply put, these acne-causing hormones cause the skin to produce more oil, which will further feed the bacteria. Thus, by reducing androgens and testosterone, acne can also be reduced.

Considering the above, with acne, women and girls first of all need to be tested for hormones:

• testosterone,
• DHT (dihydrotestosterone),
• DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate).

One of the factors that influence the rise in hormones is the food we consume. The typical diet for most people is high in saturated fat, processed grains, meat fats, refined sugars, and low in fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, fiber, antioxidants, and seaweed.

Another way to balance hormone levels is to take certain vitamins and herbs.

Very often, acne in women (especially after 30 or later) appears due to hormonal disruption, for example, due to polycystic ovary syndrome. PCOS is a condition in which a woman has hormone imbalances. Usually in this case, there is a low level of estrogen and progesterone and a high content of androgens (male hormones that are found in small quantities in women). It is still not completely clear what this violation is connected with.

The symptoms of polycystic ovary disease include:

• absence or irregular menstrual cycle,
• cystic ovaries (ultrasound),
• hair on the body, chest, face and around the nipples,
• thinning hair on the head,
• acne,
• dark spots on the skin around the neck, underarms, groin or chest
• reduction in breast size.

The increase in male hormones androgens is responsible for the emergence of these "masculine" characteristics.

You can treat hormonal imbalance and acne with natural and natural methods: by changing your diet to one that will reduce androgens, by taking herbs (such as Vitex) and other natural supplements. Although hormonal medications (mostly oral contraceptives in pills) are arguably the most popular way to combat PCOS and acne, they should only be used as directed by your doctor and when milder methods have failed.

If you suspect that your acne on your face, chin, or breasts may be caused by PCOS or another hormonal disorder, see your doctor for tests and diagnostics.

1. Take vitamins and herbs

Omega-3 fatty acids can lower testosterone in women and girls. Taking EPA and DHA supplements (like quality fish oil) and adding more Omega 3 to your diet can help your body balance testosterone levels and eliminate acne.

Hormonal acne in women usually appears in the chin area. If you are experiencing acne in this area during your period, Vitex may help. Vitex is a herb, also known as twig and Abraham tree, which can be considered a folk remedy. It is used with great success to treat women with low progesterone in the luteal phase (the part of the cycle that starts after ovulation and ends the day before the start of the next period) and high estrogens. Signs of low progesterone in women:

• depression,
• depression,
• mood swings
• hormonal acne,
• nervousness and anxiety.

Symptoms of elevated estrogen include:

• chest pain and tenderness
• bloating during menstruation.

Prutnyak acts on the pituitary gland and hypothalamus by increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) and slightly suppressing the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This leads to a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, increasing the latter. Vitex's ability to increase progesterone is a side effect since the herb itself is not a hormone.

1. Eat right

Studies have shown that when switching from a diet high in saturated fat to a diet with less fat and more polyunsaturated fats (nuts, fish, algae, green leafy vegetables) within six weeks, there was a significant decrease in androstenedione (a precursor of testosterone). on) and testosterone in the blood.

1. Reduce your milk intake

DHT is able to bind to receptors in the sebaceous glands and turn them on, triggering acne and increased sebum production. Milk, in turn, increases DHT levels. Doctors have found that increased consumption of meat, protein, coffee, alcohol, sugar, and processed grains worsens acne.

• loss of motivation
• decreased sex drive,
• poor sleep quality
• depression and rapid mental and physical fatigue.

Additional symptoms of acidosis:

• sensitivity to cold
• low blood pressure,
• hypo- or hyperthyroidism,
• low blood sugar.

These symptoms are caused by the fact that the body uses essential minerals that are necessary for the nutrition of the nervous system, such as calcium, magnesium and potassium to neutralize acids. Stress also causes acidity in the body, as research has shown. Alkaline foods (vegetables, fruits, honey, nuts, green tea) neutralize these acids and lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone (which is most often elevated in women with hormonal acne).

1. Reduce stress

Stress does affect hormones, and in the modern world we are exposed to it all the time, starting in kindergarten and even earlier. It is necessary to try to reduce its effect, as it damages the body and the nervous system. Cortisol, a stress hormone, has been shown to increase in acne patients.

In addition, an acid-forming diet (animal meat and processed grains) has been found to increase cortisol. A 2003 study found that when you increase the amount of alkaline foods in your diet, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, your body's cortisol decreases. In addition, the person begins to feel better physically and mentally; lowering cortisol levels also reduces inflammation and may be a factor in promoting the healing of inflammatory hormonal acne and acne

There are a number of factors that can worsen overall skin condition and exacerbate hormonal acne in women. These include:

• stress (provokes inflammatory processes, since it promotes the production of cortisol and DHEA-S, and also suppresses the production of estrogen);
• high temperatures (excessive sweating contributes to the clogging of pores);
• ultraviolet;
• pro-inflammatory foods (dairy, sweet, rich in phytoestrogens);
• low carb diet;
• poor sleep;
• hypothyroidism.

Most women experience the unpleasant appearance of acne before and after their period. This is how the body responds to fluctuations in the level of steroid hormones.

A woman after 28 years old should not bother with this problem. Therefore, if multiple acne appears, you should ask for help from specialists. At this age, acne speaks of serious diseases that change the hormonal background in the body.

The cause of the rash can be polycystic ovary disease or inflammation of the pelvic organs. In this case, it is required to undergo an examination and receive adequate treatment.

It is impossible to determine which hormones have affected acne in women. Biological substances that suppress estrogen secretion can provoke acne.

• Progesterone and acne are linked.

In the second phase of the cycle, a temporary endocrine gland - the corpus luteum - enters the work. The maximum amount of the hormone is produced shortly before the start of a new cycle.

Therefore, before menstruation, you can pour out your face with red acne. With the onset of menstruation, they usually disappear on their own and do not bring serious discomfort to the woman.

• Prolactin also causes hormonal eruptions on the face and body.

For this reason, women encounter acne while breastfeeding.

Is it bad to eat sweets?

There is another factor in the body due to which local inflammation can appear. This is insulin. Its production is directly related to the amount of glucose that it has to dispose of. The more abundant glucose is supplied, the more insulin is produced, converting glucose into glycogen. Excess glycogen is converted into fatty acids - triglycerides.

Exploratory survey

In case of disturbing rashes, you need to consult an endocrinologist who will tell you which hormones to take. The survey protocol may include the following analyzes:

• General clinical blood test.
• Biochemical blood test for glucose.
• An excess or lack of testosterone, cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, ACTH.

A hormone test for acne can be supplemented with a test for demodex. All tests need to be taken on an empty stomach, and the hormonal panel only on the 3rd, 7th or 14th day of the cycle, on the recommendation of an endocrinologist or gynecologist.

The treatment regimen is prescribed depending on the test results. If the patient has a serious hormonal disorder, a serious chronic disease, then treatment begins with them, eliminating the cause, and then the consequences. At the same time, you can ask for help from a beautician who will prescribe treatment for your skin.

Main appointments

Treatment includes the use of the following remedies:

• Exfoliants.
• Retinoids.
• Benzoyl peroxide.
• Azelaic acid.
• Antibiotics for oral administration.
• Probiotics, dietary supplements, vitamins.

Acne treatment also involves the use of hormonal agents. The doctor may prescribe the use of oral contraceptives with an increased content of the hormone necessary for the body. In addition to contraceptives, a combination of estrogens and progesterones is used, as well as cortisone injections.

Hormonal ointments (Curiosin) perfectly relieve inflammation and give a quick visible result on the skin, eliminating acne. Hormones can only be prescribed by the attending physician; if used incorrectly, they can cause side effects.

Acne treatment is a long process, you need to be patient, find out the cause of the disease, seek the advice of a specialist or several, do not clean the skin and do not squeeze out acne yourself.

1. Ailamazyan E.K., Ryabtseva I.T. Emergency care for emergency conditions in gynecology. - N. Novgorod: Publishing house of NGMA, 1997.
2. Non-developing pregnancy. Radzinsky V.E., Dimitrova V.I., Maiskova I.Yu. 2009 Publisher: Geotar-Media.
3. Sexually transmitted diseases. Directory. Ed. N. 3. Yagovdika. -Minsk: "Belarusian Navuka", 1998. - 342 p.
4. Kozlova V.I., Puchner A.F. Viral, chlamydial and mycoplasma diseases of the genitals. A guide for doctors. St. Petersburg 2000.-574 p.
5. Miscarriage, infection, innate immunity; Makarov O.V., Bakhareva I.V. (Gankovskaya L.V., Gankovskaya O.A., Kovalchuk L.V.) - "GEOTAR - Media." - Moscow. - 73 p. - 2007.
6. Pregnancy and childbirth with extragenital diseases. Grif UMO on medical education, Apresyan S.V., Radzinsky V.E. 2009 Publisher: Geotar-Media.

CONSULTATIONS OF THE PHYSICIAN OF THE FIRST CATEGORY.ONLINE CONSULTATION, AMBULATORY RECEPTION, CALL TO THE HOUSE.

In case of complications associated with an abundance of acne or acne, a blood test is performed for hormones. The study examines the presence in the body of hormones of several types and values. The following hormones are usually monitored:

• Luteinizing, involved in ensuring the healthy functioning of the reproductive system;
• Follicle stimulating, responsible for the maturation of follicles in the female body;
• estradiol, a female hormone produced in the adrenal glands or by the activity of the ovarian follicles.

By measuring the change in the values \u200b\u200bof these types of hormones, one can confidently determine which of them most of all affects the provoking of skin diseases, and prescribe adequate treatment that can solve the problem.

Steroid hormones

Steroid hormones are cholesterol based. These include sex hormones (androgens and estrogens) and adrenal hormones (glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid).

Steroids play an important role in the life of the body, so any change in their concentration in the blood causes a number of reactions, and acne is one of them.

Women often suffer from shifts in these hormones: various gynecological diseases, menstrual irregularities, pregnancy, postmenopause, and more.

Determination of the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

FSH is a hormone from the pituitary gland (a gland that regulates the activity of all other glands in the body) that increases the concentration of testosterone in the blood, thereby stimulating the formation of sperm (male germ cells) in men. In women, normal FSH levels range from 1.2 to 21 mU / liter (international action units per liter), depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. In men, the concentration of this hormone in the blood is relatively constant - 1.37 - 13.5 mU / liter.

Testosterone

Because of this, the ducts, especially if there are predisposing factors, are clogged, and the ducts are clogged with fat - acne is formed.

Excessive hormone production can be caused by:

• Endocrine diseases: women have polycystic ovary disease, diabetes mellitus.
• Unbalanced nutrition, fasting with high physical activity.
• Taking hormonal drugs, both for treatment and for the purpose of gaining muscle mass.
• Lack of adequate physical activity and stress.

Treatment

In case of hormonal imbalance, specialists of different profiles are engaged in therapy. The first person to be treated with acne is a dermatologist.

In any case, the treatment will include the main components:

1. Elimination of the cause of the occurrence.
2. Cosmetic treatments to remove acne and leave no scarring.

Microcurrents Microcurrent therapy is an effective method to keep your skin youthful and healthy without surgery!

Laser therapy for acne disease (acne) Acne treatment with laser Qanta System is a modern and super effective procedure aimed not only at fighting inflammation on the skin, but also at treating the effects of acne

Birth control pills quite effectively fight unplanned pregnancy, acne and acne, but long-term use of such drugs can cause the development of the following pathologies:

• During menopause, the likelihood of breast cancer is high;
• Reducing the likelihood of conceiving a child at a young age;
• If you have bad habits, there is a high probability of a threat of thrombosis;
• Sudden weight gain;
• Decreased libido;
• Recurrent pain in the lower abdomen;
• Swelling of the limbs;
• Depressive states, fatigue;
• The possibility of opening bleeding.

If a woman detects any of the above symptoms, she should immediately stop taking the drug and consult a doctor to study hormonal levels. Perhaps, after laboratory tests, the specialist will simply adjust the dosage.

There is an opinion among the people that acne on the face appears more actively from taking contraceptives. Such a phenomenon does take place, but it appears rather rarely. Skin rashes can worsen if the medication was selected independently without consulting a doctor. Perhaps the drug is simply incompatible with the individual characteristics of the organism.

Even drugs for external treatment are better to select, according to the recommendations of experts, and even oral administration of tablets, given their multiple side effects, without consulting a dermatologist is categorically contraindicated.

The doctor will prescribe the correct treatment based on the test results

An experienced doctor, before prescribing a course of treatment, will study the results of all the necessary tests, and only after making sure that there are no allergic reactions to the components of the drug, and the intolerance of some components of the drug, he will boldly recommend suitable pills for use.

Self-medication in this case can lead to sad consequences, up to and including death. If you dare to declare war on unaesthetic facial formations, remember that overconfidence can "reward" you with more serious illnesses that could easily have been avoided.

When it is determined that hormonal acne is present, treatment is directed towards normalizing hormonal balance.

Acne, which is a consequence of hormonal changes in the body, requires intensive treatment using drugs that normalize the level of male and female hormones in the body.

In the first case, hormonal contraceptives with antiandrogenic action against acne are shown. They allow you to completely cope with acne in 3 months, are indicated only for the treatment of the fair sex.

• Late acne;
• Rash during menopause;
• Increased testosterone levels;
• Excess prolactin and other androgens.

Systemic retinoids

In severe forms, hormonal acne in women should be treated with systemic retinoids. The most popular are Roaccutane and Acnecutane. Their appointment is possible only in the presence of large nodes and cysts.

The funds have teratogenic properties, that is, they lead to severe pathologies in the development of the fetus, therefore they are completely excluded during pregnancy or if possible. Retinoids effectively cope with increased production of "fat", and normalize the activity of the glands.

The first signs of improvement after taking drugs based on isotretinoin appear within 2 weeks, but it usually takes from six months to 10 months for a complete cure. The drugs are not hormonal in nature.

Local funds

External treatments include the use of hormonal ointments, benzoyl peroxide creams and antibacterial drugs. If acne caused by an imbalance of estrogens and androgens is expressed in the formation of comedones without a pronounced inflammatory process, then adapalene-based remedies will be effective. They provide liquefaction of sebum, even out skin tone, and reduce the production of secretions.

In the presence of an inflammatory process, dermatologists recommend resorting to local antibacterial agents. With their help, the number of inflamed acne is reduced and an additional effect on pathogenic bacteria is exerted.

Folk remedies

Despite the high result that hormonal drugs show for acne, it is additionally recommended to resort to traditional medicine. They can slow down the progression of the disease and reduce the discomfort caused by pustules and cysts. It is advisable to resort to:

• Tinctures based on sacred vitex. It generally reduces symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, including acne;
• Adding cinnamon to food;
• Application apple cider vinegar... The solution is useful for women with multiple ovarian cysts, you need to drink 2 tablespoons per day, abundantly dissolved in water;
• Drinking mint tea. It suppresses the production of androgens, but activates the synthesis of estrogens;
• Lotions with aloe juice. The cut bottom sheet must be kept in the cold for 10 days, then crushed into a slurry and mixed with water in proportions of 1: 5. Insist an hour, boil for a couple of minutes and make masks;
• Treatment of affected areas with fresh plantain juice;
• Using masks from wormwood, for the preparation of which you need to pour 30 g of grass with a glass of boiling water, insist and filter through cheesecloth;
• Moxibustion of purulent acne with a tincture of St. John's wort on alcohol;
• Rubbing the skin with pumpkin pulp and viburnum juice;
• Lotions for large abscesses based on celandine infusion, which is prepared from 20 g of fresh grass and 0.5 liters of boiling water.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is especially effective, which allows:

• Cope with deep and extensive inflammatory foci;
• Carry out the prevention of new rashes;
• Completely destroy pathogens.

In some cases, 2-3 sessions are enough in order to level the relief of the skin, reduce existing scars, and eliminate inflammation. Currently, this method is considered one of the most effective for the treatment of acne of any etiology and the elimination of existing post-acne elements.

Preparatory procedures

Basic non-drug rules for caring for any acne:

• cleansing;
• toning (preferable tonic without alcohol);
• moisturizing.

Skin care products must be professional and recommended by a dermatologist.

You can resort to cosmetic help, there are a number of procedures that will help get rid of acne:

• Laser method - the laser beam penetrates into the deep layers of the skin, increasing the temperature inside the acne, killing the pathogenic flora that has settled in the gland. This is an almost painless method, the number of rashes is reduced, the pores are narrowed, and scar formation is avoided.
• Ultrasound technique indicated only for comedones, more severe forms are contraindicated. This method is a kind of peeling, which removes dead skin cells, surface contamination of the skin, light massage.
• Chemical peels - depending on the degree of impact, they are divided into superficial, middle and deep. With acne, it is better to stay on the superficial.

There are a number of ointments prescribed by dermatologists to reduce acne:

• gel Baziron;
• powder Baneocin;
• differin cream;
• antibiotic ointments - erythromycin, tetracycline, lincomycin, gentamycin, clindamycin.

At home, it is advisable to use folk remedies and adhere to the rules of facial hygiene. You can also do your own face cleansing no more than 1-2 times a month (do not confuse with squeezing).

1. Bring the water to a boil, let it cool slightly to avoid scalding, and covered with a towel to sit over the steam. This will steam the skin and open the pores and be ready for the next step.
2. Rub fine salt into the skin of the face with light movements. This procedure is a home peeling. Small particles of salt remove the upper stratum corneum and dissolve sebaceous fat in the pores. Massage improves blood circulation and nutrition of skin cells.
3. After the end of the procedure, wash your face thoroughly with soap.
4. Rub chamomile ice over your face to relieve irritation, redness and close pores.

You should not get carried away with frequent use of such a procedure, as this can contribute to injury to the skin.

At home, alternating the use of folk masks, rubbing and medicinal ointments is suitable.

Pills

Medication is prescribed only by a doctor.

Depending on the detected cause of the change in the concentration of a particular hormone, the treatment will change.

• For gynecological diseases, menstrual irregularities, combined oral contraceptives will be recommended.
• With an increased level of androgens, antiandrogens.
• For Cushing's syndrome, corticosteroids. They can also be prescribed for severe inflammatory syndrome.

Ortho Tri-Cyclin

This medicine contains norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. It is a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation from occurring. Ortho Tri-Cyclin is used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy and to treat acne. It comes in three different colors: white, light blue and blue.

• Each blue tablet contains 0.215 mg of norgestimate (a progestogenic substance), 0.035 mg of an estrogenic substance and ethinyl estradiol. Inactive ingredients in each tablet include carnauba wax, FD (amp) amp; C blue No. 2 (aluminum varnish), croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, microcrystalline cellulose, titanium dioxide and purified water.
• Each white tablet contains 0.180 mg of norgestimate (a progestogenic substance), 0.035 mg of an estrogenic substance and ethinyl estradiol. Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, carnauba wax, lactose, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, and purified water.
• Each blue tablet contains 0.250 mg of norgestimate (a progestogenic substance), 0.035 mg of an estrogenic substance and ethinyl estradiol. The inactive ingredients in each blue tablet include: croscarmellose sodium, FD (amp) amp; C blue No. 2 (aluminum varnish), hypromellose, carnauba wax, lactose, polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol and purified water.

Estrostep

Estrostep is an oral contraceptive that evens out hormonal surges that cause oily skin. It has been approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of acne. However, it can take several months to treat severe cases.

Jess (Yaz)

Jess contains progesterone, which helps to reduce the concentration of androgenic hormones in the body, thus limiting the amount of acne. These pills can also help combat excessive hair growth.

Yasmin

Yasmin tablets are similar to Jess tablets. They are used to prevent pregnancy as well as to control acne. In addition, Yasmin tablets help relieve the signs of premenstrual dysphoric disorder such as depression, anxiety, weight gain, headache and breast tenderness. They are not recommended for use during pregnancy as they can harm an unborn baby.

While these oral contraceptives do help with acne, they have some side effects. No contraceptive completely prevents acne breakouts, and can only reduce acne by 30-60%. You should consult your doctor before taking any birth control pill for acne treatment. These tablets are not recommended for women who:

• Over 35
• Smoking
• Have breast cancer or liver cancer
• Have blood clots in the legs

Other means

Streptocide is considered another effective treatment for acne. It is characterized by anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial and regenerative effects.

There are several methods of treatment with Streptocide:

• you need to crush 3 tablets of Streptocide and the same amount of Aspirin, dilute with water and apply the gruel to the affected areas, rinse off after 10 minutes;
• add aloe juice to powder of 3 crushed Streptocide tablets, apply on acne and hold for 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly with running water.

To treat acne, Mumiyo is used. This substance helps to restore the skin, removes toxins, and relieves inflammation. The drug is often used to treat acne in adolescents.

You can also dissolve the mummy in water and freeze it in ice cubes. Wipe your face with them in the morning.

With oily skin, it is effective to mix mummy with protein, and with dry skin with yolk. With normal skin type, it is good to make a mask with calendula decoction.

• Baby powder. It contains talc, which clogs the pores. Instead of "drying the pimple", it provokes blackheads.
• Household, tar soaps dramatically dry the skin without providing any anti-inflammatory effect.
• Garlic, onions have a weak antibacterial effect, weaker than the usual pharmaceutical antiseptic chlorhexidine or miramistin.
• Soda is one of the crimes against the skin. Ph of the epidermis is more acidic than other membranes. Soaps and cleansers break it down, so tonics often contain acids to restore balance. Alkaline baking soda is the best way to "kill" the immune system of the skin and provoke even more acne.
• Zinc paste. Zinc has a drying effect, but the paste format is contraindicated in acne. It is made on the basis of paraffin or animal fats, which clog the pores. It is better to use a zinc sprinkler (for example, Zindol) pointwise on the rashes.

Folk remedies that do not completely eliminate the problem, but have a positive effect on problem skin: blue, green clay, calendula, chamomile, string, scarlet, iodine (dotted!), Lemon.

Before and after photos

Withdrawal reactions are the most pressing problem in hormonal contraceptive therapy. They do not provide a prolonged effect, and relapses of acne may manifest themselves with more extensive skin lesions than before treatment.

To avoid "withdrawal syndrome", you need to follow these recommendations:

• ask the gynecologist or endocrinologist who prescribed hormone therapy about the necessary tests and the schedule for their delivery. The main ones are the level of glucose in the blood, the level of free testosterone, an ultrasound examination of the ovaries to confirm or deny polycystic disease;
• to select, together with a specialist, the optimal, highly selective, micro-dose preparation;
• COCs must be taken for at least 9 months to see sustained therapeutic progress. But, the use of contraceptives should not be continuous. Every year it is necessary to take breaks for 2-3 months to give the endocrine system the opportunity to “remember its responsibilities”;
• when treating COCs, a low-carb diet is required, especially at the time of withdrawal. Testosterone is converted to an active form and increases the sensitivity of skin receptors after a reaction with insulin. Therefore, a diet with a low glycemic index is necessary to "smooth" relapses after stopping the intake of OC;
• an endocrinologist may prescribe plant estrogens for maintenance therapy: Saw Palmetto extract, Black Cohosh, Borovaya Uterus, Red Brush, Vitex, evening primrose oil, women's multivitamins, vitamin complexes with zinc and vitamin E.

It is strongly discouraged to treat acne after discontinuation by resuming COC use. It is better to ask your gynecologist about herbal replacement therapy, diet and treat acne with local remedies: Klenzit, Differin, Skinoren, etc.

How does the cosmetic effect appear?

The visible improvement of the skin is different for everyone. Oral contraceptives can be completely useless if the appearance of skin inflammation was provoked by bacteria or improper hygiene.

The antiandrogenic effect on the skin gives the following results:

• the activity of the sebaceous glands decreases;
• the number of subcutaneous acne decreases;
• pores are narrowed;
• puffiness is eliminated;
• the number of purulent pathologies is significantly reduced.

Depending on the degree of skin damage, the cosmetic effect of birth control pills is manifested in different ways. In addition, a visible result can be achieved only with regular intake of the drug in combination with external procedures.

Acne birth control pills

If we talk about the use of contraceptives in the fight against acne, then the appointment of such therapy can be in the following cases:

• the patient must have a regular menstrual cycle;
• sex life should be quite active;
• the woman's age is over 18 years old.

The most commonly used hormone drug Jess is used to treat adolescent acne. This medication is considered the safest and is quickly excreted from the body.

Yasmin

Factors that can increase the severity of hormonal acne

The causes of acne formation lie in the negative impact of such factors:

• unbalanced diet;
• humid climate;
• poor quality cosmetics;
• emotional stress;
• taking medications;
• endocrine pathologies;
• dysfunction of the reproductive organs;
• the period of menopause;
• the consequences of abortion;
• excessive cleanliness.

Acne from hormone pills appears when you abuse contraception. They disrupt the functions of the organs of the endocrine system and the glands of external secretion. The risk of skin diseases increases during puberty and during menopause.

Our skin is a mirror of the whole organism, pathologies occurring inside a person are almost immediately reflected on the skin. The skin is especially affected by hormonal imbalance, at the slightest deviation from the norm, acne appears on the skin. Most often, skin rashes are observed in adolescence, when there is an active hormonal change in the body. Acne and hormones in women are often associated with a period of critical days, but usually the rash appears and disappears within 3-4 days after the end of the menstrual cycle. Some female representatives suffer from acne on the face until old age, of course, hormonal imbalance is also to blame for this. Consider what tests need to be done to determine if the hormones are normal? But first, let's find out what hormonal acne is, and why do they often bother women?

What are hormonal eruptions

Of course, there are many reasons why acne appears on the face, but today we will analyze hormonal disruptions. If the main medication and other methods do not help get rid of skin rashes, then the doctor prescribes hormone tests. Many patients ask the same questions, is it necessary to do this research, for this we learn how hormonal imbalance affects the manifestations of acne? And how do you recognize hormonal acne?

Let us recall that if the work of at least one internal organ is disrupted in the body, then the hormonal background immediately changes, which usually leads to increased secretion of the sebaceous glands.

The secret becomes very viscous and thick, as a result of which the pores are clogged, sebum accumulates in the ducts and causes inflammation.

Most often, pathologies of the following organs cause fluctuations in the hormonal level in the body:

• brain;
• ovaries;
• adrenal glands;
• endocrine glands;
• hypothalamus.

It is the failures in the work of these organs that affect the appearance of skin rashes. All inflammations are divided into several types:

• blackheads or comedones, which are a closed-type sebaceous plug with a black head, mostly appear on the nasolabial triangle;
• sebaceous horny plugs, inside which pus is present, appear as a result of infection on the dermis, immunity begins to resist bacteria, as a result of which purulent contents accumulate, it is usually covered by the skin (subcutaneous acne) or it has an outlet in the form of a so-called crater;
• inflammation in the pustules, which can either intensify or fade away, also has purulent contents. In the acute period, there is reddening of the skin around, compaction at the site of inflammation, such rashes take a long time to heal and are difficult to treat.

The most unpleasant situation caused by hormonal disruption is a combination of pustules and papules, which can form extensive foci of skin lesions, often scars and scars remain after such inflammation.

Skin is the mirror of the body

At the location of skin rashes on the face, you can determine the pathologies of which organs caused the hormonal failure. Acne and hormones are interconnected in all women, but it is easy to recognize such an organ just by looking at the face:

• forehead - organs of the digestive tract or bladder, between the eyebrows - the liver suffers;
• temples, ears, near the ears - kidneys;
• cheeks - respiratory organs;
• chin - hormonal surge (especially on women's days);
• the area around the mouth - diseases of the oral cavity.

Now let's consider what series of tests for hormones in acne should be taken in the first place?

Basic analyzes

So, what hormones do you need to do research if skin rashes are not treatable? It is worth noting that it is not enough just to go and donate blood for hormones, a full examination is necessary, several specialists will be consulted: an endocrinologist, a gynecologist, a dermatologist. What tests will the doctors prescribe to take after a more detailed examination of the patient.

The purpose of the entire comprehensive examination is to determine which hormones affect acne in a particular case. All women may have a different cause of skin rashes.

Inflammatory hormones

To identify the cause of the rash, you need to determine the hormones and pass an analysis on them. Let's get acquainted with two types of hormones that affect skin rashes, a change in the level of production of which provokes acne:

1. Androgens, a type of steroid hormone. Especially their level increases in adolescence. These are male hormones, but in small quantities they are produced by the female body as well. During puberty, secretory cells begin to work actively, which triggers the production of thick sebum. The skin ducts are clogged, microcomedones appear, which over time begin to inflame and in their place appear closed (subcutaneous) comedones or with an exit in the form of a crater. Such plugs simply do not allow sebum to come out.
2. A male hormone such as testosterone is also produced in the female body. Often, the increased secretion of testosterone in women has a genetic cause. The higher the testosterone level in the body, the more acne appears in women.

Main characteristics

So, what tests are taken if acne bothers: mainly a blood test for hormones. In this study, experts take into account the following indicators:

• luteinizing hormone, which is responsible for the normal functioning of the entire reproductive system;
• follicle-stimulating hormone, which affects the maturation of follicles in female representatives;
• estradiol is a hormone in women that is produced by ovarian follicles or adrenal glands.

It is the changes in the production of these hormones that will affect the development of acne. Now how do we prepare for a hormone test for acne?

Preparation for research

What hormones are given up now is known. But for the result to be more reliable, you must adhere to a few simple rules before taking a blood test:

• blood sampling is done on an empty stomach and in the morning;
• it is not recommended to engage in heavy physical work or experience psycho-emotional stress per day;
• women should be tested 5 or 7 days after the start of their menstrual cycle.

And most importantly: no sweets. It is worth noting that increased insulin can be the cause of local skin rashes. And its increase is associated with a large amount of glucose in the body, because it is produced precisely for the removal of sugars. And eating sugary foods in unlimited quantities leads to increased production of insulin, which converts glucose into glycogen. And excess glycogen is converted into fatty acids called triglycerides. It is triglycerides that trigger the production of the sebaceous glands, which leads to the formation of acne on the skin.

Recall that treatment for acne should be prescribed only by a doctor after studying the indicators of a blood test for hormones. Now there are a huge number of drugs that can relieve a woman from this unpleasant problem, for example, Acnecutan. But only after a comprehensive examination, drugs are prescribed.

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