Can Hormonal Changes Cause Acne?

Acne is a skin condition which causes inflammation of the skin producing whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Mostly, pimples and skin eruptions due to acne are seen on the face, cheeks, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders. It is believed that hormonal changes tend to cause acne. There are many causes of acne, but if you are wondering whether hormonal changes can cause acne, keep reading to learn all about it.

What are the Causes of Acne?

When hair follicles become clogged with sebum (oil) and dead skin cells, makes the skin vulnerable for acne and causes acne.

How Are Hormones And Acne Related?

Hormones affect the development of the sebaceous glands. During puberty, there is an increase in the male hormones (androgens), and these hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Excessive production of sebum causes the hair follicles to get clogged, thereby can be the cause of acne.

Effects Of Hormones In Males & Females:

During puberty, hormonal changes in both girls and boys (rise in male sex hormone testosterone in both girls and boys) causes the growth of penis and testicles in males and increase in the muscles and bone strength in the females. And, these increased hormones result in acne during puberty.

However, over the years, as puberty passes away, relief from acne improves in the males. Unlike this, the problem of acne persists in females due to three major events in a female’s life which cause hormonal changes. Mentioned below are some of the reasons for hormonal change and also causes acne.

a. The Menstrual Cycle: This is because the menstrual cycle causes a rise and fall in hormones which indirectly affect the skin producing acne.

b. The Pregnancy: Even pregnancy causes an increase in androgens (male hormones) which trigger acne.

c. The Menopause: Along with many other symptoms, such as hot flushes, irregular menstrual problems, and other discomforts, occurring during menopause, acne too are aggravated due to the hormonal fluctuations.

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How Can We Keep Our Hormones & Acne Under Control?

Even though hormonal changes can cause acne, following certain healthy tips can help you control acne effectively. Here are some helpful tips to control acne.

1. Following A Healthy Diet & Exercises:

A healthy diet consisting of green leafy veggies, fruits, phytonutrients, antioxidants, other nutritious foods can help a lot to reduce your acne. Also, performing exercises regularly helps in balancing various hormones in your body thereby, reducing acne.

2. Drinking Plenty Of Water:

Drinking enough water helps detoxify your body, as the water is the most important, easily available, and highly recommended detoxicant for our body.

3. Avoiding Stress:

Stress can trigger your sebaceous glands and, thereby, cause acne. So, stress management can help you in dealing with your acne.

4. Avoiding Unhealthy Foods:

Avoiding unhealthy foodstuffs, such as fast foods, junk foods, oily foods, stale foods, and other such healthy foods, will help you greatly to maintain a healthy internal environment, thereby reducing acne.

Also Read: 7 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Acne Treatment

Thus, from the above information, it is clear that certain hormonal changes cannot be avoided by us, still, we can do a lot to keep our acne under control by living a healthy and less stressful life.

Written by Dr. Pooja G., Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah