Does Testosterone Cause Acne? What is the Link?

 If one is struggling with adult acne, it is likely that one’s research has led them to wonder whether testosterone is the leading factor behind it. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is responsible for male traits and can contribute to acne in both sexes. So, be it female or male, it is possible that testosterone could play a role in contributing to acne. Dealing with hormonal acne involves making lifestyle changes to balance the hormones and treating acne topically.

The individuals who are suffering from acne and wonder whether it is due to testosterone or some other factors will find this article useful to understand the same. This article is drafted by taking insights from the renowned acne doctor in Hyderabad at Magna Centre. The post will detail what testosterone is and what the link is between testosterone and acne. Keep reading for more insights.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone, also called as male sex hormones, is responsible for the body processes that give men male characteristics. Women also tend to produce less testosterone. However, it plays a vital role for both sexes.

What is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is often linked with fluctuations in hormones. Hormones are biological substances that the body secretes that play crucial roles for the body. Particularly, sex hormones control activities associated with sexuality and sex differences. There are various causes of hormonal acne. Testosterone may be related to hormonal acne in men. In women, hormonal acne may be caused by an imbalance in hormones, the monthly cycle, or testosterone, other steroid hormones, or their metabolites. A study found that women experiencing acne have significantly higher levels of testosterone in their bloodstream. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can also cause an increase in testosterone, which is why women with PCOS suffer from acne.

How Does Testosterone Trigger Acne?

Hormonal imbalance and a high level of the hormone testosterone can cause acne in both men and women. The ovaries in women and the testes in men both produce a small amount of this sex hormone. It is essential for the development of masculine characteristics in males and for regulating sex drive and fertility in both sexes. Due to its ability to increase sebum production, testosterone can trigger acne. The sebaceous glands in the skin create an oily substance called sebum. The face also produces a large number of sebaceous glands, so the excessive secretion of sebum blocks the pores of the skin. Dead skin cells, debris, germs, and other particles that get trapped in these clogged pores can lead to irritation and acne. If one is looking to get an effective hormonal acne treatment, one can consult the skilled endocrinologist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre.

Does Having High Testosterone Lead to Acne?

Overproduction of testosterone can affect the production of sebum, and there is a high chance that the steroid hormone can inflame the sebaceous glands. This indeed triggers an acne outbreak. Though a low testosterone level does not influence acne, treatment with testosterone supplements could lead to acne as a side effect.

What are the Lifestyle Changes that Can Help Reduce Hormonal Acne?

When it comes to treating hormonal acne, there is no straight solution. In order to effectively address the issue, a comprehensive acne treatment plan involves lifestyle adjustments, topical treatments, and, in some circumstances, medication. Different lifestyles and environmental factors cause the body to manufacture hormones in varying amounts. In order to control hormonal imbalances, it may be helpful to balance these aspects and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The body produces hormones in different quantities in response to different environmental factors. Therefore, bringing these factors into balance and embracing a healthy lifestyle can help bring hormonal imbalances under control. Following are the lifestyle changes that will help reduce hormonal acne:

1. Changes in the Diet: Although dietary changes can be challenging to put into practice, they can make a big difference for some people. This would include giving up on dairy consumption, high-glycemic or sugary foods, etc. Expert doctors suggest that one should replace them with healthy foods such as vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and legumes.

2. Reduce Stress: Acne and stress are said to be strongly interrelated. According to research, when we are under stress, our bodies produce more androgens, which are hormones that increase the growth of hair follicles and oil glands. The body and mind will function more harmoniously if one can manage their stress levels. This can be done by practicing yoga and meditation, deep breathing, and regular exercise. This will help one cope with stressful situations.

3. Get a Good Amount of Sleep: Getting regular sleep is also important. Sleeping well can help reduce the factors that lead to acne.

How Can One Reduce Breakouts?

Balancing the hormones is not a quick process. It takes a lot of time for the skin to improve. Here are some effective tips for dealing with acne breakouts:

• Wash the face 1-2 times per day with a gentle cleanser.
  
• Staying hydrated can help keep the skin clear.
  
• Avoid touching or rubbing the acne.
  
• Wash the makeup on the face before sleeping.
  

Conclusion

Hormonal imbalances can lead to acne, and testosterone is no exception. While it is also called the male sex hormone, testosterone is found in small quantities in females and can cause acne in both sexes. It increases the activity of oil glands and causes clogged pores. Testosterone also increases the amount of sebum produced in the skin. This increases the risk of developing blocked hair follicles, due to which one experiences acne breakouts.

If one thinks they are suffering from hormonal acne, it is a good idea to speak with a skilled acne doctor. One can consult the best acne doctor in Hyderabad at Magna Centre to get an effective treatment. The expert doctor can check the hormonal profile with simple blood and urine tests. They would also suggest some changes in lifestyle and recommend medications and proper treatment to ease the symptoms. At Magna Centre, the acne specialists use both oral contraceptive pills (OCP) and spironolactone to treat acne. To avail the benefits of the acne treatment, one can pay a visit to Magna Centre today!

Read More: Acne Treatment - Finding a Treatment That Works Best for You