Does Acne Cause Androgens?
Acne does not cause androgens. In fact, the opposite is true. Acne is caused by excess androgens in the blood stream. One specific androgen, testosterone, is largely responsible for the condition. One type of treatment for acne works by suppressing testosterone and other androgens.
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Androgens
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Androgens are male hormones. They are responsible for the development of masculine characteristics, such as the enlargement of skeletal muscles. Both men and women produce androgens, though men produce a much higher concentration. In the female body, androgen are converted into estrogens, the female hormones.
Causes of Acne
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Acne is caused by overactive sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum. It keeps the skin soft. Sebum production is regulated by the androgen testosterone. Excess testosterone leads to an overproduction of sebum. Sebum clogs hair follicle pores. Soon, whiteheads and blackheads appear. They are a breeding ground for Propionibacterium acnes, the bacterium that causes pimples.
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Androgens and Acne in Women
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Women who have acne have significantly higher androgen levels than their clear-skinned counterparts. Moreover, their acne breakouts are often linked to specific points in their menstrual cycle. The skin breaks out every month just around the time of menstruation, like clockwork. This type of acne is specifically referred to as hormonal acne.
Contraceptive Pills
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One of the more commonly prescribed treatments for hormonal acne is the oral contraceptive pill. Contraceptive pills contain low doses of estrogen, which suppresses the production of androgens by the ovaries. Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Estro-Step are two birth control pills that are officially approved by the FDA for use in treating acne in women.
Other Hormone-Regulating Pills
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In addition to contraceptive pills, doctors sometimes prescribe other hormone-regulating pills to treat acne. Spironolactone is a high blood pressure medication with anti-androgenic properties. It has been shown to be effective at treating acne. It does have the side effect of feminization of male fetuses. It's usually given in combination with a contraceptive pill to minimize the risk of pregnancy.
Corticosteroids suppress the androgens produced by the adrenal glands. They also help reduce the inflammation that's associated with pimples and deep inflamed acne lesions.
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