Can Testosterone Cause Acne?

Is testosterone the cause of acne? Acne can be caused by a variety of factors. Genetics, diet, and certain medications can all have an impact. However, if you are prone to acne breakouts, you may want to look inward to see if the cause is due to hormonal imbalances. More specifically, you want to check to see if fluctuations in your testosterone have caused skin irritation. The only way to be certain that this is the exact cause is to consult with your doctor.

Testosterone, a sex hormone that is responsible for male characteristics, can contribute to acne in both sexes. So, whether you are a man or a woman, testosterone may play a role in your acne. Other steroid hormones and their metbolites may also play a role.

Managing hormonal acne entails making lifestyle changes to balance your hormones and address the underlying cause, as well as treating the acne topically. A dermatologist may also be able to prescribe medications to alleviate severe symptoms.

As a man, testosterone is critical to your overall health. It regulates your sexual drive, keeps your muscle mass and strength, stimulates sperm production, and keeps your bones strong and healthy.

Testosterone may also play an important role in maintaining your mental health by assisting in mood management and regulation.

Although testosterone is necessary for good health, hormonal fluctuations may contribute to acne outbreaks.

We've highlighted how hormones like testosterone can affect your skin and potentially contribute to acne breakouts above. We will also discuss how you can control acne if you have whiteheads, blackheads, or other types of pimples. We'll look into the link between testosterone and acne, as well as some treatment options.

What is testosterone?

Because it is responsible for many of the bodily processes that give men male characteristics, testosterone is often referred to as the male sex hormone. Women, on the other hand, produce small amounts of testosterone, and it plays an important role in both sexes.

Testosterone is an important hormone in men. It regulates puberty-related changes such as:

• Penis growth.
• Testicular maturation.
• The development of facial and pubic hair.
• Muscle and bone growth.
• sperm production.
• Sex drive.

It has a more limited but still important role in women, contributing to bone density, ovarian function, and possibly sex drive.

What is hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne is acne caused by abnormal hormone levels or fluctuations in hormone levels. Hormones are signaling compounds secreted by the body that circulate in the bloodstream and play critical roles throughout the body. Sex hormones, in particular, regulate sex differences and sexuality-related functions.

Hormonal acne can develop for a variety of reasons. Hormonal acne in men may be related to testosterone. Women's hormonal acne can be caused by testosterone, other steroid hormones or their metabolites, a hormonal imbalance, or the monthly cycle.

In women, hormonal acne is frequently associated with the monthly cycle, which has many moving parts. In a 2001 study, 44 percent of women interviewed had an acne flare-up during their premenstrual period. Notably, women over the age of 33 were more likely to have acne flare-ups associated with their monthly cycle, implying that hormones, in particular, play a role in adult acne.

Hormonal acne in women may be related to testosterone as well. According to a 1983 study, acne-prone women had significantly higher levels of free testosterone in their bloodstream than acne-free controls. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can result in an increase in testosterone, which is thought to explain why women with PCOS frequently have acne.

One common treatment for hormonal acne in women is hormonal birth control, which is thought to regulate hormones and reduce acne. A 2012 meta-analysis of 9 placebo-controlled trials discovered that hormonal birth control reduced acne severity, number of lesions, and self-assessment of acne when compared to placebo.

How Does Testosterone Cause Acne?

Acne is frequently misunderstood as a problem that only affects teenagers. Acne, on the other hand, affects many adults throughout their lives.

Acne can be caused by fluctuations in hormone levels, such as testosterone. In fact, studies have shown that people with acne may produce more testosterone than those who do not have acne.

But, exactly, how does testosterone cause acne?

The oily substance known as sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands beneath your skin. The concentration of these glands is highest on your face.

Many of your sebaceous glands cluster around your hair follicles. These follicles can become clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and other particles at times.

When this blockage becomes inflamed, you get the raised bumps that are commonly known as acne.

Changes in your body's sebum secretion are thought to be one of the contributing factors to acne.

Testosterone stimulates sebum production. Overproduction of testosterone may result in excessive sebum production, increasing the risk of inflamed sebaceous glands. This can result in an acne breakout.

When testosterone levels begin to rise during puberty, many people experience frequent acne breakouts. Hormonal acne, on the other hand, can last into adulthood.

Here is a list of the various types of acne that can occur:

• Whiteheads are plugged, closed pores. They can be either whitish or skin-colored.
• Blackheads are clogged pores that are open. They are frequently dark in color.
• Pustules are tender bumps that contain pus.
• Cysts and nodules are deep lumps beneath the skin that are painful to the touch.
• Papules are pink or red tender bumps on the skin.

Can testosterone cause acne in women?

Despite the fact that women do not produce as much testosterone as men, testosterone may still play a role in acne flare-ups.

In one study, researchers looked at the hormone levels of 207 acne-prone women between the ages of 18 and 45. They discovered that excess androgen hormones, including testosterone, were present in 72% of the women with acne.

Acne is caused by more than just hormonal fluctuations. The following factors may also play a role:

• Genetics: If one or both of your parents had acne, you are more likely to have it as well.
• Bacteria in excess: Acne is caused by a strain of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) that lives on your skin.
• Cosmetics: Certain types of makeup can clog or irritate your skin's pores.
• Medications: Acne may be caused by medications such as corticosteroids, iodides, bromides, and oral steroids.
• A diet high in refined carbohydrates: Acne may be exacerbated by consuming a lot of refined and high-glycemic carbs, such as white bread and sugary cereals. The acne-diet link, on the other hand, is still being investigated.

Why Does Testosterone Levels Drop?

Testosterone levels fluctuate naturally throughout your life. Both boys and girls' levels of this hormone tend to rise during puberty. After the age of 30, your testosterone production begins to decline.

Female testosterone levels may rise during ovulation, according to some theories.

However, studies show that changes in testosterone levels during a woman's cycle are relatively low when compared to day-to-day fluctuations. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels are more likely to cause acne flare-ups during a menstrual period.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have elevated testosterone levels.

In rare cases, testicular tumors can result in elevated testosterone levels in men.

Using anabolic steroids or corticosteroid medications can also result in increased testosterone levels.

Low testosterone is most common in men as they get older. According to estimates, nearly 40% of men over the age of 45 have low testosterone. Aside from aging, some of the most common causes of low testosterone in men are:

• Abuse of alcohol
• Some medications, such as opioids
• Cancer chemotherapy
• Testicular infection or injury
• Hemochromatosis and other metabolic disorders
• Pituitary gland dysfunction

Low testosterone levels can cause sexual dysfunction, hair loss, excess body fat, and mood swings. While you should consult a doctor if you are concerned about low testosterone, there is no evidence that it causes acne.

What Causes an Increase in Testosterone Levels?

Acne can be caused by high testosterone levels, which are just as dangerous as low levels. High testosterone is a genetic predisposition for some men. Aside from increasing your chances of acne breakouts, high testosterone also increases your chances of having a stroke, cardiovascular disease, or a heart attack.

High testosterone levels can also be caused by adrenal or testicular tumors. Even if the tumor is benign, it can raise testosterone levels to dangerous levels. Steroid use may also be a factor.

How to Treat Hormonal Acne?

Unfortunately, if testosterone is increasing your sebum production and making you more prone to acne breakouts, there isn't much you can do about it.

Fortunately, there are several methods for managing and treating acne, ranging from topical creams that kill bacteria and prevent blocked hair follicles to changes in the supplements and medications you use, which affect testosterone levels. Try the following strategies:

• If your acne is mild, topical treatments such as retinoids, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide may help. They might not be effective for severe acne.
• Take excellent care of your skin. Small changes, such as using a non-abrasive cleanser or refraining from picking, popping, or squeezing pimples, can help you reduce the severity of acne breakouts and avoid painful acne.
• The American Academy of Dermatology's list of acne management tips includes several simple but effective strategies that you can use to reduce acne and keep your skin in good condition.
• Ethinylestradiol-containing oral contraceptives (for women) may help reduce acne caused by hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle.
• Think about prescription topical creams like tretinoin. Tretinoin is a topical acne treatment that works by increasing the rate at which old skin cells are shed. This can aid in the prevention of clogged hair follicles and the severity of acne breakouts. Tretinoin is a prescription medication, so you'll need to consult with a doctor before using it.
• Consult a doctor about antibiotics if you have inflammatory acne. When certain bacteria, such as P. acnes, grow inside a clogged hair follicle, red, painful inflammatory acne can develop. Since bacteria aggravate this type of acne, antibiotics are frequently the most effective treatment.
• Consult a healthcare professional about isotretinoin if you have severe acne. Accutane®, the brand name for isotretinoin, is a prescription acne treatment. It is very effective, but it is associated with a number of side effects.
• If you have severe or persistent acne that does not seem to respond to other treatments, you should talk to your doctor about using isotretinoin.
• Anti-androgen medications such as spironolactone (Aldactone) may help to stabilize testosterone levels while decreasing sebum production.
• Avoid or limit the use of anabolic steroids and other testosterone-boosting drugs. Certain drugs, such as testosterone, anabolic steroids, and testosterone-boosting supplements, can cause your testosterone level to rise above normal. This may increase your chances of getting acne. If you've been prescribed testosterone for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or if you're taking any medications that may affect your testosterone levels, and you're experiencing more acne than usual, consult your doctor. They may advise you to change your dosage or use other medications to treat and prevent acne.
• For body acne, use a topical anti-acne body wash. Some body washes contain scientifically proven ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, which may aid in the treatment of certain types of acne.

How to balance Testosterone Levels

First and foremost, whether you have low or high testosterone, you need to figure out what is causing the fluctuation. In some cases, you may have an undiagnosed medical problem that requires immediate treatment. It is critical to consult with your doctor and have an examination. If you have an underlying health condition, your doctor can prescribe treatment to help you get it under control.

In addition to seeking medical attention, it is critical to make lifestyle changes in order to maintain a healthy body overall. Testosterone fluctuations can occur as a result of being overweight, so you should consider exercising and eating healthier to lose weight. In general, it's also a good idea to drink more water, limit your alcohol consumption, and quit smoking. Reducing stress and getting a better night's sleep can also help significantly.

If none of this works and you still have low testosterone levels, you may be a candidate for testosterone therapy. This provides your body with additional hormone boosts that you can receive in a variety of ways, such as patches, injections, or gels. If you notice anything unusual about your body, the first step is to see your doctor.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain a healthy testosterone level. The following are some habits that may help you maintain a healthy level of testosterone:

• staying away from corticosteroids and anabolic steroids
• getting enough rest (at least 7 to 9 hours a night)
• regular physical activity
• restricting refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, and baked goods
• Managing and Reducing Stress in a Healthy Manner

Ways to reduce acne breakouts

When it comes to treating hormonal acne, there isn't always a simple fix. In order to resolve the problem, a comprehensive acne treatment plan often includes a combination of lifestyle changes, topical treatments, and, in some cases, medication.

Hormones are produced in varying amounts by the body in response to a variety of lifestyle and environmental factors. As a result, balancing these factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle may aid in the management of hormonal imbalances.

A multi-pronged approach considers lifestyle factors such as stress and diet while also treating the problem's symptoms with topical treatments and medications. It's very likely that you'll see some success if you attack the acne from all sides:

Dietary modifications

Although dietary changes can be difficult to implement, they can make a significant difference for some people. Certain foods have been linked to acne in studies, so if you want to try changing your diet, you might want to start with these. Some people find that identifying and avoiding acne-causing foods helps.

Dairy Consumption

Increased dairy consumption has been linked to an increase in acne. Dairy products may increase androgen hormones such as testosterone.

Foods with a high glycemic index or that are high in sugar

Acne has also been linked to high glycemic load foods, which, like dairy, are thought to increase androgen levels via insulin stimulation. Sugar, white bread, and rice are examples of high glycemic foods.

Introducing more nutritious foods

When eliminating acne-causing foods, make sure to replace them with healthy foods. A healthy diet should include fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and legumes.

Dietary Supplements

Certain supplements may also help with acne. A 2014 Korean study, for example, discovered that fish oil supplementation could help with acne.

Stress reduction

Acne is well known to be strongly associated with stress. Researchers discovered that when we are stressed, our bodies produce more androgens, which are hormones that stimulate oil glands and hair follicles. Managing your stress levels and developing coping mechanisms for dealing with stress can help your body and mind to be more balanced.

Breathing exercises and exercise

Things like yoga and meditation, deep breathing, and regular exercise can all help you cope with potentially stressful situations without becoming stressed.

Sleep

Another important way to manage stress is to get enough sleep. The body uses sleep to recover from the stressful events of the day, so it's critical to get enough each night to fully recover.

Adopting the healthy habits listed below may also help reduce acne caused by other factors:

• Use a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser to wash your face twice a day.
• Warm water should be used. Don't scrub your skin too vigorously. Take it easy!
• To avoid ingrown hairs on your face, shave downward.
• Try not to touch your face or pick at your pimples. This exposes your pores to more bacteria, which can aggravate your acne.
• Quit smoking if you smoke. According to studies, smoking increases your chances of getting acne.
• If you wear makeup, make sure it's water-based and noncomedogenic. These aren't going to clog your pores.
• Remove all makeup and cosmetics before going to bed.

Final Thoughts

Acne can be exacerbated by hormonal imbalances, and testosterone is no exception. While testosterone is commonly referred to as the male sex hormone, it is also found in small amounts in women and can cause acne in both sexes. It stimulates the activity of the skin's oil glands, resulting in clogged pores.

Increased testosterone levels may contribute to acne by increasing the production of a substance called sebum by your body. Acne can occur when excess sebum accumulates around your hair follicles.

If you suspect you have hormonal acne, you should consult with a dermatologist or endocrinologist. He or she can use simple blood or urine tests to assess your steroid hormonal profile and recommend lifestyle changes, medications, and/or topical treatments to help alleviate your symptoms. You can also experiment with changing your diet and stress levels to see if that helps. Hormonal acne is never easy to treat, but with some trial and error, you may be able to reduce its severity.