Treatments for Hormone Related Acne

Acne in females is often caused by an excess of male hormones, specifically androgens. Females with excess androgens present with hirsutism, with excessive facial hair or body growth, acne flares prior to menstrual periods, irregular, heavy and painful menses and often high levels of androgens in the blood.

Treatments for Androgen Acne

Common Birth Control Pills

These are effective as they help suppress the small amount of steroid androgen produced by the ovaries, through estrogen and progesterone negative feedback.

Corticosteroids

Steroids at very low doses, such as prednisone (Deltasone) or dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) act in a similar fashion to the birth control pill, negatively feedbacking and suppressing androgen that is normally produced by the adrenal glands in a small amount.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone, known on the market as Aldactone is an antiandrogen that also reduces excessive oil production. It directlry blocks the actions of androgen. However, it also affects the potassium balancing action of the kidney tubules, and therefore potassium should be followed in these patients.

Diane-35

Diane-35 is an oral contraceptive pill that is often used to prevent and treat male features in females. It has antiandrogenic effects and is also fairly effective in birth control.

Side-Effects of Hormone Pills

These antiandrogen medicines often cause irregular periods, tender breasts, headaches, malaise and fatigue.