Androgen Body Acne

Acne Free in 3 Days
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Androgen, which is a male hormone present in both men and women, is a contributing factor in acne. Androgen stimulates the sebaceous follicles, which can cause acne lesions to start. Androgen body acne occurs when large amounts of androgen is present in the body.

Hormonal changes in the body, such as those that occur in women from month to month, and during pregnancy and menopause, can also cause excess production of androgen - resulting in acne. Sudden and severe androgen body acne is called hyperandrogenism.

Excess androgen production can cause many other problems for women, including absent or irregular periods, growth of facial hair, pattern baldness, a deeper voice, and darkening of skin in the armpits and body folds. Women with acne, or any of the aforementioned problems, should consult a physician to be examined for the possibility of problems with the adrenal or pituitary glands, or problems with the ovaries.

Treatment for androgen body acne include: oral contraceptives, oral corticosteroids, and antiandrogens. Oral contraceptives are usually given in the lowest dosages possible to correct the problem. There may be side effects associated with oral contraceptives. Oral Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications used to suppress androgen production, and inflammation associated with severe acne. Possible side effects include weight gain and bone thinning.

Antiandrogens stop acne from forming, by reducing the androgen production in the ovaries and the adrenal glands. They block androgen reception by the cells in the follicles. This seems to be the most effective treatment for androgen body acne, but side effects include irregular menstrual periods, and breast tenderness.

Androgen body acne is most common in women, but it can be treated by a dermatologist. If you think that oral contraceptives are a better solution for you, you will need to visit a general practitioner or gynecologist for a prescription. Make sure that the doctor understands that you want the oral contraceptives for treatment of acne, so that they can prescribe exactly what you need.

It is important to note that all types of treatment for acne take time to work. You must give medication that your doctor recommends the time that it needs to balance hormones, and reduce androgen production before you can expect to see any results.