Hormonal Acne

Generally, acne can be considered a sign of hormonal disharmony. Hormones play a major part in the creation of sebum. Excessive sebum production is a tell-tale sign of an hormonal imbalance. The major hormones involved with excessive sebum creation are androgen (male hormones), estrogen, and insulin-growth factor. Testosterone and insulin-growth factor are the two hormones closely linked to acne.

Androgen (Male Hormones)

Although considered male hormones, androgen hormones are found in males and females. Androgen hormones include free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone abbreviated as DHT, dehydroepiandrosterone abbreviated as DHEA, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate abbreviated as DHEA-S. Excessive androgenic hormones in males and females have been shown to overstimulate the sebaceous glands.  

Estrogen 

Estrogen is usually found only in women. Estrogen is responsible for the development of female characteristics in the body. One of estrogen functions is to balance out male hormones. If estrogen levels are low, androgen hormones become dominant. When male hormones are dominant in women, this triggers an increase in sebum is production.  

Insulin-growth factor

Insulin-growth factor is a hormone produced in the liver. Insulin-growth factor is involved in the growth and function of almost every organ in the body. The hormone is similar in structure to insulin. Due to its similar structure to insulin, excessive insulin growth factor in the bloodstream can cause an increase in sebum production.

Other causes of acne