The Link Between Hormones and Acne: Part 3

Physicians have devised additional methods to influence hormones that are known as anti-androgen chemicals. One of these, spironolactone, is actually a diuretic, or water pill. Spironolactone binds to the androgen receptors, preventing the conversion of testosterone to the more powerful hormone DHT. But its side effects may include increased urination, abnormal menstrual periods, weight gain, breast tenderness, dizziness, and headaches. Diuretics can also drain the body of potassium, another dangerous side effect. Flutamide, another androgen blocker that has been used to treat male pattern baldness, has not been successful in treating acne and should not be used for this purpose.

Approximately 80 to 90 percent of the females reported that they experienced flare-ups when she was premenstrual. The sebaceous glands can be affected by the hormonal changes that occur during the midcycle of teh menstrual period. While there is controversy regarding the effects of estrogen and progesterone on acne, we do know that altering the hormone status to prevent hormonal surges can be therapeutic to some women. It is believed that estrogen acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and exerts a systemic anti-inflammatory effect that is beneficial to the skin.

Many oral contraceptives have an androgenic effect on the body, causing it to become more acne prone. The newer oral contraceptives have been designed to avoid the androgen effect. Yet, while some physicians believe that taking oral contraceptives is helpful to women acne sufferers, the most effective and safest course of treatment is to control hormonal surges and acne flare-ups through an anti-flammatory diet and with anti-inflammatory nutritional supplements. These methods work to heal and balance the body naturally and effectively - and without negative side effects.