This is the acne due to the fluctuations in your hormones. It can occur during puberty and can also affect adults of any age. Factors may contribute with the occurrence of acne including menstruation and menopause. Hormonal imbalances triggers acne in adults with underlying medical conditions.

Signs and Symptoms

Overall skin inflammation oil (SEBUM) production in the pores clogged skin cells in hair follicles production of acne causing bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Causes

Hormonal Acne may be caused by fluctuation of hormones from:

• Menstruation
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• menopause
• Androgen levels

Oral medications can work from the inside out to balance your hormones and clear up the skin.

 Oral Contraceptives

• Drospirenone
• Norgestimate
• Norethindrone

This options may not be applicable if you have history of blood clots high blood pressure, or breast cancer and you should avoid smoking.

Antibiotics

• Tetracycline
• Minocycline
• Erythromycin
• Doxycycline

Typically need to be continued for three months. Topical antibiotic may also be prescribed.

Istotretinoin

This need to be prescribed by the doctor needs to be taken for 16 – 20 weeks.

It is crucial to use isotretinoin of you planning on becoming pregnant or if you are or could be pregnant, as there is a risk to the unborn child.

Women must have pregnancy test before starting the medication and use reliable contraceptives before and during its use.

Sexually active women of childbearing age must use two forms of contraceptives before, during and after treatment with isotretinoin.

People with severe acne who needs to use isotretinoin must be referred to a dermatologist who is registered with the U.S Food and Drug monitoring Program for Drug.

Other Procedures

A dermatologist may recommend, or use are or a combination of the following:

• Laser and Light Therapy
• Chemical peels
• Drainage and Extraction to remove cysts