Hormones and Breakouts

Since pimples are caused by an overproduction of sebum that combines with dead skin cells to clog pores, the next logical question is: What causes the sebaceous glands to produces this excess sebum?

The answer? Hormones.

Hormones are chemical messengers from glands to cells in other parts of the body. Certain hormones control the secretion of sebum from the sebaceous glands, and fluctuations in hormonal activity can trigger an overproduction of this oily substance.

Teenage Acne. Close to 100% of people suffer from breakouts at some point during their teen years. During puberty, the body is awash in hormones that stimulate growth in the reproductive system and other parts of the body. In particular, androgens, which are male hormones found in both women and men, play a role in forming acne. Androgens are responsible for stimulating sebum production in the sebaceous glands. As hormonal balances shift and androgen levels increase, the excess oil produced can lead to pimples.

Acne generally starts to develop at the onset of puberty, which is why younger children fortunately do not suffer from this skin condition. Acne can continue throughout the teen years and often slows or disappears after adolescence.

Hormonal Acne. Some women may also notice that their skin tends to break out more often before or during their menstrual cycle or that their skin changes when taking birth control pills. This is also due to changes in hormone levels. As androgens are released prior to the menstrual cycle, sebaceous glands are stimulated and sebum is produced. If this sebum becomes trapped in the pores, pimples may result.

Adult-Onset Acne. Although teenagers going through puberty are likely candidates for blemishes, adult-onset acne is not uncommon. Men and women who did not suffer from excessive acne in earlier years may suddenly find themselves dealing with both pimples and aging skin. Fluctuations in hormone levels can occur at any time, and changes in hormone levels can lead to acne.

Pregnancy Acne. Pregnant women may also notice acne breakouts, especially during the early stages of their pregnancies. Hormone levels fluctuate greatly during pregnancy, and increased androgen levels again stimulate sebum production. As with any medical condition, it is always recommended to consult your doctor before self-treatment during pregnancy.

Menopausal Acne. Women's skin can be affected by changes in hormone levels before, during and after menopause. During menopause, which on average occurs between the age 45 and 55, a woman's estrogen levels decrease and relatively more androgens are present. A greater number of androgens often leads to greater oil production in the skin. For this reason, some women may notice a change in their skin around the time of menopause.