The Causes of Female Adult Acne - You Are Not Alone


by Matt Adler - Date: 2006-12-08 - Word Count: 335 Share This!

Adult female acne is relatively common. Approximately 50% of women will get acne in their lifetime. Unfortunately it does not stop at the teenage years, although mild acne can be tolerated at times. Severe acne, however, should be treated and could also be the result of a hormone imbalance that should not be left untreated.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a female hormone disorder that is actually quite common. Signs of PCOS can include skin and hair changes that are the result of increases in testosterone. These changes can be acne, thinning hair on the head, and increased facial or body hair. Other signs can be difficulty maintaining a constant weight and irregular menstrual cycles. If you have noticed some of these symptoms it is in your best interest to see a doctor for hormonal testing.

Doctors can measure your hormone levels for increased androgen levels. Androgen is a type of testosterone hormone which can cause severe acne in adult women as well as sprouting hair in places you would prefer did not grow. While testosterone is considered a male hormone, women still have testosterone levels, albeit much lower than males.

When the androgen levels increase, it stimulates the sebaceous glands, which increases the amount of oil your skin produces. The oil mixes with dead skin cells and clogs pores and allows bacteria to grow beneath the surface of the skin. The result is acne.

For women who do not have PCOS, acne is still caused by hormonal changes. The week prior to your period is a common time when acne arises. Women who are going through menopause are often affected by acne.

Visiting a doctor is the first step in identifying the cause of female acne. A doctor will be able to identify if there is a long term hormone imbalance which is causing the acne. If this is the case, the hormone levels will need to be treated. If your hormone levels are normal, chances are your acne will be able to be treated with traditional acne medications.


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