Does Increased Estrogen Cause Acne?

It can be challenging when your skin condition fluctuates due to hormonal changes that can profoundly affect it at any time in your life. The majority of cases of acne are hormonal acne.

It is still not clear how estrogens contribute to acne. (1) Researchers and specialists agree that females with higher estradiol (estrogen) levels are less likely to develop acne during puberty. (2)

According to a meta-analysis of over a thousand studies, serum estrogen levels were lower in patients with acne vulgaris. This data point to a potential role for estrogen in the pathogenesis of acne, albeit at a more subclinical level. (3)

Read on to know about how high estrogen levels influence acne formation.

What Is the Role of Estrogen?

Both sexes use estrogen during the reproductive process. (4) Estrogens are a class of steroid hormones that include estradiol, estrone, and estriol. (5)

Estrogen, a steroid hormone found in females, is instrumental in the maturation of female sexual characteristics. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen or estradiol is the most common hormone treatment used for menopause symptoms. (6)

Does Elevated Estrogen Cause Acne?

Researchers have hypothesized that estrogen plays a protective role in acne vulgaris. (7) Elevated levels of estrogen do not trigger acne.

Sebaceous gland (sebum) suppression and decreased endogenous androgen (hormone) secretion are thought to be the mechanisms by which elevated estrogen protects against acne. Increased estrogens are required to reduce sebum production. (8)(9)

In many cases, females with acne have low estrogen levels, according to a 2011 review article on the role of hormones in acne published in the journal Clinical Biochemistry. (10)

During puberty, acne is common when women’s menstrual cycles are still developing and estrogen levels are low. When estrogen levels in women drop, often just before their periods start, acne may flare up. There is a correlation between acne and low estrogen levels in women.

When administered in high enough doses, estrogen reduces sebum production. In terms of reducing sebum production, some women will respond to lower doses of estrogen, whereas others will need higher doses.

High estrogen states, such as pregnancy, can exacerbate acne for some women, yet estrogen receptors’ expression in the sebaceous gland is poorly understood. (1)

The gonadal axis is negatively affected by high doses of estrogen. Sebaceous gland size and sebum production both decrease as a result. (11) Therefore, experts and researchers conclude that high estrogen levels reduce sebum and protect against acne but that increased estrogen levels themselves can cause acne, but only very rarely.

Relationship Between Estrogen and Androgen Levels and Acne

Acne severity correlates independently with the androgen-to-estrogen ratio, suggesting an elevated androgen ratio is associated with more severe acne. According to researchers, an imbalance in the transition of androgens to estrogens has been suggested as a critical process in the emergence of acne (8)

Acne severity increased with an increase in the androgen-to-estrogen ratio, which was found to be an independent risk factor for acne. As a result, the androgen-to-estrogen balance may serve as a valuable indicator of acne severity. (8)

Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism is characterized by increased androgen levels and decreased estrogen levels. This hormonal imbalance can trigger an acne outbreak. (12)

Estrogen suppresses sebum production when given in sufficient amounts. (8)(13)

According to a scientific theory, the mechanism relating to high levels of estrogen during acne is, when there is mild and moderate acne, there are increased estrogen levels to balance out the effect of high androgen levels by negative feedback mechanism and to decrease the excess sebum production.

However, when estrogen that isn’t correctly metabolized because your liver is overworked processing other toxins is recirculated back into your system, an imbalance in the androgen and estrogen ratio occurs. This imbalance between the androgen and estrogen ratio causes inflammation and acne in the skin, not elevated estrogen levels. (8)(13)

Symptoms of High Estrogen Levels

Some of the signs of excessive estrogen are heavy menstruation, irritability, mood swings, headaches, insomnia, breast cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, gallstones, and thyroid disorders. (6)

Tips for Acne Caused by Hormones

Always keep your face clean. Two daily washes with a mild cleanser will keep your pores clear of oil and dead skin.

Moisturize your skin. Moisturizers are an essential part of any skin care routine. Flare-ups and irritation are possible with dry skin. In addition, using a moisturizer is necessary if you are employing acne treatments that can dry out your skin.

Use products that won’t clog your pores. Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause acne, and using products that clog pores won’t help. Acne can be prevented using noncomedogenic cosmetics, skin care products, and hair care products.

Incorporate organic foods into a healthy diet plan. The hormone-balancing effects of a diet high in phytoestrogens have been hypothesized.

Lessen your toxic burden and try detox aids. Ensure adequate physical activity. Regular exercise is a great way to control your weight and stress levels.

When to See a Dermatologist

Acne should prompt a trip to the doctor if it is severe, persistent, painful, or itchy.

It’s also a good idea to consult a dermatologist before attempting any at-home remedies or OTC creams. Acne treatments are best determined after a thorough medical examination has been performed.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any adverse reactions, including a worsening of acne.

General Queries

Final Word

Hormones, particularly estrogen, play essential roles in the functioning of the human body for both sexes. Although estrogen is typically associated with females, men also produce a small amount of the hormone.

Estrogen suppresses the sebaceous glands that produce sebum, which contributes to acne at high levels. Thus, estrogen protects against adolescent acne.