Well the answer may have been found in scientific studies done on treating acne with oral contraceptives. Studies have shown that fourth-generation progestins that are not derived from testosterone are effective in treating acne while the other androgenic forms can make acne worse. This may tell us that excess androgen hormones such as testosterone may contribute to acne.
What can we do about it?
There are currently 4 COCs approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne. They are ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate/ferrous fumarate, ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone, and ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone/levomefolate.
For women, it may be worth considering to try one of these oral contraceptives. However there are many risks associated with any oral contraceptive.
The natural way to lower androgen hormones.
Reishi mushrooms, flax seeds, and tofu are among the recommended foods for lowering androgenic hormones by increasing your estrogen. However, there are other factors to consider. Increased levels of insulin might trigger the body to make more androgens. Your body produces the hormone insulin to help move glucose (the substance created from carbohydrates) into your cells. Diet heavily influences insulin levels and watching carbohydrate intake can help reduce insulin production.
This may be why sugary foods have long been associated with acne. The more sugar we consume, the more insulin is produced. The more insulin, the more androgens.
The answer?
If you believe your acne is caused by hormones, I would recommend getting your hormone levels checked by a doctor. You may find you have too much testosterone.
If so there are many herbs you can try to use to lower the hormone but first you may want to look at your diet.
