Acne and Progesterone

Progesterone seems to hold a lot of promise as an effective treatment for acne. It’s a natural female hormone that helps oxygenate the skin cells, keeping acne at bay. Conversely, an increase in progesterone levels is known to cause acne flare-ups. Many women notice that acne is part of PMS; too much progesterone will cause the acne everyone tries to avoid.

There are two forms of progesterone, natural and synthetic. The synthetic, called progestin, is the type found in commercially manufactured acne medication. The natural form that is produced by the body rises and falls with the menstrual cycle, stimulating or slowing the natural function of androgens and regulating water retention, ovulation and much more. Progesterone and progestin are both used in many topical creams to treat acne. This is effective in reducing acne unless it upsets your natural balance, which could actually make your acne worse. You could find a different dosage but it’s always best to check with your doctor or dermatologist before trying such therapy.

Androgens, another hormone found naturally in the body, stimulate extra oil production when a hair follicle becomes plugged in an effort to clean it out. This feeds the bacteria that cause acne, producing the infected pimples and redness of acne. Sometimes a dermatologist or other doctor will prescribe Progesterone in the form of birth control pills to override the production of excess androgens in the body, effectively controlling acne. And yet, studies also show that an excess of Progesterone, usually just before menstruation in women, will increase androgens and begin the cycle of acne so many women dread as part of their monthly cycle.

Whether progesterone helps relieve acne or causes it is still a matter of debate. The fact remains that a large number of acne sufferers are finding relief through medicines containing progesterone and its synthetic form, progestin. Again, it’s best to get a doctor’s opinion if you’re considering this form of acne treatment, even though you can get it in topical form without a prescription.