How Do I Choose the Best Hormonal Acne Treatment?

Hormonal acne treatment can be an effective method for reducing hormone-related acne breakouts, inflammation, and cystic acne. While it often comes in the form of a hormonal contraceptive, androgen blockers and homeopathic remedies are also available. Finding the best hormonal acne treatment will depend on a variety of factors, including cost, side effects, and hormone ingredients. Many acne sufferers will also want to weigh the pros and cons of conventional acne treatments with homeopathic treatments.

Androgens are generally responsible for stimulating the sebaceous glands, which produce oil that can clog pores and trap bacteria under the skin’s surface. These glands are most active during times when hormones are not in balance, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause in women. They are also usually more active during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which occurs after ovulation and before menstruation. Blocking androgens and lessening the stimulation of the sebaceous oil glands can be an effective method for removing hormonal acne.

One of the most common types of hormonal acne treatment is hormonal birth control, which contains estrogen and progesterone mimickers. This method of acne treatment, which comes in the form of pills, injections, and implants, carefully regulates the hormone levels in the bloodstream. Not only does it prevent breakouts from occurring due to hormone fluctuations, it also slightly increases the levels of estrogen-like hormones and decreases the acne-causing effects of androgens. Androgen blockers act in a similar manner by preventing the stimulating effects of androgens on the oil glands. Homeopathic remedies are also available, but the mechanism of action is often specific to the individual treatment.

When choosing the right hormonal acne treatment, cost is often one of the main factors. Some prescriptions for hormonal birth control can cost upwards of $50 US Dollars (USD) per month, especially brand name drugs. Many less expensive generic versions are available, some of which cost less than $10 USD per month. Health insurance coverage is also available for many of these acne treatments.

Depending on the exact make-up of the drug, various side effects can occur for individuals pursuing hormonal acne treatments. Common side effects include mood swings, anxiety, weight gain or weight loss, and in some cases risk of blood clots. Different brands of hormonal birth control will often have different side effects for individual patients, many of which are inconsistent throughout a population. When looking for the best treatment options, it’s best to keep in mind that switching brands is possible if unwanted side effects occur.