Can Acne Be Related to Androgen Sensitivity?
Acne often links to how sensitive your skin and oil glands are to androgens, which are hormones like testosterone present in both men and women.[1][2] These hormones signal sebaceous glands to make more sebum, the oil that keeps skin moist but can clog pores when overproduced, leading to breakouts.[1][3]
Androgens play a key role in acne’s main causes: too much oil, clogged follicles, bacteria growth, and swelling.[1] In women, higher androgen levels or greater sensitivity to them can worsen this, especially around the chin, jaw, or during menstrual cycles.[3][4] Conditions like PCOS boost androgen production from ovaries and adrenal glands, making skin oilier and more prone to deep, inflamed pimples that heal slowly.[2][4]
Sensitivity means even normal androgen amounts can trigger issues if your glands react strongly.[3] For example, in menopause, dropping estrogen lets adrenal androgens like DHEA rise, turning into stronger forms like DHT that spark acne.[3] Insulin resistance, common in PCOS, raises insulin which pushes out more androgens, adding to the problem.[2][4]
Stress ties in too, as it ramps up cortisol and DHEA, fueling androgen excess and symptoms like acne or extra hair.[5] Not everyone with high androgens gets acne; it depends on personal sensitivity and other factors like genetics or inflammation.[1][5]
Treatments target this link. Hormonal options like birth control pills lower free testosterone by boosting binding proteins and cutting ovarian output.[1] Anti-androgens such as spironolactone block androgen effects on skin.[1][4] In studies, these match strong treatments like isotretinoin for tough acne cases with hormonal signs.[1]
Lifestyle helps manage sensitivity. Low-sugar diets steady insulin and hormones, easing oil production.[2][4] Gentle skincare avoids irritation while addressing root causes.[4]
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12691598/
https://www.sparshhospital.com/blog/pcos-and-skin-health/
https://www.restartmed.com/menopause-acne/
https://birlafertility.com/blogs/how-to-manage-pcos-acne/
https://drbreannaguan.com/pcos-cortisol-and-chaos/
https://www.oanahealth.com/post/amh-and-androgen-dysregulation
