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Hormonal Acne, High Testosterone. Best Options?
asked 8 months ago by CoffeeQueen
Latest answer by Carla R. Retief, MD
Question viewed 251 times
Tags: cystic acne, hormones, options
I never had acne until recently. I am nearly 40 with cystic adult hormonal acne. I had my hormones checked and the testosterone was high. I would like to know the best course of action to manage this. I do not want to go on accutane. I have tried IPL, dermabrasion, peels, serums, and tazorac, and aldactone. My skin has been hyperpigmeneting from all the cysts. I look awful!
3 answers to Hormonal Acne, High Testosterone. Best Options?
+2
Go see an alternative medicine doctor who specializes in bioidentical hormones
Adult hormonal acne is very common, but I do find it uncommon for a female patient to have high testosterone unless they have a syndrome called Polycystic Ovarian Disease. Normally this occurs in your early twenties and uncommon to develop in your forties. Normally Aldactone helps these patients tremendously. If you aren't getting answers from your OB-GYN regarding your high testostermone, I would get a second opinion from someone specializing in bioidentical...
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Carla R. Retief, MD
Nashville Dermatologic Surgeon
Nashville Dermatologic Surgeon
+2
I feel your pain!
Hormonal acne in the 40's is due to progesterone deficiency. This leads to a relative estrogen dominance which causes breast cysts, excessive menstrual bleeding, insomnia, increased emotions and melasma. The progesterone deficiency also causes testosterone excess - and the best way to treat this is to balance the hormones - so progesterone supplementation is called for. To remove excess testosterone from the body, drink this blended drink throughout the day (you'll...
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Laura Skellchock, MD
Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+1
Management of Hormonal Acne
Hormonally induced acne is a unique subset of acne that requires individualized treatment. Typically, the acneiform lesions are deep cystic nodules in the mid to lower face. A combination of spironolactone, an oral antibiotic and/or oral contraceptives can be utilized depending on a patient's condition. I highly recommend following up with a board certified dermatologist and endocrinologist to be evaluated so the appropriate treatment plan can be...
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