Hyperandrogen acne is acne that appears due to excess of androgen hormones in the body. Acne caused by excess hormones usually appear more severe and more difficult to disappear. Even so, this acne can still be overcome.
Hyperandrogen state is excessive production of androgen hormones by the ovaries and adrenal glands. This hormone is normally more commonly found in men. Ideally, women need only 1% of the androgen hormone in their body.
If the level of this hormone is in excess, women can experience various symptoms such as irregular menstruation, hirsutism, hidradenitis suppurativa, and baldness. However, the most common symptoms are hirsutism and hyperandrogen acne.
Hyperandrogen Acne in Women of Productive Age
Apart from being caused by excessive levels of androgen hormones, acne can also occur when levels of these hormones are normal, but the oil glands are more sensitive to them. The reason is, androgen hormones can increase the production of oil glands. Over time, excess oil production will cause acne.
Hyperandrogen acne can actually be experienced by both men and women. However, women tend to be more prone to this condition. In fact, 10–20% of women of reproductive age are thought to have excess androgen hormones. Levels of female hormones that fluctuate throughout the month also make it easier for acne to appear.
Hyperandrogen acne is usually spread on the cheeks, chin, jaw, and upper neck. These pimples tend to be deeper and difficult to go away, and usually get worse before menstruation.
Some conditions in women that can trigger the appearance of hyperandrogen acne, namely:
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Use of medications that trigger acne, such as testosterone and corticosteroids
- Adrenal gland diseases, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal gland tumors
- Diseases of the pituitary gland, such as Cushing's syndrome, gigantism, and prolactinoma.
Hyperandrogen Acne Treatment
Hyperandrogen acne is not adequately treated with cleansers or facial masks like acne in general. Research shows that the use of combined hormonal therapy, which is commonly found in combined oral contraceptives, can be an effective and safe way to treat hyperandrogen acne.
However, keep in mind that there are various types of combined oral contraceptives with different contents. Some contain a progestin, Etinylestradiol, Levonorgestrel, Norgestimate, Desogestrel, Drospirenone, and Cyproterone acetate (CPA).
Combination hormonal therapy that is effective in treating hyperandrogen acne is one that contains a combination of Etinylestradiol and Cyprosetone acetate (CPA).
Hormonal therapy with this combination plays a role in reducing the activity of the oil glands (sebum) in the skin so it doesn't produce excess oil, so it can reduce and even cure hyperandrogen acne.
However, it takes at least 3 months to be able to see significant results, of course also with regular use according to the dosage and the correct way to drink according to the doctor's recommendation according to different patient conditions.
The Physical and Psychological Impact of Hyperandrogen Acne
Hyperandrogen acne should not be taken lightly, because this condition is usually accompanied by other hyperandrogen symptoms that can cause various health problems, both physical and mental. Physically, the effects that can arise due to hyperandrogen or high levels of androgen hormones are:
- Severe acne
- Hirsutism
- Baldness
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Irregular menstruation and infertility
- Clitoral enlargement
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
Meanwhile, the negative impact of hyperandrogen from a mental point of view is a decrease in self-confidence and disturbances mood. In fact, some women who suffer from this condition can also experience depression and anxiety disorders.
Physical and psychological problems due to hyperandrogen acne can also have an impact on the social life of the sufferer. Not a few people with hyperandrogen acne get ridicule from their friends, feel inferior, find it difficult to establish relationships with new people, and even refuse to socialize.
If not addressed immediately, this mental burden can accumulate and cause severe depression, even to the point of wanting to commit suicide.
Hyperandrogen acne can arise due to various diseases. In addition to the complaints of acne itself, the disease that underlies the emergence of acne also needs to be addressed. Therefore, this complaint needs to be checked by a doctor.
If you experience stubborn acne, especially those accompanied by hyperandrogen symptoms, such as irregular periods and hair loss, you should consult a doctor so that acne and its underlying cause can be treated appropriately.
