Hormonal Acne

Spironolactone & Treating Women’s Hormonal Acne

Acne is a very common issue, however there is a huge increase in adult acne recently. Adult acne looks, behaves, and is treated differently than teenage acne. Women will get hormonal breakouts after the age of 25. These breakouts are on the lower half of their face, usually starting on the cheeks and going down to the chin and along the jaw line. They are large, deep, painful cysts that often do not break the surface. They often happen a week before or after the period and seem to NEVER go away completely.

Almost all women with adult acne have some level of hormonal impact on their acne. Most have normal levels of circulating androgens (the “male” hormone such as testosterone or progesterone), which increases around the period. Androgen receptors are present in the sebaceous glands. Spironolactone is effective in treating acne because it effectively blocks this androgen receptor.

The oral medication, Spironolactone is a receptor-blocker and is very effective in treating women’s hormonal breakouts.

If you suffer from hormonal acne, talk to Dr. Lily about Spironolactone for therapy. Clinical studies done with this drug have shown outstanding results for women experiencing hormonal acne. However, it is contraindicated if you are pregnant, nursing or planning on becoming pregnant. 

Spironolactone is often combined with topical regimens. An anti-acne skin cleanser, moisturizer and topical medicines can be used for stellar results!