If you’ve been ‘breaking out’ like a teenager lately, this post may inspire you to try functional medicine from Toronto. Adult acne can be triggered by hormonal imbalances, and our integrative medicine treatments may help target these concerns. 

Hormonal acne affects males and females. Hormone levels naturally change in the human body, especially during pregnancy, perimenopause or andropause. But there are times when levels fluctuate from a wide variety of circumstances, such as nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress, environmental factors, taking certain medications, having certain chronic conditions (i.e. polycystic ovarian syndrome), and a poor diet. 

Balancing hormones is crucial for optimal wellness, and sometimes lifestyle modifications are needed to recover skin health. This article reveals facts about hormonal acne, taking action with the functional medicine approach, and how a personalized treatment may promote health benefits. 

Introduction to hormonal acne

• • Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Hormonal acne is a type of acne vulgaris that involves painful, pus-filled pimples. Pimples may form on the cheeks, chin and along the jawline. 
  • Excessive testosterone levels can fuel the production of sebum. Changes in sebum secretions can clog pores and trigger inflammation, which may boost zit breakouts. Keep in mind that high testosterone does not only happen in males, but also in females. In a study from the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 72% of their female active participants with acne had excessive androgen hormone levels, such as testosterone. 
  • Estrogen dominance –when estrogen levels exceed progesterone—can contribute to hormonal acne. Patients with estrogen dominance often exhibit insulin resistance, which leads to increased glucose circulation in the blood. This excess glucose can trigger the conversion of estrogen into testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As a result, sebum production increases, potentially leading to acne.
  • Chronic stress can contribute to breakouts due to the release of cortisol. According to an article from Cells, “Cortisol causes an increase in sebaceous gland activity, and elevated levels of cortisol in stressful situations are manifested by increased serum (sebum) secretion and the exacerbation of acne lesions.” 
  • Exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can also trigger breakouts. In fact, BPA (Bisphenol A) has been shown to be one of the EDCs that we’re regularly exposed to in our daily lives. “BPA can affect acne pathogenesis with similar biological activity on androgenic receptors,” confirms a Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology article. 
  • Functional lab tests may be used to scrutinize testosterone, estrogen, etc.; this is handy for determining if breakouts are potentially caused by hormones. At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we may recommend DUTCH testing, which involves submitting dried urine samples to quantify testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol and other androgenic metabolites. The lab results are used to customize your treatment options, such as hormone optimization programs, nutraceuticals, herbal medicines, etc. (Note: Functional medicine testing is not always accessible at conventional medicine clinics. Please reach us if you’d like to learn more about our lab tests.)

Integrative and functional medicine tips to consider

Functional medicine is a health paradigm that supports individualized health care. The functional medicine model is suitable for treating hormonal acne, as these levels are disparate between each individual. This means that a treatment given to one person may not necessarily apply to another patient’s biology. You can start the tips below to work towards your personal hormone balance, which may address acne concerns.

• • Use a gentle exfoliating cleanser: A facial cleanser with exfoliating ingredients can help unclog pores to prevent sebum buildup. Wash your face twice a day (day and night) and use an oil-free cleanser. 

• • Manage stressors: Stress management tactics, including acupuncture, meditation, and yoga, can help regulate cortisol. You can also consult with a psychotherapist for mindfulness strategies. 

• • Adhere to an anti-inflammatory diet: Reducing inflammation may be beneficial for treating hormonal acne, and this can be done through dietary choices. A holistic nutritionist can discuss anti-inflammatory food choices with you, such as consuming omega-3-rich items from the Mediterranean Diet. 
  • Take nutraceuticals: Nutraceuticals are natural compounds prepared as oral supplements. A functional medicine practitioner may recommend supplements based on your lab reports. For example, NAC (N-acetylcysteine) may help promote a hormone balance, while reducing oxidative stress to lessen inflammation. 

Experience an individualized approach to wellness

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we recognize your uniqueness with an individualized approach to healthcare. Our clinicians have extensive experience adapting treatments for numerous health concerns, including acne, digestive issues, cognitive changes, autoimmune conditions, aging skin, nutrient deficiencies, food allergies, chronic pain, and other issues. Our previous post on how functional medicine may address adrenal fatigue is an article we highly recommend that you read.

Our integrative medicine options are adapted strictly for your needs. We can integrate Western medicine with a range of complementary holistic treatments, such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture (Traditional Chinese Medicine), holistic nutrition, hormone optimization programs, and more. We also offer additional education to patients regarding their treatment plan, how to make lifestyle modifications, and supporting your unique biology for long-term health goals.

Intravenous therapy from our in-house IV Lounge is also available for patients. Our clinicians may prescribe IV nutrients for general needs, and dosages are modified with the principles of integrative functional medicine. When IV drips are added to a routine of healthy living and regular wellness consultations, they can potentially improve physical and mental health.  

Take control of your acne with our functional medicine therapies! Reserve your first visit at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – all you need to do is send us a message to begin. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Ayer, J., & Burrows, N. (2006). Acne: More than skin deep. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 82(970), 500-506. https://doi.org/10.1136/pgmj.2006.045377

Bagatin, E., Rivitti Machado, M. C., Ribeiro, B. M., & Nunes, S. (2019). Adult female acne: A guide to clinical practice. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 94(1), 62-75. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20198203

Baldwin, H., & Tan, J. (2021). Effects of Diet on Acne and Its Response to Treatment. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 22(1), 55-65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-020-00542-y

Borzyszkowska, D., Niedzielska, M., Kozłowski, M., Brodowska, A., Przepiera, A., Malczyk-Matysiak, K., Cymbaluk-Płoska, A., & Sowińska-Przepiera, E. (2022). Evaluation of Hormonal Factors in Acne Vulgaris and the Course of Acne Vulgaris Treatment with Contraceptive-Based Therapies in Young Adult Women. Cells, 11(24). https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11244078

Iftikhar, U., & Choudhry, N. (2019). Serum levels of androgens in acne & their role in acne severity. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 35(1), 146-150. https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.1.131

Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C. An update on the role of the sebaceous gland in the pathogenesis of acne. Dermatoendocrinol. 2011 Jan;3(1):41-9. doi: 10.4161/derm.3.1.13900. PMID: 21519409; PMCID: PMC3051853.

Mehta Ambalal, Sujata R. Holistic Approach to Management of Acne: Exploring the Evidence. Clinical Dermatology Review 7(3):p 209-214, Jul–Sep 2023. | DOI: 10.4103/cdr.cdr_56_21

Mardani N, Mozafarpoor S, Goodarzi A, Nikkhah F. A systematic review of N-acetylcysteine for treatment of acne vulgaris and acne-related associations and consequences: Focus on clinical studies. Dermatol Ther. 2021 May;34(3):e14915. doi: 10.1111/dth.14915. Epub 2021 Mar 18. PMID: 33629414.

Ozden, H. K., & Karadag, A. S. (2021). Could endocrine disruptors be a new player for acne pathogenesis? The effect of bisphenol A on the formation and severity of acne vulgaris: A prospective, case-controlled study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(11), 3573-3579. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14364

Sutaria AH, Masood S, Saleh HM, et al. Acne Vulgaris. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/

Uysal G, Sahin Y, Unluhizarci K, Ferahbas A, Uludag SZ, Aygen E, Kelestimur F. Is acne a sign of androgen excess disorder or not? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2017 Apr;211:21-25. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.01.054. Epub 2017 Jan 23. PMID: 28178574.