The balance and quantity of hormones directly affect how our bodies function. A right balance translates into energy, clear skin, weight control, sexual vigor, youthful appearance, recovery from daily stress and physical activity and overall sense of well- being. 

Imbalance and lack lead to acne, fatigue, sleep disturbance, sexual dysfunction, depression, impaired immune function, chronic illnesses, disease, "lack of thriving" and a degenerative state of decline.

We know that internal hormone imbalances can trigger acne in genetically acne-prone individuals. It is androgens and testosterone that are mostly to blame. 

First, let’s learn about Testosterone - the acne triggering hormone.

Testosterone falls within the class of hormones called androgens. Commonly referred to as "male hormones," androgens are found in females as well. They are called male hormones because the human characteristics that they stimulate and control are masculine characteristics. Examples of masculine traits include libido, muscle building, and more aggressive behavior.  

In women, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce Testosterone. For males, testosterone is produced primarily in the testes. Testosterone levels decrease with age under normal circumstances.

The specific hormone that stimulates the development of our sebaceous (oil) follicles and their attached oil glands is dihydrotestosterone. The increase in dihydrotestosterone is correlated to the start the process of puberty (in addition to estrogen for females). 

Girls will start experiencing an increase in dihydrotestosterone before boys do, typically around the age of 10 or 11. Boys will experience increased hormones around the age of 12 or 13. We usually start treating girls for mild non-inflamed acne around age 11. Often, teen acne for boys is inflamed and may not need treatment until 14 or 15 years old.

Signs of Excess Testosterone:

• Acne and Oily Skin
• Anger
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Hair Loss
• Hirsutism (dark, coarse facial hair in females)
• Increased Insulin Resistance
• Irregular Periods
• Salt and Sugar Cravings
• Weight Gain
• PCOS diagnosis
• Skin darkening on the underarms
• Overweight with small breasts (females)

What you can share with clients:

'Acne is associated with elevated testosterone and low estrogen.  Estrogen and testosterone are like a teeter totter; as the testosterone goes up, the estrogen goes down or vice versa.  Acne prone individuals are more sensitive to the effects of testosterone because high testosterone levels can stimulate the sebaceous gland, which produces our body's natural oil.  When the excess oil gets mixed with bacteria and the extra dead skin cells that one with acne sheds, this causes the inflammation and breakout.'