Is It Your Hormones? Testing for Acne Clarity
As a functional naturopathic doctor, I always preach that acne is often a visible symptom of deeper imbalances within the body. While topical treatments and medications may provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the root cause of the issue. For many of my clients, persistent acne is closely tied to hormonal fluctuations that aren't always immediately obvious. That’s why I advocate for comprehensive hormone testing as a critical step in understanding and healing your skin from the inside out. And ultimately it’s not the hormones fault itself…rather what’s causing it to be imbalanced in the first place that we have to address side by side!
BUT before we get into it, disclaimer that there are many more things we could test for and testing for all of these aren’t applicable for every case depending on what medications/supplements you’re on, how your cycles are trending, and many other factors. This is why it’s SO important to work 1:1 with someone like myself who can help to guide you AND knows how to accurately interpret your testing in terms of functional optimal values. With that being said, let’s get into it! Some common hormones that I run for clients include…
DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate): As a precursor to androgens like testosterone, elevated DHEA-S can indicate an overactive adrenal gland, which may exacerbate acne.
Testosterone: Elevated testosterone levels can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and acne.
Progesterone: Low progesterone can lead to an estrogen-dominant state, contributing to hormonal imbalances that trigger acne. Testing for progesterone provides insights into the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle as well.
Estradiol: Imbalances in estradiol, a form of estrogen, can contribute to acne by affecting sebum production and skin cell turnover. Testing estradiol levels helps in assessing estrogen dominance or deficiency, both of which can influence acne severity.
Blood Sugar Markers (Glucose, HbA1c, Insulin): Blood sugar imbalances can lead to insulin resistance, which is linked to increased androgen production and inflammation, both of which can worsen acne. Testing these markers helps in understanding how your body handles sugar.
Thyroid Markers: Thyroid dysfunction can impact metabolism, hormone balance, and skin health. Hypothyroidism, for example, can slow down skin turnover, leading to clogged pores and acne. Testing thyroid markers ensures that thyroid function is optimized, which is essential for overall skin health.
Cortisol: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can lead to increased sebum production and inflammation, exacerbating acne. Testing cortisol, especially in a diurnal pattern, helps assess stress levels and adrenal function, allowing for stress management strategies to be implemented.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin): Low levels of SHBG can result in higher levels of free androgens like testosterone, which can aggravate acne. Testing SHBG provides insights into how much testosterone is bioavailable and potentially contributes to acne.
Working 1:1 with a practitioner like myself is crucial because understanding when and how to test these markers, as well as interpreting the results, can be complex. Hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and in response to various lifestyle factors, so timing your tests correctly is key to getting accurate insights. I can guide you through this process, ensuring that you test at the right times and helping you make sense of the results. Together, we'll develop a tailored plan that addresses the unique factors contributing to your acne, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach!
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
