The relationship between progesterone & acne
When we think of hormone imbalances and acne…the hormone that typically comes to mind is testosterone. And though yes, imbalances in testosterone can certainly contribute to acne - it’s not the ONLY hormone we need to look out for. Enter progesterone.
Progesterone is a crucial hormone primarily produced by the ovaries in women, although smaller amounts are also synthesized by the adrenal glands. It plays a fundamental role in the menstrual cycle and is essential for maintaining a healthy reproductive system. One of its key functions is to prepare the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining, making it more receptive to a fertilized egg. Additionally, progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and plays a role in mood regulation.
In terms of symptoms, imbalances in progesterone can lead to various issues. Low progesterone levels may result in irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, mood swings, difficulty maintaining a pregnancy, fatigue, and breast tenderness.
Progesterone imbalances can also contribute to skin issues, including acne. When there is an excess of progesterone, it can stimulate the production of sebum (oil) in the skin. Excess sebum, along with dead skin cells and bacteria, can clog pores and lead to the development of acne. This is particularly evident during certain phases of the menstrual cycle when progesterone levels are naturally higher.
On the other hand, low progesterone levels during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle can contribute to estrogen dominance, a hormonal imbalance that can play a role in the development of acne. The luteal phase is the second half of the menstrual cycle, characterized by the presence of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. If progesterone production is insufficient, estrogen can become relatively dominant, as it is not adequately counterbalanced by progesterone. Estrogen dominance may lead to an increase in sebum production, the skin's natural oil, and alter the normal shedding of skin cells. This creates an environment conducive to the clogging of pores, which can result in the formation of acne as well. Additionally, the hormonal imbalance can trigger inflammation which can further exacerbate things.
Lastly, chronic stress can have a profound impact on your hormones, potentially leading to lower progesterone levels. When an individual experiences stress, the body releases cortisol, a hormone associated with the stress response. Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the normal production of sex hormones, including progesterone. The body often prioritizes cortisol synthesis over sex hormone production in times of stress, leading to a relative decrease in progesterone. This imbalance can affect the menstrual cycle, potentially causing irregularities and contributing to symptoms associated with low progesterone. There is a very intricate connection between stress and hormonal fluctuations - you cannot underscore the importance of stress when it comes to healing your skin.
In conclusion, progesterone is a vital hormone with multifaceted functions in a woman's body. Ultimately, how I like to explain it is that it’s not the hormonal imbalance itself that is the ROOT of where the acne is stemming from, more so what is causing that imbalance in the first place? That’s what we have to uncover!
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