In most cases, Berson says, women with hormonal acne have normal serum levels of androgens. Berson, an assistant professor of dermatology at New York University, says that there usually is no need for a full hormonal analysis. If adult acne isn't hormone-related, stress can be an agent or can make existing acne worse, since stress stimulates the adrenal gland. According to Berson, it's OK for a dermatologist to prescribe the pill to a healthy patient for acne, as long as the patient tells her gynecologist. But some women should not take the pill, including those with high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, smokers over age 35, and those who've had breast or uterine cancer.
Women can suffer hormonal acne right into menopause.
Menopausal women won't find the pill effective, but hormone replacement therapy is an option for them, Berson says. Berson credits increased awareness. They don't have to feel embarrassed going to a doctor for acne because it is something that women get. All rights reserved. Email This to a Friend.