what triggers acne in women and if it is different triggers from men?
DEAR CATHY: Acne can be frustrating. As a general rule, women’s hormones tend to fluctuate more than men, which helps explain why acne in women tends to be less constant and more erratic than acne in men. However, men actually have severe acne 10x more frequently than females. The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors. Fluctuating levels of sex hormones during puberty can affect acne. Men and women both experience fluctuating levels of hormones during puberty but women experience an increase in male sex hormones called androgens. This increase causes the glands to get larger and make more sebum. If your physician feels your acne may be due to an excess of androgens, he or she may prescribe a medication called spironolactone which reduces androgen effects on sebum production. However, before prescribing spironolactone, your physician may try other topical or oral medications Fluctuating levels of sex hormones as an adult can also aff
