Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: LittleEmily24 on February 06, 2014, 11:24:25 AM Return to Full Version
Title: HRT and Acne/Scarring
Post by: LittleEmily24 on February 06, 2014, 11:24:25 AM
Post by: LittleEmily24 on February 06, 2014, 11:24:25 AM
I was wondering if HRT will/might have any effect on the way your body handles acne ~ I've read that HRT reduces acne, and i was actually curious if anyone could give me some insight on whether it has any effect on pigmented acne scars
(For those who don't know: Pigmented acne scars are the discolorations in skin that are purplish brown after the blemish is already gone)
I have a couple of pigmented acne scars on multiple areas of my body because of shaving and waxing and other things that resulted in blemishes in the past. I already use lotion and stuff to prevent any more from happening and i haven't gotten any, but it doesn't do anything about the scars i already have ~ should i invest in seeing a dermatologist? or would it be worth waiting to see if HRT has any effect?
(For those who don't know: Pigmented acne scars are the discolorations in skin that are purplish brown after the blemish is already gone)
I have a couple of pigmented acne scars on multiple areas of my body because of shaving and waxing and other things that resulted in blemishes in the past. I already use lotion and stuff to prevent any more from happening and i haven't gotten any, but it doesn't do anything about the scars i already have ~ should i invest in seeing a dermatologist? or would it be worth waiting to see if HRT has any effect?
Title: Re: HRT and Acne/Scarring
Post by: KayXo on February 06, 2014, 11:37:42 AM
Post by: KayXo on February 06, 2014, 11:37:42 AM
Estrogen and anti-androgens will reduce sebum production from sebaceous glands, thus reducing oil production and acne. It will positively affect your acne. :)
Androgen (T and DHT) increases sebum and likelihood of acne. This is the reason why it tends to afflict men more strongly.
As for scars, I don' t think it will make much a difference. In fact, estrogen increases skin pigmentation.
From Volume 64, Number 1
OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY
Copyright © 2009
by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Physiological Changes Associated with the Menstrual Cycle
A Review
"Androgens are well known to be the primary stimulator of sebum production in humans (17). Estrogens,
however, suppress sebum production at high concentrations. The sebum content of the skin is
therefore related to the menstrual cycle, with the lowest sebum level at the peak of the estrogen level
(18). The role of progesterone on sebum production is controversial and therefore inconclusive (19).
"The effects of estrogen on pigmentation were first implied by observed changes in pigmentation char- acteristic of pregnancy: patches of increased pigmentation on the face known as chloasma, as well as darkening of the skin of the areolae, the perineum, and the skin over the linea alba, which fade shortly after delivery (29). Application of estrogen-containing ointment to children results in hyperpigmentation, when applied to the genital area as well as the nipples and linea alba (33). Hyperpigmentation is also observed in some patients with use of oral contraceptives (20)"
Androgen (T and DHT) increases sebum and likelihood of acne. This is the reason why it tends to afflict men more strongly.
As for scars, I don' t think it will make much a difference. In fact, estrogen increases skin pigmentation.
From Volume 64, Number 1
OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY
Copyright © 2009
by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Physiological Changes Associated with the Menstrual Cycle
A Review
"Androgens are well known to be the primary stimulator of sebum production in humans (17). Estrogens,
however, suppress sebum production at high concentrations. The sebum content of the skin is
therefore related to the menstrual cycle, with the lowest sebum level at the peak of the estrogen level
(18). The role of progesterone on sebum production is controversial and therefore inconclusive (19).
"The effects of estrogen on pigmentation were first implied by observed changes in pigmentation char- acteristic of pregnancy: patches of increased pigmentation on the face known as chloasma, as well as darkening of the skin of the areolae, the perineum, and the skin over the linea alba, which fade shortly after delivery (29). Application of estrogen-containing ointment to children results in hyperpigmentation, when applied to the genital area as well as the nipples and linea alba (33). Hyperpigmentation is also observed in some patients with use of oral contraceptives (20)"
Title: Re: HRT and Acne/Scarring
Post by: LittleEmily24 on February 06, 2014, 11:42:10 AM
Post by: LittleEmily24 on February 06, 2014, 11:42:10 AM
Quote from: KayXo on February 06, 2014, 11:37:42 AMAs for scars, I don' t think it will make much a difference. In fact, estrogen increases skin pigmentation.
are you saying that its possible the pigmented scars might get DARKER?
Title: Re: HRT and Acne/Scarring
Post by: KayXo on February 06, 2014, 11:45:15 AM
Post by: KayXo on February 06, 2014, 11:45:15 AM
Perhaps. Not sure. Stay away from the sun and/or wear sunscreen. You'll be fine. ;)
Title: Re: HRT and Acne/Scarring
Post by: FalseHybridPrincess on February 06, 2014, 07:14:31 PM
Post by: FalseHybridPrincess on February 06, 2014, 07:14:31 PM
hrt helped me with acne and some minor acne scars...
Title: Re: HRT and Acne/Scarring
Post by: KayXo on February 06, 2014, 07:15:57 PM
Post by: KayXo on February 06, 2014, 07:15:57 PM
There you go Emily. Great news! :)
Title: Re: HRT and Acne/Scarring
Post by: FalseHybridPrincess on February 06, 2014, 07:19:47 PM
Post by: FalseHybridPrincess on February 06, 2014, 07:19:47 PM
Quote from: KayXo on February 06, 2014, 07:15:57 PM
There you go Emily. Great news! :)
yeah :D
let me go through some details actually...
I had acne not only on my face but also my shoulders , back and chest...
so I always feared id be kinda disgusting as a girl like that ...
but guess what , now I only have like one or two pimples on my face , everywhere else is completely gone...
also about scars,,,I had one on my right cheek , people would comment about it , saying things like "it looks like an insect "etc etc...
but hey its almost gone now! and some other really minor scars have vanished,,,