Common Side Effects And Risks Of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Development Of Acne

Acne is a skin condition where the body produces an excess amount of sebum that clogs pores. Most often, acne is a result of abnormally high levels of certain hormones such as testosterone. Testosterone can cause changes in the activity of skin cells, bacterial colonization of hair follicles, inflammation, and increased production of sebum. Acne develops when sebum, dead skin cells, and immune response factors clump together and form a blockage in a hair follicle or pore. Acne can occur in individuals undergoing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and it is more prevalent when it involves testosterone. Because the dosages and potency of this type of therapy are not always regulated, it is easy for hormone levels to become too high in individuals who are using them. A high level of testosterone can also result in falling levels of estrogen. Low estrogen levels can also manifest as hormonal acne.