Did you know that hormonal imbalances are one of the most common causes of acne?(1). Low progesterone particularly, can directly and indirectly contribute to acne development.
How can low progesterone cause acne?
Progesterone is an important female hormone that is dominant in the second half of the menstrual cycle. It has a role in suppressing an enzyme called 5a reductase. This enzyme is needed to convert testosterone to DHT. DHT is another type of testosterone but has more potent effects.
DHT and testosterone are androgen hormones, and are what stimulates sebum and acne formation. DHT is 5-10 times more potent than testosterone (2). If we have low levels of progesterone, it means more DHT is converted, which means more acne.
Low progesterone=
Higher activity of 5a reductase=
Increased DHT conversion=
Increased sebum/acne production.
LOW PROGESTERONE & HIGH OESTROGEN
The female hormones progesterone and oestrogen counterbalance each other. They are like yin and yang and have different roles in the body.
When one is high the other is low.
If Progesterone levels are too low, this means that Oestrogen is too high.
High oestrogen is commonly seen in those with PCOS. PCOS is associated with high insulin. Imbalanced insulin levels can also increase the androgen hormones testosterone and DHT. Not only that, elevated insulin increases both the size and amount of sebum/acne production (3).
High insulin can also disrupt ovulation. We need to be able to ovulate in order to produce progesterone-creating a snowball effect on acne formation.
How do I know if I have low progesterone?
The main reason for low progesterone is no ovulation. There are many reasons why you might not be ovulating- stress and undereating are two of the main reasons for no ovulation- read more here.
The best way to find out if you are ovulating is to track your basal body temperature.
Signs and Symptoms of Low Progesterone:
Mid-cycle spotting
Irregular cycles
A short luteal phase
Acne Breakouts
Anxiety/low mood/irritability
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Heavy or very light periods
Recurrent miscarriages and trouble falling pregnant
Poor sleep
Low libido
Hair loss/thinning
Poor thyroid function
TESTING FOR PROGESTERONE:
If you have a feeling that you might be low in progesterone, it may be a good idea to get your levels checked! To interpret the test results correctly, it is important to test progesterone on day 21 of your cycle.
If you have irregular cycles, test 7 days AFTER ovulation. You can determine ovulation by tracking your basal body temperature.
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Female hormones are complex and when they are imbalanced it can cause a magnitude of issues in the female system… It's not just the direct impact but how it can indirectly interfere with other mechanisms within the body. But… Not to worry, that's where I come into play!! I have treated hundreds of women to balance their hormones and helped them to get the most out of their lives and menstrual cycles. Your hormones are not something to be afraid of, we can use them to our advantage when they are in harmony.
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