More frequently women are combating acne and wrinkles simultaneously. It’s a hideous fight wrought with mysterious hormone signals and an even more baffling search for a cure.
Acne does not go away with age
Dr. Alan R. Shalita, who co-authored "The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Acne," found that contrary to the adage that, “You’ll grow out of acne”, premenstrual acne only seems to get worse with age. This study examined a group of 400 women ages 12 to 52. The investigators observed that 53 percent of women over age 33 experienced a higher rate of premenstrual acne than women under age 20-- who only reported a 39 percent increase in premenstrual acne.
Dermatologist Diane Thiboutot, MD, associate professor of medicine at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center , Hershey , Pa. , proposes to clarify acne treatment options for women. Dr. Thiboutot explains that control of acne is an ongoing process and that all acne treatments work by preventing new acne. While most women suffering from adult acne seek standard treatments such as topical preparations or antibiotics, 60 percent of these femmes either do not respond to standard acne treatments or build up a tolerance to frequently prescribed medications such as antibiotics.
Causes of Adult Acne
It is not yet known exactly what causes adult acne, but several dermatologist like Dr. Alan R. Shalita, link adult acne to hormone fluctuations. Acne in a woman is often linked to her menstrual cycle. Women with premenstrual acne outbreaks, such as pimples on the lower face and neck, seem to respond particularly well to treatment with medications that either reduce or block androgen production. Androgen hormones create male traits in women such as a deepening of the voice, an increased libido or hirsutism that causes excessive or abnormal growth of hair. They also stimulate the oil glands. The oil mixes with skin cells and bacteria, causing inflammation in the skin that can result in the arrival of zits.
What to Know Before Your Begin Hormone Therapy for Acne
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Before you begin a hormone treatment for acne, you should confirm that you are not suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, worldwide, about 15% of the women of reproductive age have PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal imbalanced characterized by irregular menstruation, obesity, infertility, acne and hair growth on the face, chest, and back (hirsutism). Like acne, PCOS is caused by an imbalance in androgen hormones. Dermatologists should work closely with your gynecologist to reduce the risks of infertility, cardiovascular disease and insulin-resistant diabetes.
Before your dermatologist prescribes hormone therapy, she may perform a standard screening that includes two hormones - testosterone and DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate). It is important that you stop taking oral contraceptives for at least one month before any tests are performed because birth control pills can suppress androgens.
Acne Hormone Treatment Options
Dr. Diane Berson, MD, a clinical Assistant Professor at the Department of Dermatology, New York University , New York states that once a woman is diagnosed with hormonal acne, treatment options include oral contraceptive pills, corticosteroids and spironolactone. These treatments act by decreasing sebum production.
Oral Contraceptive Pill
The oral contraceptive pill, OCP, is the keystone of hormonal therapy. The OCPs most successfully employed in controlling acne contain a hormone called progestin, which has low androgenic activity, combined with 35 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen. You can find generic forms of this pill under names such as norgestimate or desogestrel.
Oral Corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone and dexamethasone may help improve acne by decreasing androgen production in the adrenal gland.
Oral Spironolactone
Oral spironolactone is a steroidal antiandrogen that prevents excessive oil production by blocking androgen receptors. Additionally, spironolactone decreases androgen production in both the ovaries and adrenal glands, resulting in fewer acne flare-ups. Doctors usually prescribe oral contraceptives with spironolactone to reduce spironolactone’s side effects of breast tenderness and menstrual irregularities.
Risk Factors with Hormone Therapy
Dr. Thiboutot counsels, "As with any therapy, there are risks and rewards. The risks of hormonal therapy require regular breast and pelvic exams to guard against the increased risk of certain types of cancers. It is vitally important that dermatologists work with the patient's gynecologist to determine the most appropriate treatment and follow-up especially in women over the age of 40 or those who might be smokers".
About the author:
Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work “Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing” (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com
Flattering Styles For
Women With Curves
by: Her Plus Life
Are you one of those fabulous women that has curves, and you would like
to know a fun way of showing them off? There are several ways to make your
figure look the way that you want. It is all in the manner that you carry
yourself. Being confident and following a few basic rules on how to dress
will make you look like the woman you want to be.
The first rule is to go out and buy the correct size bra. A good bra
will make your outfits look the way that they should. Having curves is a
wonderful thing to have, but you need to know how to make them fit right
with your clothing style. It is amazing what a great bra can do for your
figure.
The second rule is buying clothes that are the right size for you. So,
go ahead and throw away all those clothes that are too baggy on you. Say
hello to a more fun, alive figure. Stop hiding it. Wearing sizes too big
or small for your body frame will only accentuate your weight, and not
your lovely curves. You do not want to wear shapeless styles. Try wearing
semi-fitted separates. It will make you look taller and thinner, and make
it look like you have a more sculpted waist. Wear tops that just skim your
waist and hips. Jackets should be worn just to the length of your
fingertips. As for your bottoms, select clothes that tend to taper
downwards. It will look better than other styles. Skirts will look good if
they are not too high. If you can sit in your skirt without it ridding up
on you, then you are all set. Shift dresses are great especially with a
round neckline. It will even out your proportions wonderfully.
The third rule is not to wear anything that is too bold, and that calls
extra attention to yourself. That means no super bold prints, no big patch
pockets, no oversized buttons or bows, and no horizontal patterns. You
want to wear a nice crisp line of color, and then accessorize with just a
few simple accessories such as jewelry or a scarf. Sometimes even just
wearing one solid color all over is great look. It will add height to your
frame, and shrink your width.
The last rule is very easy. You should buy the best quality that you
can afford. Quality fabrics can make all the difference in how you look.
Fine fabrics look better than stiff fabrics that can add inches onto your
body. In addition, well-made clothes will hold their shape better. Better
shape will improve your shape too. If you follow all these rules, you will
look and feel better. So go out, and let your light shine. Better clothes,
for a better you!
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