what hormone causes acne

Hormonal acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance in skin glands, which clogs pores and leads to pimples. Hormones implicated in acne pathogenesis include androgens, estrogens, progesterone, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Hormonal acne affects both men and women, but the majority of cases occur in women, pregnant women, and women going through menopause. Hormonal acne may be triggered just before, during, or after a menstrual period in a predictable way. Hormonal acne causes spots on the chin and jawline and also around the mouth.