Chinese Journal of Dermatology ›› 2000, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (4): 264-265.

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Study on Serum Levels of 8 Sex Hormones and Cortisol in the Luteal Phase of Menstrual Cycle in Women with Acne Vulgaris

WANG Jianqin, ZENG Renshan, TANG Shaosheng   

  1. Department of Dermato logy, First Municipal People's Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180
  • Received:1999-05-18 Online:2000-08-15 Published:2000-08-15

Abstract: Objective To investigate serum levels of 8 sex hormones and cortisol in women with acne vulgaris and their clinical significance. Methods The serum levels of 8 kinds of sex hormone and cortisol were measured with radioimmunoassay in the luteal phase of menstrual cycle in 54 women with acne, compared with 30 healthy controls. Results It was revealed that the levels of testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate were significantly higher in patients (3.30±2.76 nmol/L, 11.44±3.95 nmol/L, 6.79±3.88μ mol/L) than those in the controls (1.57±0.67 nmol/L, 8.66±1.47 nmol/L, 4.07±1.53μ mol/L) (P<0.01). No significant difference was found in the levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone,prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone between the two groups (P>0.05). The level of cortisol was significantly decreased in patients with acne (P<0.05). A significant fall of E2 level was observed in women with exacerbated acne before menses (P<0.05) and those who were younger than 25 years old (P<0.05). Conclusions The study indicates that the hyperandrogenaemia may be the major reason which causes and aggravates acne. The function of adrenal cortex may be associated with the pathogenesis of acne. Insufficiency of luteal function results in low level of E2, which may play a role in exacerbation of acne before menses. The decreased E2 due to immaturity of ovarian function could explain the tendency towards severe acne in young women.

Key words: Acne,vulgaris, Sex hormones, Hydrocortisone