Many women are prescribed birth-control pills to help with their hormonal acne. The pill works by lowering the androgen hormones like Testosterone, and increasing a protein called Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) which binds to Testosterone, making the Testosterone inactive or unavailable to tissues.Â
Excess Testosterone in women can cause undesirable symptoms like acne on the face and back, hair growth on the face and permanent hair loss on the scalp.
Less free Testosterone = Less acne.
But here is the catch – the root cause is not being addressed.
So when you stop the pill the acne can come back and sometimes EVEN WORSE.
Now, why might Testosterone be high in the first place?
It’s not just one reason – there are several.
1. Blood Sugar Imbalances : Chronic blood sugar imbalances can elevate insulin levels in the body, and high insulin can drive up testosterone levels.
2. Chronic Stress : Elevated cortisol can signal the adrenal glands to produce more androgens.
3. Thyroid dysfunction : Especially Hypothyroidism, which can reduce the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) protein, that leads to more available Testosterone for the tissues.
4. Perimenopause or Menopause : This hormonal transition period can naturally shift the hormone balance in the body.
5. Liver function : The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) protein is mainly produced by the Liver. If the SHBG production is low then more free testosterone circulates.
And this is where nutrition and lifestyle come in.
By supporting blood sugar balance, stress regulation, thyroid health and liver function – you start addressing the root.
Now this does not mean the pill is “bad“.
In some cases, like certain presentations of PCOS, it can be important for protecting long term health.
So the key is :
👉🏻 Ask why you have been prescribed the pill.
If it is for a deeper medical reason, follow your doctor’s guidance.
But if it is only for acne – a root-cause approach is definitely worth exploring.
