Adults and the Menstrual Cycle
Androgen
Related terms · Male hormone
Androgens are a group of hormones present in both men and women that can affect the activity of sebaceous glands.
Overview
First, look at these three: Androgens
- Androgens are a group of hormones present in both men and women, and they can affect the sebaceous glands and Hair folliclecan have an effect.
- Chin acneThe mere fact that there is a lot of sebum or oil is not enough to diagnose androgen excess or determine the need for hormone therapy.
- The scope of medical evaluation and necessary tests are determined when other changes, such as irregular menstruation, hirsutism, or scalp hair loss, occur together.
Meaning and Distinction
What are androgens?
They are interpreted not by a single test value, but alongside changes such as irregular menstruation, hirsutism, and hair loss. Androgens are a group of hormones present in both men and women, Sebumand they can affect gland activity.
- Easily confused terms
- The mere presence of jawline acne cannot be used to diagnose an androgen abnormality.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- The scope of evaluation is determined when adult acne that started suddenly occurs alongside other hormone-related changes.
- Information to prepare for your visit
- Please let us know if you have changes in your menstrual cycle, hirsutism, hair loss, or weight.
More details
Connecting androgens to my symptoms
Check for accompanying changes rather than the location of the acne
Adult acne recurring around the jaw and mouth may vary according to the menstrual cycle, but the location alone does not confirm a hormonal abnormality. It is easier to distinguish situations requiring evaluation if you record whether the menstrual interval has lengthened, whether facial/body hair or scalp hair loss has changed, or whether acne has suddenly worsened on the same timeline.
A single hormone level is not the same as a treatment choice
Test values can be influenced by the timing of blood collection and medications taken, and reactions of the skin and hair follicles can vary by person even within the normal range. Conversely, we do not repeat tests or choose hormonal medications solely because acne is present. Pregnancy planning, please also inform us about the use of contraceptives or supplements and the results of gynecological examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions when looking into androgens
If I have jawline acne, does it mean my male hormones are high?
It cannot be concluded so simply. We determine if a test is necessary after checking the distribution of acne, the menstrual cycle, skin irritation, cosmetics, and accompanying changes such as hirsutism or hair loss.
Should everyone get an androgen test?
It is not a necessary test for all acne patients. If other changes overlap, such as irregular menstruation, sudden hirsutism/hair loss, or rapidly worsening adult acne, the medical staff may determine the scope of the tests.
Acne Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check simple definitions before proceeding to detailed explanations.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideAdult acneAdult acne occurs when sebum increases and dead skin cells clog pores, combined with the action of acne-related bacteria and inflammation. In adulthood, hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles, periods before or after pregnancy or menopause, and the start or discontinuation of contraceptive pills, can be related to recurring breakouts on the chin and lower face. Chronic stress can worsen the condition through hormonal responses, and family history, pore-clogging cosmetics, hair products, and certain medications can also be causes. Rather than blaming a single food or cleansing habit, it is important to examine all changing factors together; do not arbitrarily stop taking new medication even if you suspect acne. If sudden severe acne occurs alongside other changes such as irregular menstruation or hirsutism, underlying medical conditions should be checked.→
- Condition GuideJawline / Cyclic acneWhile the location of jawline acne alone cannot confirm a hormonal cause, deep inflammation that recurs before and after menstruation must be checked against the cycle and dates. Record the number of papules and nodules on the jaw and lower cheeks, the interval from the start of menstruation, and changes in sleep, stress, products, and medication for over 4 weeks. If irregular menstruation, hirsutism, or alopecia are prominent, the clinician will determine if it is necessary to check for causes such as androgen changes or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat should I record if chin acne recurs before menstruation?If hard, painful acne appears in the same spot on the jawline before every period, try recording the start date of menstruation and the date the acne appeared for two to three consecutive cycles. However, it is more helpful to separately record flares that occur a day or two after overtime work or late meals, apart from monthly recurrence. If irregular menstruation, hirsutism, scalp hair loss, or sudden weight changes are present, we check if a hormone-related evaluation is needed. In Korean herbal medicine treatment, the prescription direction is determined by reviewing the heat sensation, sebum, and pain of the acne along with changes in menstruation, sleep, and digestion.→
- Acne ColumnHow to combine contact irritation management and Korean herbal medicine treatment when jawline acne recurs before menstruation or after overtime work→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment descriptions.