Most of us have learned to deal with the occasional facial ''break-out'' but no one ever wants to deal with acne. Whether you are an adolescent or a perimenopausal woman, acne can contribute to stress, depression, and lower self-esteem.

Acne

Acne usually occurs for the first time during adolescence, when production of the male hormone testosterone kicks in. Testosterone helps stimulate oil production in the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, the oily substance that helps keep skin soft and supple, Unfortunately, if testosterone production escalates rapidly or your skin is sensitive to testosterone, it can cause the sebaceous glands to produce too much sebum, which in turn can clog pores and cause acne.

Later in life during perimenopause and menopause when hormones are shifting and declining, an imbalance in testosterone can cause skin changes and even adult onset acne for women. Just as in adolescence, too much testosterone can cause excessive oil production, which can lead to clogged pores and acne. Thin, dry skin can also be the result of an imbalance in testosterone. Too little testosterone can mean there is not enough sebum to help moisturize the outer layer of skin.

Restoring Hormone Balance

As with other symptoms of hormone imbalance, like mood swings and hot flashes, restoring the proper relationship and synchronicity among hormones can help restore the skin's healthy, youthful look. The right amount of testosterone, prescribed with a balanced dosage of estrogen can help regulate the skin's oil gland activity. In fact, postmenopausal women who are on a hormone therapy regimen that includes estrogen and testosterone have been shown to have skin that is 48% thicker and suppler than women who do not take hormones.

As always, hormone level testing can help take the guesswork out of hormone therapy and determine a program that is right for you.