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| The Adrenal Glands in the Kidneys produce Androgen Hormones. |
Anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers between androgens and androgen receptors, regulate and control androgen hormone activity in the skin's sebaceous (oil) glands and keep them in balance, so that just the right amount of oil will be produced. The more androgen hormones the adrenal glands produce, the more anti-inflammatory prostaglandins are needed to balance and control it.
The excess androgen hormones are sent to the liver where it is then one of the liver’s responsibilities to deactivate and remove these excess androgen hormones as well as used androgen hormones.
The excess androgen hormones are sent to the liver where it is then one of the liver’s responsibilities to deactivate and remove these excess androgen hormones as well as used androgen hormones.
The health of your liver has a significant impact on hormonal imbalance since it is responsible for removing excess and used androgen hormones from the bloodstream. However, when the liver becomes congested with toxins from a weak immune system, it is unable to properly remove these androgen hormones which eventually circulates back into the bloodstream where it accumulates, causing an androgen hormone imbalance. So basically, a weak immune system also indirectly contributes to androgen hormone imbalance.
The link between androgen hormones and liver function explains why even adults can experience hormonal imbalance. Although adults produce far less androgen hormones as compared to teenagers, poor liver function can still result in androgen hormones to accumulate in the bloodstream.
When androgen hormones in the bloodstream accumulate beyond the prostaglandins' ability to control it, the sebaceous glands in the skin become over stimulated and triggered to produce and release excess oil to the surface of the skin. Excess oil production alone will only cause very oily skin and hair, not acne.
Factors that can trigger the adrenal glands to produce excess androgen hormones- During puberty there is a sharp increase in androgen hormones, which is why acne is more prevalent during adolescence. Androgen hormones are present in both males and females, but it is found in higher levels in the male body. This explains why males tend to have more severe and longer lasting acne than females.
- Insulin spikes also promote increased levels of androgen hormones. That is why many acne sufferers experience increased breakouts when they consume simple carbs and sugars, which burn quickly and cause insulin spikes.
- Androgen production in females can also increase during ovulation and menstruation when estrogen levels tend to drop.
How to fix the problem
The bottom line is that regardless of your age, gender or acne type, anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and optimal liver function are the only two factors responsible for balancing androgen hormone levels. It’s important to know this if you are going to cure your acne using a nutritional approach.
