Role of hormones in acne vulgaris

Objective: To elucidate the role of endogenous hormones like testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, insulin-like growth factor, insulin and glucocorticoids in a common skin condition acne vulgaris. Design and methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature and abstracted the data for every published cut point. Results: We screened more than 1000 studies and found that serum testosterone, progesterone, glucocorticoids, insulin and insulin-like growth factors are increased in patients with acne vulgaris and serum estrogen levels are low in patients. Conclusions: Various endogenous hormones play important role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Thus, in the clinical practice it is important to evaluate serum levels of these hormones and patients must be treated accordingly to avoid serious endocrine disorders at an early age. (C) 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.