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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]To the poster who said her daughter's acne was attributed to a higher level of testosterone--I never heard of this. an you offer more details/info?[/quote]

My dermatologist said the same thing--it's why the pill can help reduce hormonal acne.  Spironolactone, which is actually a blood pressure medication, also reduces testosterone levels and is used for women with hormonal acne.  (Men are not prescribed spironolactone for acne because of the feminization side effects, and women shouldn't get pregnant while taking it because it can negatively affect male fetuses.)  If you google spironolactone, you can fine more information.  [/quote]

If your daughter has this condition, pay attention to PCOS -- polycystic ovarian syndrome.  Acne can be part of this syndrome, which they believe is related to testosterone levels, and it can cause infertility, as well as unpleasant effects like difficulty regulting weight gain and facial hair.

It can be controlled but if you don't know you have it, you could (as an adult) experience years of infertility and frustration. [/quote]

PP here.  Se my longish post above about my daughter's high testosterone.  PCOS is the diagnosis commonly given to those with some combination of acne, weight gain, hirsutism, irregular periods, and polycystic ovaries.  PCOS is quite common; it produces symptoms in 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age.  The prevalence may be as high as 20% with some experiencing no symptoms until they find they are having trouble conceiving.

Because this is so prevalent, a hormonal panel definitely should be done on any women contemplating Accutane.  It may not work (or work just temporarily as in my daughter's case) because it does not address the underlying hormonal imbalance. Just not worth it for such a potent medication without checking out other possibilities first.

Testosterone is typically elevated, but not high, in PCOS.  Other causes of high testosterone (all of which can result in acne and/or hirsutism) include testosterone secreting tumors (usually benign and almost always found on either the ovaries or adrenals) and nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia.  While both PCOS and NCAH can cause infertility, but there are a number of ways to address that if one wishes to become pregnant.[/quote]

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