Dr. Lawrence J Green from Skinalliance LDB discusses if androgen hormones cause hair loss and acne. Learn more about the effects of testosterone and creatine on your skin health.
In this informative video, Dr. Lawrence J. Green delves into the relationship between androgen hormones and common skin issues such as hair loss and acne. Are androgens really the culprits behind these conditions? Join us as we explore the science behind hormones, their effects on the skin, and the latest research findings.
Learn about the role of androgen hormones in the body, how they can influence hair follicle health, and what you can do to manage these effects. Whether you’re experiencing hair thinning, breakouts, or just curious about hormonal impacts on your skin, this video provides valuable insights.
Androgens are a key factor in acne pathogenesis. Lawrence Green, MD, FAAD discusses how hormones help drive the skin disease.
How DHT and Androgens Drive Acne Formation
Androgens are integrally associated with acne development. Acne originates in the sebaceous gland, which is under androgen control. Among androgens, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the most potent, and it plays a central role in acne pathogenesis.
Clascoterone (Winlevi®) is an androgen receptor inhibitor being developed as a topical cream and solution by Cassiopea (a spin-out company of Cosmo Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of androgen-dependent skin disorders, including androgenetic alopecia and acne vulgaris. Although the exact mechanism of action of clascoterone for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris is unknown, the drug is believed to compete with the androgen dihydrotestosterone for binding to androgen receptors in the sebaceous gland and hair follicles to attenuate signaling necessary for...
Introduction: The efficacy of clascoterone cream was demonstrated in two-phase three vehicle-controlled clinical trials that enrolled over 1,400 subjects. Its safety profile allowed it to be approved for treating patients as young as 12 years old. During clinical trials, the occurrence of local skin reactions (edema, erythema, pruritus, dryness) was similar to treatment with vehicle alone.
Areas covered: All publications describing the clinical development of clascoterone cream (cortexolone 17α-propionate) are reviewed and discussed in relation to existing topical...
Introduction: Increased circulating androgens are key to the multifactorial pathogenesis of acne. Clascoterone is the first topical androgen antagonist developed to treat acne in both male and female patients and the first such agent to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of acne. Androgens directly stimulate sebaceous gland growth and increased sebum production, creating a nourishing medium in which anaerobic Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacteria flourish. Androgens may directly contribute to inflammation in the sebaceous gland...
Androgen Receptor Inhibitors in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: Efficacy and Safety Profiles of Clascoterone 1% Cream (2022) Carol Sanchez, Jonette Keri
Abstract
The purpose of this narrative review is to provide a summary of the clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of clascoterone 1% cream (Winlevi) to grant providers an understanding of which patients will benefit most from this novel topical antiandrogen medication. Clascoterone 1% cream (Winlevi) offers a new and exciting treatment approach for a difficult and common skin condition such as acne vulgaris...
*The American Academy of Dermatology’s 2016 guidelines for themanagement of acne vulgaris are updated with a systematic review, which resulted in 18 evidence-based recommendations and 5 good practice statements.
*Strong recommendations are made for topical benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and/or antibiotics and their fixed-dose combinations, and for oral doxycycline. Oral isotretinoin is strongly recommended for severe acne, acne-causing psychosocial burden or scarring, or acne failing standard treatment with oral or topical therapy.
* Four main interrelated pathogenic factors, that act synergistically in a complex manner are involved in the development of acne lesions: 1. Increased sebum production due to androgen-driven sebaceous gland hyperplasia; 2. Hyperkeratinization of the follicular epithelium due to abnormal follicular growth and differentiation; 3.Colonization of Cutine bacterium acnes (C. acnes) within the pilosebaceous unit; and 4. Activation of innate and acquired immunity followed by the release of inflammatory mediators into the skin [1,2,4]. In...
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common nonscarring alopecia and is characterised by distinct gradual patterned hair loss. AGA is mediated by genetic predisposition and excessive follicular sensitivity to androgens, mainly in males, leading to the progressive conversion of scalp terminal hair into vellus hair. Although highly prevalent, it is not fatal but may have a severe psychosocial impact, especially on females and younger males. Significant advances have been made in understanding AGA’s epidemiology and pathophysiology, but only 2 drugs remain approved by the FDA -...
A review discusses various treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common cause of hair loss. Traditional methods like minoxidil and finasteride have mixed results. Newer treatments, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), microneedling, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and others, are explored. Oral minoxidil, topical finasteride, topical spironolactone, botulinum toxin, and stem cell therapy are alternative options. Combination therapies are being tested alongside emerging treatments. Evidence quality varies, prompting the need for randomized trials. While PRP and LLLT show...
This ones going out to all those bros stinkin' up those so called HRT/men's health forums!
Stop f**king blaming high estradiol!
Critical points here!
* The four established pillars of acne pathogenesis are sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, Cutibacterium acne (C. acnes) colonization and proliferation of pro-inflammatory strains, and cascades of inflammation.4 Yet, as Del Rosso explained,the pivotal role that androgen hormones play in acne pathogenesis has previously been overlooked.
* We now know that the skin itself is an endocrine organ, capable of producing androgens, and that these hormones are implicated early on in the clinical cascade of acne pathogenesis.5 Notably, androgens stimulate sebum production by sebocytes within sebaceous glands in the skin, which creates a highly favorable microenvironment for growth of C. acnes bacteria within the pilosebaceous follicle.6 “If there are no androgens, there’s no sebum, and if there’s no sebum, there’s no acne; and that’s practically universally true,” DelRosso remarked. Androgens also stimulate cytokines and other inflammatory pathways, leading to downstream effects that further promote lesion development (Figure 2).5
* Clascoterone 1% cream is a novel topical androgen receptor inhibitor approved for the treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older.7 It directly targets and inhibits androgens in the skin by competing with androgens, primarily dihydrotestosterone (DHT), for binding to the androgen receptor within the cytoplasm of sebocytes, thereby inhibiting sebum production and reducing inflammatory cytokines.5-7
This ones going out to all those bros stinkin' up those so called HRT/men's health forums!
Stop f**king blaming high estradiol!
Critical points here!
* The four established pillars of acne pathogenesis are sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, Cutibacterium acne (C. acnes) colonization and proliferation of pro-inflammatory strains, and cascades of inflammation.4 Yet, as Del Rosso explained,the pivotal role that androgen hormones play in acne pathogenesis has previously been overlooked.
* We now know that the skin itself is an endocrine organ...
Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.
ℹ️ Input Parameters
Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL
Predicted Hormone Levels
Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions
Results will appear here after calculation
Understanding Your Hormones
Estradiol (E2)
A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido.
Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.
DHT
Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth,
prostate health, and masculinization effects.
Free Testosterone
The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins.
Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.
Scientific Reference
Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.
