Category Archives: Acne and Hormones

Spironolactone for Acne: Study Evaluates Risk of Cancer

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FightAcne.com Interview with:
John S. Barbieri, M.D., M.B.A.
Director, Advanced Acne Therapeutics Clinic
Department of Dermatology
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

John S. Barbieri
Dr. Barbieri

FightAcne.com:  What is the background for this study? 

Response: While spironolactone is an effective treatment for women with acne that can potentially reduce our reliance on oral antibiotics, concerns have been raised regarding whether spironolactone may be associated with increased risk of cancer, such as breast cancer. As a result, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand whether spironolactone use is associated with increased cancer risk.

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Acne Risk in Transgender Patients Receiving Testosterone Therapy

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FightAcne.com Interview with:
Erica Dommasch, MD, MPH
Department of Dermatology
Assistant Professor
Harvard Medical School

Dr. Dommasch

FightAcne.com:  What is the background for this study?

Response: Prior studies have suggested that testosterone use among transgender/gender minority patients may be linked to the development of acne, but they have been limited by small patient populations and have had varying conclusions. Acne can be a debilitating condition for many patients but may be especially harmful for transgender patients who already experience stigma and discrimination.

FightAcne.com: What are the main findings?

Response: We conducted a large, retrospective cohort study including 988 transgender patients who newly initiated testosterone to examine the incidence and predictors of acne in this population.

We found that after 2 years, 25% of these patients developed a new diagnosis of acne.  This risk was highest among the youngest age group in our study (age 18 to 20.75 years), with 29.6% of these patients developing acne over 2 years.

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First Topical Androgen Inhibitor Tested to Fight Acne

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This document was completed by Martina Cartwright, PhD Senior Director, Medical Affairs and Dr. Alessndro Mazzetti, Chief Medical Officer, Cassiopea.  The product being discussed, clascoterone cream 1% is NOT FDA approved and is for informational purposes only.

FightAcne.com:  What is the background for this study?

Response: Androgens play a significant role in the development of acne in both males and females. Oral medications that reduce androgens are used to treat acne in females, but due to side effects, are unsuitable for males.  Clascoterone cream 1% is a novel, topical androgen receptor inhibitor under FDA review as possibly a new first in class treatment for acne in both males and females.  These pivotal phase 3 studies demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety with low adverse event rates. 

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Hormone-Based Therapies For Acne Reviewed

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Hormone therapies are one cornerstone of acne treatment for women.  The therapeutic arsenal is reviewed in this article:

A Review of hormone-based therapies to treat adult acne vulgaris in women.