It's very normal for women facing onset acne or worsening acne to try standard acne treatments. Unfortunately, about 2 out of 3 women either do not respond to topical preparations, either do not tolerate them.

When standard acne therapies are effectiveless in women, the hormonal treatment would provide a helpful approach. Women having problems with standard therapies get the most advantages following this treatment in their 20s or 30s. For most hormonal treatments a long procedure is necessary, because onset adult acne usually creates problems for years, frequently through menopause. Basically, once the desired improvement is realized, only a maintenance treatment is still required.

The very often used method used in hormonal acne treatment are oral contraceptives and antiandrogens (spironolactone or flutamide).

Spironolactone was used initially in treatment of high blood pressure. Recent researches have found it able to treat acne and hair loss in women. Both spironolactone or flutamide act by blocking the effects of male hormone testosterone responsible of acne development.

The optimal doses of spironolactone vary from woman to woman requiring a repeatable administration and adjustment. The results become visible in two to three months, but a certain improvement occurs within a month.

The most common side effect of spironolactone is menstrual cycles irregularity, but they are extremely rare.

Valerian D is a freelance writer interested in health issues such as acne treatment