Sebaceous gland inhibition from combined glucocorticoid-estrogen treatment

Abstract

Sebum production in seven hirsute women was found to be markedly inhibited by low-dosage glucocorticoid therapy, usually 5 to 10 mg of prednisone daily, combined with the cyclic administration of ethinyl estradiol, either 80mug or 100mug daily, in the form of oral contraceptive medication. The average reduction of sebum secretion was 85.7%, from a pretreatment mean value of 3.07 mg of sebum to an average treatment level of 0.44 mg.

Oxidative Activity of the Type 2 Isozyme of 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) Predominates in Human Sebaceous Glands

“…Although androgens have been the focus in the hormonal regulation of the SG, systemic administration of estrogens is known to inhibit sebum production (Pochi and Strauss, 1976). It is not known if estrogens oppose the effects of androgen on sebum production directly or via a feedback mechanism.…”

“…Human SG were assayed for S ebum production is a key factor in the development of acne. Potent androgens (C-19 steroids) such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone stimulate sebum production whereas clinical doses of estrogen (C-18 steroids) may inhibit its production (Pochi and Strauss, 1976). The local (or intracrine) metabolism of sex steroids plays a critical role in establishing the balance between androgens and estrogens in the sebaceous gland (SG).…”

The International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Report of the Subcommittee on Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology of the Meibomian Gland

“…145,181,192,279 -283 Indeed, estrogen was once termed the prototype agent for the suppression of sebum production, 282 and for several years, estrogen treatment was used to reduce sebaceous gland function and sebum secretion in humans. 180,181,280,281,284,285 One mechanism proposed for this hormone action is that estrogen induces the release of lysosomal enzymes within sebocytes, leading to premature cellular destruction and decreased sebum output. 282,286 Additional suggested mechanisms are that estrogens reduce testosterone uptake, interfere with testosterone's conversion to dihydrotestosterone, and antagonize androgen action in the sebaceous gland.…”

Influence of Aromatase Absence on the Gene Expression and Histology of the Mouse Meibomian Gland

“…2,3,4,[58][59][60][61][62][63][64] In fact, estrogen was once called the prototype agent for the suppression of sebum production, 63 and for years was used to decrease sebaceous gland function and secretion in humans. 5,61,62,[65][66][67] A mechanism proposed for this hormone action is that estrogen stimulates the intra-sebocyte release of lysosomal enzymes, leading to premature cellular destruction and reduced sebum output. 63,68 Another suggested mechanism is that estrogens attenuate testosterone uptake, interfere with testosterone's conversion to dihydrotestosterone, and antagonize androgen activity in the sebaceous gland.…”