Hormonal acne can be caused by a variety of things, such as overactive oil glands, resulting in excessive oil secretion and blocked pores, which lead to acne, according to Dr. Jerry K. L. Tan (Acne Guide). One of the primary causes of hormonal acne is hormonal fluctuation during puberty. Both girls and boys can suffer from hormone-induced acne during their teen years. Women, however, are more likely to deal with acne throughout their entire lives, especially during menstruation. Several treatments for hormonal acne are available to minimize breakouts and to help improve the skin's appearance.

Topical Medications

Over-the-counter medications can work for some forms of hormonal acne, especially if the case is very mild. Cleansers and creams containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or glycolic acid can help heal acne lesions and even out skin tone. These topical treatments are only effective as long as you use them, and it may take several months to see results, according to Acne Guide, so discontinuing use could cause a flare-up of hormonal acne.

Birth Control Pills

Women with hormonal acne might see the biggest decrease in breakouts by taking birth control pills. Low-estrogen pills such as OrthoTriCyclen are especially effective in regulating hormones and reducing menstrual-related acne outbreaks, according to Dr. Geoffrey Redmond of the Hormone Help Center.

Antibiotics

When pores become clogged, trapping oil inside, bacteria can grow in the trapped oil, according to Dr. Redmond, thus a course of oral or topical antibiotics may be an effective treatment. Oral antibiotics such as tetracycline and erythromycin can be used, and the latter drug is sometimes preferred, as it doesn't cause yeast infections in women. Topical antibiotics include erythromycin and clindamycin.

Other Prescription Drugs

Other prescription drugs, such as the topical acne treatment Retin-A, may be used to treat severe hormonal acne. Accutane, a potent form of vitamin A, is very effective but can have serious side effects, says Dr. Redmond. It is important to review your treatment options with your doctor before committing to this type of acne treatment.