title: The effect of topically applied progesterone on sebum excretion rate.
abstract: There is evidence that anti-androgens may help in the treatment of acne vulgaris. We therefore performed a double-blind trial to assess the effect of topically applied progesterone on sebum excretion rate. Thirty-eight patients took part in the trial which was for 3 months. The preparation had no effect in males. However, a significant reduction in sebum excretion rate was found in females, the effect being maximal at the end of the second month. There was a significant loss of effect at the end of the third month and this was not related to deterioration of the progesterone preparation.
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000503:physiopathology; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011374:Progesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012629:Sebum / Q000378:metabolism*; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D012737:Sex Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011374:Progesterone