Healing Hormonal Acne and Endometriosis: Skin Journey

Hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on your skin, and personally, it is not a fun journey when you are in your late 30s! The question I have always had was, “Does endometriosis cause acne?“. And finally, my dermatologist had the answers I needed to hear.

This hormone imbalance can show up as hormonal acne, and it’s time we talk about it. For women with endometriosis, the struggle with their skin can be even more challenging. Endometriosis, a condition where endometrial “like” tissue grows outside the uterus, can exacerbate skin issues due to fluctuating hormone levels.

This blog post explores the link between hormonal acne and endometriosis. I am going to share some insights into managing both conditions effectively, as well as, what I have personally experienced on the journey.

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects many women worldwide. It occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterine cavity, often leading to severe pain, heavy menstrual periods, and fertility issues. Common symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, painful periods, and symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome. The severity of symptoms varies from woman to woman, and managing this condition often requires a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes.

If you are like me, you may feel like if you can manage to stay pain-free, life will be great! As that may be, I have started to experience the side effects from long-term pain medicine use from the start of my journey, side effects from being on Lupron, medication given during a difficult pregnancy, and more.

Personal Endometriosis and Hormonal Acne Journey

The Gift That Came with My Hormonal Acne

Growing up, I never had an issue with acne. Even after my menstrual cycle started in high school, I still seemed to have clear skin. This is usually not the case for everyone. And that is now research that links teen acne as an early sign of endometriosis.

I didn’t start experiencing acne issues until I started trying to treat my menstrual pain with medication. I first started experiencing breakouts after taking prescription pain medication, but it was just a small breakout here or there.

It wasn’t until after I took Lupron that I started to see major breakouts on my cheeks and chin. Whenever I went through high-stress moments, I would experience an abscess between my eyebrows that would need to be drained.

I thought once I made holistic changes to my diet, started working out regularly, and managed stress, my issues would go away. But it wasn’t that easy.

Recently, I had a conversation with my dermatologist, who was able to deduct that I was dealing with hormonal acne five minutes into my visit. She shared that:

Hormonal acne is triggered by a major change that causes imbalance.

My Dermaologist

For me, I was able to name at least 3 major chemical changes in the last decade due to endometriosis and, of course, childbirth! I dealt with it in silence for years. Covering it up with makeup, thinking I could figure it out naturally. But, after a couple years of trying to figure it out, I knew I needed a little help.

And, my dermatologist had to help me jump start my healing journey with a topical antibiotic. She gave me a lot of options for tackling my hormonal acne, and I decided to go a Clindamycin Phosphate that is topical antibiotic that help kill off any lingering bacteria from the imbalance.

The Connection Between Hormonal Acne and Endometriosis

Hormonal acne, often manifesting as cystic acne, is a common condition that many women with endometriosis experience. This type of acne is linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly an increase in androgens, which stimulate sebum production in the skin. The excess oil can clog pores, leading to acne breakouts.

Factors Contributing to Hormonal Acne in Endometriosis:

1. Hormonal Fluctuations: During the menstrual cycle, hormone levels fluctuate, leading to an inflammatory response in the skin. This can trigger acne breakouts, particularly in women with endometriosis who already have hormonal imbalances.
2. Hormonal Treatments: Treatments for endometriosis, such as hormonal birth control and hormone therapy like Lurpon, can affect hormone levels and potentially exacerbate acne.
3. Immune System: Endometriosis is linked to immune system dysregulation, which can also influence skin health and contribute to inflammatory skin conditions like acne.

Managing Hormonal Acne and Endometriosis

Effectively managing hormonal acne involves addressing both skin health and the underlying hormonal imbalances associated with endometriosis.

Skincare Routine:

1. Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
2. Non-Comedogenic Products: Choose skincare products that are non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores.
3. Topical Treatments: Incorporate topical treatments containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to reduce acne breakouts. For severe acne, a healthcare provider might recommend retinoids.
4. Hydration: Keep the skin hydrated with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. Dehydrated skin can produce more oil, leading to further breakouts.

Hormonal Management:

1. Hormone Therapy: Hormonal treatments like GnRH agonists can help manage endometriosis symptoms and improve hormonal balance, potentially reducing acne.
2. Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management can improve hormonal health and reduce acne. Foods rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants can support skin health.

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Endometriosis treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms and individual needs. Common treatments include:

1. Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain. Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills and GnRH agonists, can reduce endometrial tissue growth and alleviate symptoms.
2. Surgical Procedures: In severe cases, surgical procedures like laparoscopic surgery can remove endometriosis lesions. A total hysterectomy may be considered if other treatments are ineffective.
3. Complementary Therapies: Physical therapy, acupuncture, and dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D can support overall health and reduce symptoms.

Skin Conditions Linked to Endometriosis

Women with endometriosis may experience other skin conditions due to hormonal imbalances and immune system dysregulation. These conditions include:

1. Atopic Dermatitis: An inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, red, and swollen skin.
2. Skin Rashes: Hormonal changes and immune system reactions can lead to various types of skin rashes.
3. Excess Hair Growth and Hair Loss: Hormonal imbalances can cause hirsutism (excess hair growth) and alopecia (hair loss).

Hormonal Changes and Acne in Teenage Years

Hormonal acne is not limited to adult women. During the teenage years, hormonal changes can lead to severe acne. Managing acne during this stage involves similar strategies, including a consistent skincare routine and addressing underlying hormonal imbalances.

Professional Medical Advice

Consulting with healthcare professionals is crucial for managing both endometriosis and hormonal acne. Dermatologists can provide tailored skincare recommendations, while gynecologists can offer treatment options for endometriosis. Regular physical exams, including pelvic exams and transvaginal ultrasounds, can help monitor the condition.

Skincare Products for Hormonal Acne

Choosing the right skincare products is essential for managing hormonal acne. Research some of the following products to help regain balance:

• Salicylic Acid: Helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces oil production.
• Retinoids: Promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.
• Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation and sebum production.

Addressing Hormonal Imbalances

1. Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can support hormonal balance. Avoiding high-sugar and high-fat foods can reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
2. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate hormone levels and reduce the risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to both acne and endometriosis.
3. Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate hormonal imbalances. Practices like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can help manage stress levels.

Next Steps for an acne and End Journey

Navigating hormonal acne and endometriosis can be challenging, but understanding the link between these conditions and implementing effective management strategies can improve both skin health and overall quality of life. From a consistent skincare routine to addressing hormonal imbalances through lifestyle changes and medical treatments, there are various ways to manage these conditions. Always seek professional medical advice to tailor treatments to your specific needs and ensure the best outcomes for your health journey.

For me, after two weeks of using a topical antibiotic , I have been able to see a difference. I no longer have massive breakout right before or during my menses. But, this is just the beginning for me. Per my conversation with my dermatologist, I am still following my endo diet because cutting things like dairy and processed foods will aid me in getting my skin back to a healthy place.

Once I have the bacteria under my skin under control, I will start working on my scars from my hormonal acne.

Let me know if you want to know more about my personal journey. I hope this helps you!

For more tips and support on managing endometriosis and hormonal acne, visit our blog at Pink Proverb and join our community for guidance and encouragement.

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