Adenomyosis and acne

Hi everyone I'm new on here, I know alot of you suffer with endo on here but is there any one that has been diagnosed with adenomyosis, I was diagnosed last September by transvaginal scan, I have always had acne due to periods etc especially getting 2 a month it's like it never ends, I'm nearly 41 have 2 kids fertility has never been an issue , I'm contemplating a partial hysterectomy as I'm fed up of feeling like crap, is there any adenomyosis sufferes out there that acne got worse and how do you manage that, it's got to a stage where I don't leave the house unless I have to even and that is great in the holidays but when they end it's horrible having to face the world ! Any input on adenomyosis would be great as I can't seem to find any, thank you x

[Catness]

Hey, I’m stage 4 endo but also have adenomyosis. My skin has always been a problem but a couple of years ago it started to really kick up a notch. I lost count at over 50 very painful cysts covering the whole of my face (not just the hormonal areas). I went to the dermatologist who said my skin was scarring so bad it would now be considered a disfigurement and as I had already tried antibiotics and topical creams we had to go for last-case-scenario treatment of accutane (American)/ Isotrentinoin (same product just UK name). I was very frightened to try this reading all the horror stories online however spoke to my derm and explained that as I had endo/ adenomyosis and other chronic illnesses I was very afraid it would make me feel horrendous. Because he didn’t want any side effects to make me feel more unwell than I did already we did a low-dose over a period of about 10 months. I had no side effects apart from dry lips and the usual drying up of my skin. I’ve been off it now for nearly 3 years, I get about 1-2 pimples a month but they are tiny. It literally saved my skin and I actually prefer my skin without make up now then with (and like you I felt too self conscious to go out without anything on).

I really advise going and speaking to a dermatologist and finding out what treatments may be suitable for you. Bad acne absolutely destroys your self-confidence to the point that I couldn’t even look anyone in the eye but that is no way to live and I send you the biggest hugs because I know how awful it is. But it doesn’t have to be if you’re willing to speak to someone about it

Adeno-wise I have the mirena coil, have had it in for around 4 years now and it cut my three-week periods down to one every other month but that period can be managed with a ‘normal’ strength pad. Again the horror stories of the coil put me off trying it but it’s been fantastic for me and I’m going to get it replaced at my next lap.

I hope that helps you a little and to know that someone totally gets how awful it is. It isn’t just ‘bad skin’, it’s hugely depressing and eradicates your self confidence. Sending the biggest hugs xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Catness]

Hi catness, I'm glad you have found something that works for you ! I myself have tried isotretinoin twice and all I got sadly were the side effects dry nose dry lips and nothing else, the mirena coil turns me into a hormonal nightmare as does the pill, I have another gynae appointment in June so I'm hoping for another option as the 2 periods a month leave me slightly anaemic, moody and breaking out in acne regular , big hugs to you too and thank you for sharing your victory in your treatment, big blessings xxxx

[Catness in reply to Hidden]

I’m sorry that those things didn’t work for you I really hope your meeting with the gynae goes well and you can try something better xxxx