Adult acne and endometriosis

[Kittymama95]

*I dont have a diagnosis of endometriosis yet but I have a 4cm endometrioma*

My question is does anyone with this condition suffer with acne? I started developing acne on my face at 21 years old, I have done everything possible to treat this - Dr's prescriptions, off the shelf treatments, strict face washing regime, diet changes and I find it is less aggravated while ON my period and more agrivated when off. Therefore I usually have a week's relief during my monthly cycle which is odd in itself I think.

I've only used birth control once, I had the implant between the ages of 15-18, before the acne. Nothing since.

Being told I have an endometrioma and possible endometriosis at 26 has got me wondering whether I've potentially missed this signal earlier in life... Any thoughts?

[Beanmcg]

Hi there. Saw your post and inwardly sighed. I am 43 yrs old, diagnosed at 22 with endo. Have suffered hormonal acne ever since. Tried every lotion, potion and pill but nothing worked. Finally had to accept that little can be done for hormonal acne. I do however see a big difference when I eliminate/reduce refined sugars from my diet and drink plenty water. Not that I eat lots but those monthly cravings can get loud 😂. Really hope you get some success in managing your symptoms better than I ever did. I found some treatments dried out my skin and made everything a thousand times worse. Acceptance was my ultimate change. Be kind to yourself and know you are amazing exactly as you are. Look at yourself and see what is beautiful. Don't just look at the spots. See what you love. You may have striking eyes, a full pout, a great face shape, amazing eyebrows etc. Just start looking for the good things only. Confidence is beautiful and I am sure you are too.

[Kittymama95 in reply to Beanmcg]

Hi Beanmcg,

Thank you so much. I really mean it.

While I'm incredibly saddened since they found my endometrioma I am glad to realise the acne may have had a reason all of this time. I have struggled with my image for some time, the worst part about acne for me is the scarring. I used to think I'd gone from a beautiful, youthful face to that of a monster. However the older I get the less I've stressed about it. Especially in finding a Partner that sees past it.

I have a long way to go in loving it but I can at least accept it for now and recognise the features that I still inherited from my beautiful Mum and Sister's.

I hope you know that you are beautiful too. I wish there were more models with acne and scarring to show how common and normal it is. X

[Beanmcg in reply to Kittymama95]

Oh I hear you. I really would love to see cover girls with acne scars or even just a few pimples. Airbrushing is just far too common. I took a very long time to embrace what I have. I have curly/ frizzy hair and lived with the constant put downs even on shampoo bottles 😂. They say frizzy/unruly/ unmanageable etc. All negative words. So mt hair was bad. My skin was nit flawless and smooth it was pitted/oily/prone to breakouts and blemishes. All again negative words used by marketing folk to make us feel so bad that we spend hundreds on products that don't actually work. So I came up with a few of my own....my skin has it's own built in anti wrinkle cream. Spots may be there but the wrinkles are not 😂 My hair is natural and not to be tamed. It is lovely to hear you have a good partner who sees you for you. That is priceless x

[Jbp222 in reply to Beanmcg]

Hello, I have Endo and PCOS. I believe the pcos is what drives the acne. I don’t look like a typical person with pcos so it remained hidden for a while (I was able to lose weight, no hair on face etc) and I researched a solution which I discussed with dermatologist. I’m on 50mg aldactone (I take before bed, it’s the best dose for me, it can make you want to pee a little more than usual but taken on a low dose and before bed it’s fine). The derm initially had me on 100mg she said 50mg was too low but it’s actually perfect, low enough for no side effects (I had headaches and dizziness on 100mg) but the 50mg resolved my hormonal acne. I didn’t like the side effects of the pill, even though dianette was amazing for my skin, I didn’t feel good emotionally on it. Aldactone has been a major positive for my skin. I get really bad hormonal acne and I’ve only had one spot since 6 months ago. The derm really thought 50mg was too low but I persisted a bit and it’s perfect. I’ll likely have to take it forever though because there’s no cure for pcos. She also prescribed me retrieve cream (expensive) to get rid of ‘residual comedomes’ that are under the skin, she said it’s good for wrinkles too 😅 hope this helps you!

[Kittymama95 in reply to Jbp222]

Thank you jbp222, I'll do some research on the medication and ask my GP about it. I've only asked them once when it first came up and the gel they gave me made me have big flare ups, but I didn't realise at the time that it may be hormonal. Now that I have this endometrioma and possible endometriosis it's starting to feel like it's been that all along. My skin was beautifully clear in my teens when you'd usually expect to develop acne.

Oh expense is nothing when it comes to skin health, sadly we three will know that very well, I wouldn't like to sit down and work out how much I've spent over the years trying to clear it. X

[Kittymama95 in reply to Beanmcg]

Me too on the curly, frizzy hair!! Though that's always been with me, I'm the only one of parents 10 children that got my Mum's copper colour hair (there's Irish somewhere in our ancestry) ... And you're right, sadly the lack of confidence comes from all those negative connotations in media. I have followed a few pages in recent years that were discussing acne, and found the subjects beautiful. It helps me realise that others can think that of me too even with the spots and scars. X

[EndoG]

Hey, I have endo and acne- fairly certain they’re linked as during years when endo has been less painful, I’ve had less acne! I was the same with drs treatments never working, pill didn’t work either.

The best thing I’ve tried so far (been using for 11 months now) is salicylic acid cleanser, niacinamide, retinol and sun screen every day. My skin is the clearest it’s ever been and the acne is much less aggressive ( it’s still there though). I got all of them from Inkey List and people have commented on how good my skin looks so think it must be working!

Xxxx

[Kittymama95]

I love salicylic acid. I used Proactive+ 3 step routine, for three years, expensive, but so good. Sadly they changed the ingredients in the UK products and I couldn't get them from the US. My Partner knew someone that could ship it for me but it worked out in the hundreds which I just couldn't sustain. I've never found a product that lived up to it. What brand do you use? X

[USgalwthendo]

Hello. I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis at age 33 but likely had it since age 14. I had horrible acne as a teen. I used Accutane at age 16 and it eliminated all acne for 5 years at least. It did come back again around early 20’s but much much less. I’ve considered taking it again in a lower dose as my childbearing years are over I’m 42 and you can’t get pregnant on Accutane as it causes birth defects. I’m in the US. The generic is Isotretinoin. Other brand names are:Amnesteen, Claravis, Myorisan,Absorica, and Zenatane. It’s a retionoid type pill. Very high dose vitamin A derivative. And it works amazing. It can cause depression and suicidal thoughts in some. For me it was the opposite. I looked so good and never felt better. Of course as a teen my self esteem was more linked to my looks back then too. I have always considered my acne hormone linked and is likely due to endometriosis. Nothing ever worked 100% like the Accutane did. It is also very drying but that goes away. And you only take the pills for 4-6 months and the clear skin lasts years. Also had to do labs during that 6 months to make sure my blood levels weren’t toxic. And wear sunscreen at all times( but I do anyways). No I don’t work for the drug company lol. It was just that good. As an adult with minor acne I’m not as bothered by my bumps as much. But I have considered taking it again just in a lower dose as my acne isn’t as severe. Confidence is by far the most beautiful attribute. Many folks with perfect skin still feel horrible inside. So clear skin isn’t everything. But prescription strength meds can go a long way if it’s really bothering you. I also judge myself harsher than others. When I see a woman with mild acne I never really focus on it or judge her. But when it’s me I tend to think everyone is looking. Well they’re not. No one cares. I have to remind myself of that sometimes. Again, confidence is key. I’m married and my hubby thinks I look great. That also helps. Take care and I wish you well 😎

[LME5]

That's how I was eventually diagnosed with endometriosis! I had an endometrial cyst (chocolate cyst) on my left ovary, picked up on ultrasound and MRI. Once it reached 5cm they decided to operate and I was diagnosed via laparoscopy. If yours reaches 5cm push for surgery to have it removed and hopefully you'll find out whether or not you have endometriosis.

Acne is down to over-production of oils. This can be linked to your hormones, maybe an imbalance. If you're not on any hormonal treatment you can ask your GP to have bloodwork done on your hormones to see if they're ok.

I don't believe acne is a main symptom of endometriosis, but resultant hormonal imbalance may be the reason.

Treatment wise, contraceptive pills have given me clear skin. The one which worked best for me was Marvelon, though saying that, I never had acne beforehand, only the odd spot and the pill was treatment for my endometriosis.

Since coming off that pill, I did develop cystic acne. I'm being careful with my diet -limited dairy and sugar. Cosmetic treatment wise, salicylic acid helps. I found the Caudalie Vinopure range to be helpful.

Wish you the best of luck with everything x