Depressed by hormone and physical changes

[Mindfulgirl]

My body has always annoyed me. I'm sure it's something to do with female hormones and trying different contraceptions. I've recently got acne again, on my back. I've not been on anything since the pill last summer 2018 and then when the pills ran out I didn't bother as I'm single and don't really do the casual thing. I've had this bacne before and thought it was the arm implant but when I took it out, it stayed for several months still.

Also, it's hard to talk about with anyone even a GP, but I've noticed down there has changed and I don't know why. I noticed end of 2016 right at the time I took a 2 week dose of steroid treatment for a year long cough I suffered from. Sounds stupid but I don't know if that can change things down there as that's when I happened to notice. Basically, it looks different and labia has grown, more folds. It's actually affected my libido as I feel self conscious as it looks a lot different and don't feel good about it and worry guys would judge or that it just looks not right. I just don't understand the change. Has any other females had changes ? I've not had kids either. I even have had changes to discharge and more infections. I'm still waiting on a call back from the GP as I have expressed this and they said they'll organise an exam before any referrals to a gynecologist as I asked if I could see one, I'm just too depressed, insecure and confused by this. I never had anything like this before as I didn't feel abnormal down there at all but I've noticed how different it looks and don't know how to overcome this feeling.

Anybody who can share if they've had something similar of it changing would be helpful. Even guys' perspectives as I'm insecure about how a potential intimate partner would see or what you're used to seeing. Could you be put off? Do you notice how different your partners have been down there? What's normal?

And if there's any advice on treating bacne or what you think is causing it, like hormonal and contraceptives? What contraceptives could affect it? Either by helping rid bacne or are some known for causing it?

I've been on the implant for 6 years, June2010-June2016 with having to replace half way through as they expire after 3 years. It was around the first half of 2016 I got bacne. After the implant was took out, bacne didn't go until several months after. I have used the pill sporadically since with most recently around June, July 2018 then ran out and haven't been on anything since. I have noticed bacne again and maybe had for a few months now. I don't know if all this affects certain things, and how much it changes hormone balances and what to carry on with or do. I want cleaner skin. Also don't know how if any of this has affected me down there with the changes I have noticed. It's just all depressing and I've not had a partner for years. I don't have the libido, partly due to not meeting someone I'm really feeling something for but partly due to these changes and how I feel about it down there and the insecurity. Don't know what to do 😔.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Mindfulgirl and thank you for your post. I am sorry to hear you are feeling so unhappy. Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that is hot or painful to touch. Acne most commonly develops on the face, back and chest. There are many effective treatments available. If your acne is severe or appears on your chest and back, it may need to be treated with antibiotics or stronger creams that are available only on prescription. Please speak to your GP about this. Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty but can start at any age.

You may find the following website helpful---

Acne-NHS

nhs.uk/conditions/acne

Take one step at a time and see your GP who will be able to help and reassure you. He/she will refer you to a gynaecologist if necessary and also if appropriate, for some counselling which will help you address the insecurities you describe. Please stay on the forum for help and support. Are any other members able to help Mindfulgirl, please? Thank you and best wishes.

[Hidden]

Hi your post isn't "Locked" so is out all over the net.

As said acne is often a symptom of an hormone imbalance could be higher T or P

[Hidden]

Acne and what you describe could be caused by Hormonal Imbalance.

You do not explain your age however the problem like you describe could be caused by Puberty You are following the correct pathway your GP can check you out and if needed arrange an appointment to be checked out

Try not to worry, all SOUNDS OK ??. Get checked out

BOB

[Mindfulgirl in reply to Hidden]

I'm turning 26 next month.

[Hidden in reply to Mindfulgirl]

Sorry We did not know

What you could do is look on NHS Information Pages, was NHS Choices and check up for yourself what could be causing your concerns, in the A/Z. Health Conditions.

This will enable you to understand, any conditions you may have. I use the site when I need to understand any of my health concerns

BOB

[Mindfulgirl in reply to Hidden]

Ye I have done. It's limited and doesn't explain my conditions unfortunately so asking anywhere is helpful