Hypothyroidism and Acne

[Kirsty65]

I am 38 and have been taking Thyroxin for around 8 years now and haven't had many problems so far but recently I have had a problem with acne. I haven't always had perfect skin but this seems to be sticking around. I have tried everything over the last few months (dairy free, no makeup, light treatment, retinol) and nothing has worked. All I can think of now is that it might be something to do with my thyroid levels and have read online that taking vitamin A might help. Does anyone have any advice or have experienced the same issues?

[shaws Administrator]

It could be the fillers/binders in levothyroxine. Sometimes they're changed and can affect us in a negative way.

Have you had a recent blood test? If not request a Full Thyroid Function Test, i.e. TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. Doctors usually only test TSH and T4 but he or lab may do more. Those not tested you can have privately and I'll give you a link, just in case. All blood tests should be at the very earliest and don't take any thyroid hormones until after.

[Kirsty65 in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws, I've booked myself in for a blood test at the end of the week so fingers crossed it will explain it. If you could give me that link for a private test that would be great. I've been thinking about seeing an endocrinologist for a while, might be the push I need.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Kirsty65]

Members will analyse your blood test results for you and do put the ranges along with the results. This helps us to respond as labs differ in their ranges and it makes it easier to respond. There are two labs - Medichecks and Blue Horizon and they are both good. Make sure you are well hydrated a couple of days before drawing blood. They are pin-prick tests but they can arrange for a blood draw if you are squeamish.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Put your results on a new post for comments.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Kirsty65]

I should also have said it should be a fasting test but you can drink water and take hormones after it not before..

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Acne can be linked to low vitamin B12

Or if you are supplementing B12 or have B12 injections, possibly taking too much B12

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies.

Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 and FT4, and vitamins

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting.

If on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances too, especially gluten. So it's important to get tested.

[Kirsty65 in reply to SlowDragon]

Finger prick test done, now waiting for results. I will post them when I get them back 👍🏻

[penny]

Before being diagnosed as hypothyroid I had ‘adult acne’. This lasted from the age of 18 to about 48. (When I say ‘acne’ I mean ‘boils’). My GPs prescribed the whole gamut of medication but none of them worked; not one GP suggested hypothyroidism, probably because at that time I was very slim. However, once I was diagnosed (privately) and started on NDT the acne vanished and it is rare for me to get a spot. Mercifully I do not have many acne scars. It may be that you are not optimally medicated and the acne will stop when you are.