All my life I’ve had problem free skin especially on my face, basically thin skin which tans easily!
Recently I have had sudden skin flare ups on my cheeks (never in my life have I had this), I can’t pinpoint any change in creams, diet wise I’ve been eating nuts and seeds more than usual but it’s really obvious and I’m feeling very self conscious - I feel like hibernating!
I wondered if anyone has every experienced this or anything similar or has any advice at all?
Do I go for gut health or allergy testing?
Many thanks in advance
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Levo50
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Hallo there 😊 what kind of flare-ups? I have rosacea which became very problematic around the time of menopause and remains annoying. I guess it might be worth seeing a GP to see what it is, especially if it’s causing you distress? X
Is your skin on your cheeks flushed as well Levo 50? Or it’s only pimples? Unlikely to be rosacea if you tan easily but slight possibility. I had the classic symptoms of broken veins before it got very bad…if you don’t have those could be more likely hormonal as others have suggested below x
I would recheck your thyroid bloods 6 weeks after restarting an increased Levo dose. How are you feeling generally? Is the HRT working for you? This medication may also need a ‘tweak’ to further balance your oestrogen. As radd has outlined, optimising nutrients will help your skin recover from this flare.
What are your symptoms? Spots, rash, dry, raised itchy bumps?
Hormones play a huge part in how our skin looks and behaves, balanced oestrogen being the big one that influences collagen production and skin hydration, whereas elevated testosterone can bring spots. Also nutrients such as zinc that helps us heal.
Josephineinamachine mentions rosacea which I weirdly get a type of if I drink wine (bright red, dry, itchy cheeks the next morning). Also had eczema on my knees and toe fungal infections before being optimally medicated.
They are red spots on each cheek but so strange and sudden! I also have a rash on my lower back which itches like crazy - I have cream for as it’s autoimmune from Hashis no doubt!
I’ve reduced my Oestrogel from 2 pumps to 1 to see if that helps but seems much the same! I wouldn’t think I have elevated testosterone (if it’s linked to any kind of libido as that’s zilch)
I’ve often thought of zinc but I’m reluctant to just take random vitamins and minerals although I take magnesium at bedtime and vitamin D daily as that’s low
Iron levels have always been high, I wouldn’t say thyroid levels are optimal but I’m trialing 100mcg although I wouldn’t feel a sudden change in the skin on my face (cheeks) would come from a change in dose!
'I wouldn’t feel a sudden change in the skin on my face (cheeks) would come from a change in dose!'
No hormone works in isolation and that dose alteration will be causing multiple other changes. Don't dismiss the power of thyroid hormones.
Your profile says you were medicating 50mcg Levo for 20+ years and although clearly under-medicated you have experienced difficulties in raising thyroxine.
You mention always ongoing anxiety which would tie in with low adrenal reserve compromised through years of propping up inadequate thyroid hormones.
Low cortisol can also be a reason for being unable to tolerate raising thyroxine and apart from being a stress response hormone it is a potent anti-inflammatory that helps prevent both tissue and nerve damage associated with inflammation.
Apologies if my reply came across as dismissive in any way - that was not my intention!
In truth on reflection I feel since 2019 when I started the journey from 50mcg (if going by how I feel) I feel worse with skin flare ups, and I feel overwhelmed ever changing diet to make improvements but my body reacts negatively I feel so drained with it all!
As per greygoose bio I have started to read living well with Hypothyroidism by Mary J. Shomon to hopefully learn more and maybe find the correct professional / nutrition support I may be lacking!?
I agree it is one of the better ones, but its not anywhere near real bread. Tesco finest seeded is similar to the Waitrose. I haven't found a GF loaf that doesn't require toasting before it is barely edible.......yet, and I think I've probably tried most. I live in hope.
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