Acne not going away no matter what you try? It might be a hormonal issue.
Let’s talk about Hormones. They affect so much in your body. It’s normal for your hormones to fluctuate throughout the month but a hormonal imbalance is a much more serious issue than that and it might just be the cause of all your skin woes.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the facts.
What is a hormonal imbalance?
A hormonal imbalance is when you have an excess or lack of certain hormones.
What type of hormonal imbalance causes acne and why?
An excess of androgens is what causes frequent, chronic, acne breakouts. This happens because the extra androgens create extra productive oil glands which block your pores and make acne virtually impossible to fight without addressing the underlying hormonal problem.
An excess of androgens is one of the most common types of hormone imbalances.
How do I know if I have a hormonal imbalance? What are the symptoms?
Some of the symptoms include:
- Acne
- Problems with blood sugar levels
- Irregular periods
- Insulin resistance
- Stomach issues
- Fogginess
- Unexplained weight gain
- Excess facial or body hair
Remember you may not have all of these symptoms I only had 3 of the above: Acne, problems with blood sugar levels, and stomach issues when I decided to get checked by a doctor.
You can’t self-diagnose hormonal imbalance – the above symptoms can be linked to all sorts of things. If you suspect you may have an imbalance you should ask your doctor to order a specialized blood test, as this is not something you would be screened for at your yearly check-up.
How is hormonal imbalance treated?
The treatment will depend on what kind of imbalance you have and its severity. Some imbalances can be treated with topical creams and birth control and some may require additional anti-androgen medications. Cutting out certain foods or irritants can also help in some cases. I cut out caffeine and dairy and it made a significant difference (Why caffeine? Because caffeine affects your blood sugar levels dramatically – and this is linked to your hormone levels).
Suspect you might have a hormonal imbalance? Get it checked out. It’s better to know than to wonder.
Just found out you have a hormonal imbalance? Don’t be scared – treating it may just be the answer you’ve been looking for to getting rid of your acne once and for all (not to mention any of the other issues on that list!)
Questions? Concerns? Let me know! I’m on this journey with you and I’m spending countless hours researching this as I go.