The ESK blog
How can I tell if my breakouts are hormonal?
19 August 2024
Dr Ginni Mansberg
Are you wondering if your acne breakout is hormonal? Here’s a guide to identifying those pesky hormonal zits.
How to Tell if Your Acne is Hormonal
Chances are if you were born with a uterus, there is at least some hormonal influence on your acne. Let’s face it, studies show up to 78% of women get an acne flare before their period.
Location, Location, Location!
- Jawline & Chin: Hormonal acne loves to set up camp on the lower third of your face, especially around your jawline and chin. If your breakouts are concentrated in these areas, hormones might be the culprit. And as for pimples that spring up beyond the confines of your face to the chest and back, that’s very suggestive of a hormonal condition like polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS.
Age Matters
- Over 25: If you’re young but over 25 and suddenly dealing with breakouts, there's a good chance hormones are playing a role. It’s not just a teenage thing!
Timing with Your Cycle
- Monthly Madness: Notice breakouts flaring up right before your period? That’s a classic sign of hormonal acne. Those hormonal swings can trigger your skin to misbehave.
Stress acne
- If you break out when you’re under the pump and feeling stressed, this can be a sign of hormonal acne!
Other PCOS Symptoms
- Extra Clues: If you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), you might also notice other symptoms like irregular periods, excess facial hair, or thinning hair on your head. PCOS can ramp up those androgens (male hormones) and lead to more acne.
So, if your acne matches up with these clues, it’s time to consider that hormones might be the sneaky culprits. And then it’d be worth a trip to the doctor to see what your options are for treating it.
Remember, you're not alone—hormonal acne is super common and totally manageable with the right approach!
Got more questions or need some personalized advice? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s get that skin glowing again!