Have you ever looked into natural alternative therapies?? Supplements do not cause side effects...Dr, drugs do!!! Try some phytoestrogens(plant estrogens)...Good luck!I hope this helps a little.

After 5 months of being off birth control I developed acne that is severe and that I never had before in my life. I also am not getting a period though all blood work is normal. My doctor gave me a non name brand 5 day supply of progesterone to induce period and acne completely went away only to begin again the day I stopped the progesterone. So I am now just beginning birth control in the hopes that it will help though the levels of progesterone are much lower (cause the high dose stuff causes cancer). Funny thing is that estrogen not progesterone is what is supposed to stop acne in the pills. If I were you I would try different types of pills. There are so many including progesterone only, different mixes of levels and even different varieties of hormones. Give them 3 months unless you have bad health effects. If your doc acts like youre a pain then find a new one. I gues unless the brown patches were a sign of health problem you could always go back to that pill and use concealar and foundation to hide them.

By the way, what brand of birth control cleared up your acne but gave you the spots?

This is so interesting to me. I'm 31, have endometriosis (and have known about it for about 6 years), and am having problems with melasma.

I'm curious what birth control pill you've been using; i've been on yasmin, which I love, but i've had problems with melasma since I started using it. I've used many different birth control pill types in the past, and none gave me problems with melasma, but I figured that my recent problems might have something to do with age.

My doctor gave me a prescription for a bleaching medication (i can't think of the name right now) that costs about $100/bottle and doesn't work. I started using sunblock every day to try and make the melasma fade, and though it hasn't faded, it at least isn't getting worse. I am considering getting off the birth control pills not only to avoid the melasma, but because I think being on hormones for extended periods--no matter what doctors say--is unhealthy. The pain from my menstrual cycles is so intense, though, that it scares me to get off the pill. I'd like to know which pill you are on that has helped the melasma to fade, as well as which caused it.

Regarding the acne, have you tried accutane? I don't have severe acne, but i've had annoying problems with it, and my doctor recommended putting me on it. I decided not to, because the drug sounds pretty scary. Though the company only reports problems with birth defects in babies conceived when women were taking accutain, I think any drug that deadly has to have other repercussions. However, several people I know have taken it and have loved the results. Accutane dries up oil glands that are the supposed cause of most acne (from experience, I know that food, stress, and other elements--contrary to what doctors who support accutane believe--also causes acne). My doctor is a big supporter of accutane because she feels that, like you are suggesting, the social repercussions of acne are worse than the reported symptoms of using the drug (except for the birth defects problem, which is documented & serious). If your acne is keeping you from living life, I would consider taking a more extreme drug.

Basically, on the acne front, I would try more doctors on for size. I moved from dermatologist to dermatologist until I found one who could diagnose what the brown spots on my face are (which I now know are melasma). The first doctor I saw told me my problem was tinea versicolor, a skin fungus.

I hope this helps--and if you could pass along the bcp info, i'd greatly appreciate it.

Still depressed, I don't think your advice to take phytoestrogens is very good. Estrogen is what can cause spots in the first place, and phytoestrogens do have the same effect.
I have acne myself as I have a hormone imbalance. I am currently taking phytoestrogens as they help me balance my mood changes which I have because of the hormone imbalance. I feel great with them, only that my spots have become worse since taking them.

So my advice, stay away from phytoestrogens if you want to prevent spots. My doctor advised me on this as well, I came to her because of my skin problems and mood changes and asked her about taking phytoestrogens and she said that this would definitely not help my acne problem.

To homebound, I think you should maybe seek a homeopathic doctor as well or maybe try chinese medicine. Also going to a dermatologist might be helpful. I think you should definitely try someone beside your usual doctor.
I really hope that you will be able to get rid of your skin problems so you can get your life back!

I have had problems with acne I think brought on by hormonal imbalance. Honestly I have went to reg drs, dermo's & tried natural cures too. Nothing has totally cured the problem. I actually get a skin infection/staff/cellulitis almost every month at the time of my period. The doctors were killing me w/antibiotics. Now I am taking colloidial silver, which is a natural antibiotic, I drink a cleansing tea, I just ordered a a connective tissue tonic, cellular detox face wash & lotion along with the silver, a multi vitamin, plenty of water & rest I hope to get results soon. I just cover it & smile, I fool most people until it actually gets infected & swells my eyes & everything. For some reason I can not cry, it weird because I would like to sometimes. Meditation & prayer can help the spirit too. I feel for you because with everything I try , I will still wake up with a new spot . & they are just red & deep actually I can feel the infection tunneling thru under my skin. I hope I can find the answer. I have done a candidia cleanse, just about anything you can think of. long aths, naps & getting your nutritionl needs will pobaly work best.

Hello there,

I am 34 years old and I too have adult acne. I know exaclty what you are going through. I am big into Natural Healing and would like to share what I found that works.
I have been researching through books and internet what causes hormone imbalances which is the root cause of my acne. What I found is that we have many "Hormone Disruptors" in our environment, medications, water, food, etc. In addition, another big issue that I found to be relevant to our problem was the imbalance of Omega 3's to Omega 6's. Our food supply is so lacking in Omega three and so strong in OMega 6 that we have enough Omega 6 in our system to last a year!
What I did: I bought Flax seed oil (HIgh in Omega 3) with Primrose (Hormone balancer)- Liquid form. This has regulated my hormones thus regulated my mood and decreased my acne by 75%! I ran out for a few days and I immediately broke out again, so I know it was the flax with primrose that did the job. Don't give up if it does not work right away. Give it a couple of weeks and you Must get the liquid. I tried the gel caps and you have to take 9 of them a day to get the same dose as a tbsp of the liquid. Also, I bought it at Wholefoods and they have people there that will help you. See if you may need to add another dose of the Primrose oil in a pill. Oh, one other note. I tried just the flax seed w/o the primrose and it does not work.
The bottle runs around $16 and it works!!! It is made by Barleans and it is called "The Essential Women". I have tried all topical treatments, antibiotics, colon cleansing, birth control pills, etc., and they do not work.
If you need more info. just research- "Natural remedies for female hormone regulation, etc." on the internet.
Good luck and God speed to you.
Jackie

Wow! Thanks ladies! I have been experiencing the same thing for the last 6 months or so and I have been racking my brain and trying everything under the moon.
I went on and off the pill for years and then developed melasma and acne at at around 31.
What a combo from hell! I looked old from the Melasma and like a teen with acne.
It seemed a little unfair! And nothing covers melasma, btw. It would take an expert Hollywood make up artist, cause I tried a variety of make up and nothing worked.
I honestly think that staying off the pill is the answer. Cause the pill DOES cause the melasma and going on and off different pills is really bad for your skin and your whole body.
I would like to make a few suggestions too.
One thing I never saw mentioned here is exercise. It really does help to keep your hormones balanced. Jogging or low impact arobics everyday for an hour. Even just walking will do the trick.
I have been eating hemp hearts and that is also great.
I have done endless research too and here is the skinny on what herbs and vitamins to use when wanting to balance hormones:
Chromium, selenium, zinc, vit D, E and A and a good B complex 100.
Saw palmetto, dandilion, dong quai, eve primrose, flax seed oil, co-enzime Q10,
a tbsp of apple cider vin each day, and acidophilus.
Lots of water and healthy berbal teas and metamusil each day, too.
Green tea (decaf) and detox teas.
I have also read that most dairy has hormones in it so I've switched to only organic dairy, in fact I've switched to an all organic diet.
Last but not least, people peddling acne cures, including doctors will say there is no connection to diet and acne and I am always astonished that people buy that as our diet affects our hormonal balance and that has a huge effect on our whole body! and for sure our skin.
Good luck everyone!
And take it one day at a time.

Hi everyone! I am 31 years old and I am convinced now that the acne that I am suffering from is due to some hormonal imbalance.

I have gone from vegetarian to vegan and back again, with no success. I have tried OTC topical treatments so much so that I think I am immune to the stuff. I have seen a dermatologist and have been on antibiotics, gels, and lotions to no avail. I decided to take the "inside out" approach and, in addition to eating a mostly vegetarian (some organic dairy and eggs) diet,

I have taken alot of supplements too. For the last nine months I have taken a bcomplex 100, rainbow lite multivitamin, zinc, magnesium/calcium, vitC w/rosehips, biotin, probiotics, digestive enzymes....etc..etc... I also tried the megadose of vit. B5 for three months, which was insane and didnt work for me. Last summer I also did a liver/galbladder flush following the instructions in the book by Andrew Moritz - it worked, but didn't help my acne.

In the months of Dec/Jan I had all of my mercury fillings (9) and one nickel crown replaced by a mercury free dentist. I did this in hopes of alleviating my chronic depression, fatigue, memory-loss, anxiety, and lack of menstruation issues. I have not done any chelation since having them completely out, mostly because I would like to chelate with cilantro and chlorella, but I am afraid I will feel and look worse. Neither of which my life can afford right now

Beginning in March of '07, I had a period every other month (for 8 months)up until October of '07 when I tried Lo-estrin (which is an ancient form of bc, btw) and I lasted seven days on it until I felt suicidal and stopped taking it. I didn't have another period after that (4months) until February of '08.....one month after having the last of my fillings removed. I'm not sure if that has anything at all to do with it, but I know that mercury can disturb pituitary gland functions which controls our hormones.

Between those months of Oct and Feb, I saw an obgyn who did a blood test for hormones and she gave me 2 months worth of YAZ to try, if I wanted to take the risk of the depressive feelings again. My blood work showed that my testosterone was like one point above normal, but they insisted it was no big deal. I have yet to take the YAZ, mostly because I just don't want any more chemicals....I would like to find a natural way to solve the issue and I am thinking that the elevated testosterone IS a problem.

My acne is along my jawline and some spots appear on my neck, and by my ears. Also my back broke out with these awful cyst-like lumps from my shoulders down to just below the bra line and this started more than 1 year ago (Sept of '06), but was the worst this past summer/fall because I wouldn't even get into a bikini or a tank top anymore. At this point, the lower part of my back is healing, but my shoulders are still atrocious.

It is taking a toll on me emotionally as well. I try to be positive, but sometimes I just break down...especially after getting out of the shower because without clothes or makeup on I feel like I am disgusting. I sometimes do wonder what it is that is causing this to happen when I try so hard to be careful and do everything right. I dont like to go out of the house unless I absolutely have to because of the way that I look and feel. Even getting ready takes so much time because I have to cover these lumps on my face as best as I can in order to feel pretty again when all I really crave is to be natural and makeup free

So right now my diet is organic foods(as much as possible), some organic dairy and eggs, and once in a while I might splurge and have some chicken meat. My skincare regimen is to use Dr Bronners Lavendar soap morn and eve on my face, and on my body in the shower. I then use jojoba oil on my face and back to moisturize because I think the dryness makes it worse. I use natural shampoo/cond and tie up my hair after washing it so that it doesn't irritate my back or shoulder area.....geez...the regimen just gets exhausting sometimes. I spot treat with tea tree oil where I need it and I then use only mineral powder makeup....the kind that is as organic as it gets - without bismuth oxychlorides and other fun ingredients.

For those of you that read this post and can relate to my experience and emotional exhaustion, I am so glad that you exist....because we can validate what is all too real, frustrating, and painful for one another. I do have friends that have beautiful skin or the occasional pimple and they eat what they want, when they want, have cocktails, wear strapless dresses, go to bed with makeup on, and enjoy healthy self-esteem on a daily basis.

I am just going through the motions daily in hopes that my "right" way of eating and using healthy products will pay off eventually. But as far as helping my hormones balance naturally, I have not a clue what to do next. If anyone can relate to this and can offer some advice on natural balancing, please reply........

jojoba oil as this broke me out in awful cysts and this is what you mentioned. I know alot claim how it's helped them, but I have read that it's like waxy form and sits on the skin the same as coconut oil does and can clog the pores. Maybe something you want to look into. Ortho-trycylen-lo helped w/my cysts personally, but now I have whiteheads/blackheads/small pimples all over my chest that I've been dealing with for over 5 years whether on or off the pill and nothing has helped. Goodluck to you all. It is sickening emotionally in so many ways. Its awful! I'm there with you guys!

Hi, I have read all of the posts, and I had exactly the same problem. I am now 40 and had four years of constant monthly breakouts with really deep cystic acne. It was a nightmare. Then one day I bought Woman's World Magazine and read a weight loss article that recommended a combination of Quercetin, Resveratrol and Soy Isoflavones. You can find this info on Google. Anyway, at about the same time, I bought Garnier Nutritioniste for Sun damage. I now take these supplements everyday and put the Garnier on in the morning and at night. I have not had a single breakout in two months now!!!!! Some of the supplements (I found out later) are phyto-estrogens that may be regulating my hormones. The Garnier peels the skin but is not harsh. Everybody has something different that works for them, but this combination has been an absolute Godsend for me. Good luck ladies!!

Thank god I found this site... I am 34 years old and I too have the exact same issues with acne and brown spots. I thought I was over reacting with it all, but thanks to all of you that are willing to tell your story that I now can feel sane! No one seems to mention this, but are any of you "getting hairy-er"? I can't stand this. My gyno has said to me twice, "Its not that bad". Everytime I look in the mirror, those words ring in my head and I get so frustrated. I will start bcp (seasonique)with my next period. We'll see how that goes...Anyways, thanks to all who are sharing their stories of these horrible problems and letting others know they aren't alone!! Good luck to everyone.

I am 34-years-old with a hormonal imbalance. After a stressful move and miscarriage, my hormones went out of whack. I haven't had my period now for about two months. I found out that my LH and FSH are out of balance, which explains why my period is non-existent. Also, I have tons of acne around my chin. One thing that has helped me with my acne is yoga. I try to do it every day. I find that on the days I do it, my acne is so much better. I highly recommend it. It triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which will offset the production of cortisol (which is often responsible for acne). Also, I've begun taken Vitex (chasteberry) and Maca. Both are supposed to help with hormonal imbalances. My period hasn't come yet, but I am feeling much better. I am sleeping a full night's sleep after three months of insomnia and I am no longer severely depressed.

Good luck and thanks to everyone for their tips.

I am going on 34 and like all of you I have been battling hormonal acne since I turned 30. Mine spurred from stress of a night job, divorce, and my children all hitting their teens and one time. I have tried so many different things, mostly natural cause I hate taking toxic medicines or putting them on my face. I try and work out regularly to sweat, and balance my nerves, I also have done several detox; 25 day Master Cleanse in the beginning of the year and then just recently a 10 day detox...it doesn't help, but lost some weight and feel better about that. I've been vegetarian this year..and have sorta stayed away from dairy..doesn't help. I did try camilla oil and it shows to heal my skin overnight, but keep breaking out in my face..well it has cleared my chest acne. My acne on my face is being a bit more stubborn. I read up on hormone balancing herbs on different websites..and don't trust them at all..it's most likely going to be a waste of my money.

I'm exhasted as well with this..I long to not where make as well.

My bf has back acne and he thinks it's him causing my acne from the bacteria in his skin..to some degree this may be true. We are running a 30 day test to see if this is so.

With the acne being with me for these years I have developed acne scars, enlarged pores, cystic acne, and I am considering laser treatments. Fraxel..and blue light therapy. I live in Houston..so I'm going to start going in for consultations, trying to stick with those who offer it free.

I went and saw a spa around the corner from my house and he says I should take birth control & use a topical cream. I say no I don't want to do that....they all want to band aid don't waste your time and money.
I'll start staying away from dairy and starting upping my dose of Flax oil, also get some primerose and keep taking my black current seed oil, I eat lots of greens like spinach, kale high in atioxidants and vit. A and drink lots of Odwalla since they are natural with lots of vitamin C and water of course.
If I do start the laser treatments I'll let you all know how it works out. Try to keep your spirits up and look closer at your diets. I wish all of you the best!

Not sure what's causing mine either, but suspect hormones: tried OCTs, (BCP worked, but gained weight), tired cleaners, etc. Now taking digestive aids and saw some healing, but continued to break out, going the whole VitB5, multivit, EFAs, water, healthy eating, green tea, and expensive face treatments. Thumbs crossed. Also started taking Vitex this Monday 18 May 09. WE'll see.

mineral inbalance check the educational site ithyroid.com & hydrate with water & heck out natural salts.

Aaah, now I remember. It all started when I was 17: I became bulimic and followed a stringent fat-free diet. I lost weight and my skin dried out and slowly became pimply! I never made the connection because I was trying to lose weight and no side effect could convince me that the manner in which I was doing it was wrong. My aunt who had hormone-related pigmentation marks on her face recommended that I start drinking 1-2 table spoons of extra virgin olive oil per day. I did so 2 weeks ago,but I noted little skin improvement in drinking light yellow cold pressed olive oil. I am now moving onto the thicker, greener kind of extra virgin olive oil, namely, Borges. What do you think? I tried Schuessler mineral salts (silica, calcium phosphate, etc), but I noticed only an increase in my appetite, so I stopped. In addition, bulimia destroyed my digestive system and for many years I could not understand why food took a long time to pass through my system, I felt bloat all the time and went to the loo once or twice a week even though I followed a high-fibre, low-fat, vegy, high water diet (just like the magazines said to). Mmh. I started food combining and my system started working well, but I suspect that bulimia did irreparable damage though as I still don't feel good as such. You see, skin care regimes initiate healing, but there are always new breakouts each morning. This tells me that the problem is in my system. Before taking digestive aids, I also took milk thistle to improve the liver, along with my healthy diet, but because I was not digesting anything, I was not absorbing anything either. Also taking an antioxidant (selenium, vit-E, betacarotene, etc), but not sure what should be happening. I tried the oil-cleansing method (castor oil and hot face cloth). I got compliments for great skin, but I stopped because I was still getting new breakouts every other day. Birth control pill helped, but I was so depressed and gained weight water retention and an appetite that I quit them. Suspected thyroid problems (always feeling cold and struggling to lose weight on a sparrow-like diet), but when I food combined, the weight fell off and my intestines felt great! Will F-C now and again, but I need solutions to the new-break-out-a-day problem. Help!