Menopause Acne

Why It Happens and How to Treat It

Many of us suffered from acne as teenagers. It’s unpleasant, but in most cases, it disappears with time.

But even if you haven’t had a breakout in years, it’s not unusual to start seeing those dreaded pimples again when you hit menopause.

The reasons behind menopause acne are quite similar to the reasons behind adolescent acne. Both menopause and adolescence are times when our hormones are working overtime. During menopause, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and DHEA levels tend to fluctuate wildly. This hormonal roller coaster is responsible for emotional fluctuations and other well known menopause symptoms, and it can also trigger breakouts.

Some women, on the other hand, do not experience menopause acne until they begin hormone replacement therapy. The purpose of such therapy is to balance the hormones, yet it sometimes has the unintended side effect of causing acne when it wasn’t present before. Still, if hormone therapy is helping keep more serious symptoms at bay, acne is no reason to stop it.

There are many natural remedies acne responds to that can safely be used during hormone treatment. You may find relief with nutritional supplements, dietary changes and topical products. If you are currently using synthetic hormone replacement therapy, speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner about trying bioidentical hormones as an alternative.

Menopause acne takes many women by surprise, but it’s not at all uncommon. It can be distressing, however, especially when you’re already experiencing other symptoms. But with some changes in diet and the use of natural remedies, acne doesn’t have to be so bothersome during the change of life.