This log is intended for treating hormonal acne in women.

If you experience the following list of symptoms (like me), you might find it helpful to read.

You're female.
You're menstual cycles are sometimes irregular.
Oily skin all day.
Skin drys and flakes with most acne treatments.
Blotchy and uneven complexion.
Red marks that do not go away.
Breakouts are more cystic than pimples.
Breakouts are primarily on the lower half of the face and jawline.
Breakouts are worse at certain times of the month.
Benzoyl peroxide hasn't cleared your skin.
Salicylic acid hasn't cleared your skin.
Retin A hasn't cleared your skin.
You've had problem skin for years (not weeks).

I have had acne "off and on" for over a decade. It's been a constant battle.

Here is what has not worked for me:

Antibiotics
Accutane
Retin A (Tretinoin)
Differin (Adapalene)
Benzaclin
Clydamycin lotion
Salicylic acid
Benzoyl peroxide
Birth control pills
(and several herbal and vitamin supplements)

I've now been on the following regimen for 8 weeks:

Spironolactone 50mg twice a day (100mg total).
Tazorac .05% Gel nightly (active ingredient, Tazorotene).
(I am also using a chinese herbal tincture, but I've only been using it for 1 week, so I don't know if it's having any effect yet).

Clinical studues show that it takes 6 to 8 weeks for Spironolactone to get into your system in a sufficient amount to act as an anti-androgen. I have only noticed a change in my acne in the past 2 weeks.

However, I have had some side-effects, which are:

Slight nausea when taken on an empty stomach.
Increase in breast size (hey, I'm not complaining about that!)
Weight loss of 5 lbs. (probably due to Spiro being a diuretic).
Going to the bathroom more often (another diuretic effect).
Sexual drive is lower (effect of some Testosterone being blocked).

The side effects with the Tazorac have been:

Drying and flaking.

----------------------------

Results at 8 weeks:

Skin is less oily, but it's still oily enough that I need to wash my face atleast twice a day.
Less blackheads and "surface pimples."
Less cystic breakouts (from about 5 a week to 1 or 2 a week).
Skin is still dry and flaky, but only around my mouth and chin.
Red marks are fading.
Blotchiness is improving, especially on forehead and cheeks.
There is also some effect on my mood, though I'm not sure how to explain it. I am less stressed and not as moody. I asked my doctor if Spiro could effect my mood and he said that it's possible that a reduction in Testosterone could (and I quote) "lessen anger and moodiness."

I'll report more each week.

Angeli

Angeli--thanks for the info. I am 48 now and had a tca peel last winter. My hormonal acne is flaring up again. I think the tca peel has stimulated some
of the deep layers of my skin and my face has been breaking out for about six months now with no help from all the OTC products either. I am trying this new
green cream (high retinol available without a presciption) that is nice and has
helped. At 48 my insurance won't pay for acne related products so I am stuck.
Anyway--I started saw palmetto which is also an androgen reducer. What is the
mg of spriolactone that you are on and what is your approx age? (I f you don't
mind me asking?) Also--what works for red marks? This green cream (40%
retinol avail at www.lindasy.com) seems to help. I got the address from this
site and ordered a trial size. Keep posting your thoughts. They are much appreciated on this hormonal topic.

ummm... how long have you been having acne and why do you use so many products? Ive only used 2 products, 1 of which im starting 2day and ive had acne for 2 years. And if it is hormonal acne, it'll be over in a max 5 years so why the big fuss?

Cynipatouhas

I am 38 years old and have been dealing with acne for 14 years. I never had a single blemish until I was 24 - which was the year my last child was born. This causes me to believe that my last pregnancy "shifted" my hormones, somehow, as my skin and menstrual cycles have not been normal since. I also have not been able to conceive (though I'm not trying at this point). I feel almost certain that regulating my hormones will be the key to conquering my skin problems.

My Spironolactone dosage is 50mg twice a day (total of 100mg daily). The cost without insurance is approximately $30.00 for a month's supply.

The Tazorac has worked wonders on my red marks. However, it took several weeks before I noticed the change. The first week, the Tazorac made my skin red and irritated. The second week, it was far less red and less dry. By the third week, I noticed that my skin was smoother and the blotchiness was evening out. And... the last thing to "go" were the red marks, which happened about week 4. There are still a few stubborn spots, but I keep using the gel every night. By the way, the gel, I've heard, is superior to the cream. Also, even though I've had my tube of Tazorac for 2 months and use it daily, I still have 90% of it left. The cost without insurance is about $40 to $50 (for the .05% concentration), and I imagine it will last me at least 6 months, minimum.

You may find it helpful to visit this site about PCOS and hormonal changes (including acne). I don't believe I have PCOS, but I do have a few of their symptoms. http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/acne.html

rm10989

When you've been dealing with acne for as long as I have, 14 years, trying different medications is par for the course. It is also a myth that hormonal problems correct themselves "on their own" over a period of time. They don't. In fact, studies show that hormonal imbalances get worse over time, not better, and can last for decades. Hormonal imbalances are serious, in that they not only effect the skin, but all system's of the body. If left untreated, hormonal imbalances can put you at risk for certain types of cancer, infertility, and a host of illnesses.

Angeli

Angeli;i was just wondering how it's going on the spiro now?I'm going to be taking it soon.

i'm going to ask my dermatologist if my acne is hormonal because it's all concentrated on the chin and jawline- there's none on my cheeks or forehead at all. i'm 24- it all started when i was 21 years old out of no where. it started moderately then progressively started getting severe and persistent. its not just pimples but deep cysts that take forever to come to a head and to clear up. i have these red marks from last year!!! seems like mine's something related to PCOS since i have irregular menstration as well, every 2 months. hmmm- sounds so much like me!!! i'll ask him about spiro- i'm wondering if he wouldn't be more understandable about hormonal acne than a female dermatologist? i know i shouldn't be biased about that.

thanks for bringing this out and informing us about spiro and pcos.

cheers,
zuriua