HI! I am 34, have cystic acne localized on my chin/jawline. I've had the same spot for over two years. I developed it in the latter stages of my last pregnancy (twins), and haven't seen an improvement despite doc prescribed oral and topical antibiotics and retin-A. So, the other day I just decided to take matters into my own hands!

I did the research and it I have just about every symptom associated with low estrogen levels. I'm not suprised, this last pregnancy just about ruined me, physically and mentally. I am half the woman I used to be. I lost a lot of weight (good) and lost my mind in the process (bad).

So, my kids get a lot of staph and yeast infections and I have topical anti-fungal creams and anti-biotic creams. 4 days ago I stopped the doc's stuff and started applying the anti-fungal 2X daily. I also started exercising (real exercise, not just chasing 5 kids at the park), forcing myself to drink water and take vitamins and supplements...B, C, evening primrose oil, wild yam root, multis and calcium. I have seen a nice improvement already! the cysts have shrunk some and the redness is all but gone, itching gone!! I have just started my cycle, so I'm battling against that, but I really think this could be a good thing.

I'll keep y'all posted on how the new routine works. I am praying it does wonders!!!

OK, so if any one is interested...for the past week, I've been:
1. running on the treadmill for 20 minutes at least a day...this may not seem like a big deal to you all, but I never get alone time to exercise with 5 little kids running around. THis is a big accomplishment for me.
2. drinking tons more water
3. taking my vitamins: B, C, multi, evening primrose oil, wild yam root (both of those two for regulating female hormones), flax oil, calcium
4. stopped the topical anti-bios and retin-a
5. used nystatin anti-fungal...

I can't beleive how well it's working. Cysts have shrunk markedly, I mean a real improvement. There are still small marks, but nothing like before. I've never seen such an improvement. So, I"ll keep you all posted...I've been fighting this for over 2 years, the same breakout.

so it is the vitamins:
evening primrose oil (is this in a capsule form? powder form?)
wild yam root
that regulate your hormones?

how'd you find that out, purely just research?

hmm...this is very interesting.

HI! I used to be a doula and studied midwifery for a few years. During most of my pregnancies I had bleeding problems, so I turned to supplements. I take low doses. Basically these supplements give the body what it needs to make the hormones it needs. They don't force the hormones to be made, if that makes sense.

The Wild Yam Root is a powder in a 400 mg capsule form and the evening primrose is an oil in a 500 mg capsule. Really, I just had these left over in my cabinet and thought I'd give it a try.

I don't know exactly what is wrong hormonally, but I have like 95% of the symptoms for menopause (I'm 34). irritability, thin skin, sexual issues, acne, etc. And most of these symptoms are new, like within the last couple of years and they've been intensifying to crazy levels.

The above regimen has helped a ton!

Thanks for the question!

I was wondering how your treatment has been coming along. I found this site while doing my own research on acne. I am 43 and I have been breaking out since I turned 40 I know that it is hormonal. I have been to the doctors and tried everything under the sun and nothing works. My family doctor has suggested estrogen creams to use on my face, but my gyn would have to perscribe it. I am hesitant to start that before I try something else. You are the first person that seems to be on the same track as I am. I have read about the wild yam root, and primrose oil, but also black cohosh, have you found anything in your research about the black cohosh? I am now curious as to how it is all coming along for you, are you still see results? Thanks for your time!

I am a 33 year old mother of 4, and am POSITIVE that my acne is caused from hormones, stress and diet issues. I didn't develop acne until right around the arrival of my last daughter at the age of 27. My story is VERY similar to yours, my hormones where out of control through all of my pregnancies and I had to be on hormone therapy during all of them. I as well would love an update as to how your regimen is going????

I just received my test results from my gyno today, and it's official, I have low estrogen levels as well. All my other hormonal levels were normal, although she forgot to include testosterone, so I have to get that done in two weeks on the third day of my cycle.

I am also 33, but have no children (actually my gyno suggested trying to conceive now since low estrogen may be a problem for me to get pregnant). I also have the exact same symptoms that you have: irritability, acne, sexual issues and also night sweats. My gyno has assured me that I AM NOT PERIMENOPAUSAL since my other hormone levels are normal. That leaves me wondering what to do next. I'm interested in lifestyle changes, exercise and nutrition to help raise my estrogen levels naturally. My job is horribly demanding and stressful and leaves me no time to exercise. I'll start trying some of the supplements you suggested.

Regarding chin acne. My niece got rid of hers when she finally realized that whitening toothpaste was the culprit - even when she carefully used a rinsing cup etc. It took about a year to figure this out. now she uses Toms of Maine (there are probably other non whitening toothpastes in health food stores) , non whitening and hasnt had a problem since.

Something in whitening toothpaste can definitely cause breakouts on the chin area - is it possibly sodium lauryl sulfate? dont know what it is exactly - might be better to try a non whitening health food store toothpaste. Also, has anyone with low estrogen tried eating sesame seeds - they are considered quite high in phtoestrols.