5 replies to this topic

[cbunny]

i'm 37 had acne since 12. went on 3 courses of Accutane. it went away 2-3 years after Accutane. Now its back, my dermatologist is saying at this point (cause of my age) its hormonal. feeling hopelessss

Edited by cbunny, 20 January 2012 - 02:32 PM.

[sasch12]

Don't feel hopeless. Disappointment is a useless emotion and your energy is better spent elsewhere. I too have taken 3 courses of accutane and i still have acne. I am now trying retinoids and its been up and down. Acne has forced me to confront my inner most flaws and fears. It has forced me to eat better and to look on the inside more than the outside. You will find something that works for you but as all the good things in life, it will take time. Keep your head held high as you have found a great community in the org and if you want to talk more, feel free to message me.

Good Luck with treatment

[SkyLynn]

Did he refer you to an endocrinologist or check your hormone levels? So are you perimenopausal?

[cbunny]

thanks sasch12 for the good words. i am trying to stay positive. i do count my blessings. however, it gets to me every so often. i usually break out about 2 weeks before my period. SkyLynn my dermatologist actually asked me if i wanted 2 go on Accutane again (she wasn't the one who had put me on in the past). i told her last i heard you couldnt go on it more than 3 times in a lifetime. she never referred me to endocrinologist. i don't know if i'm perimenopausal. i guess i should see my primary dr. & from there i may be referred . thanks again

[calvarious]

Oh I would stop with the Accutane at this point ( I was on it three times myself all through my teen years and I always relapsed) Acne like this has a very hormonal component - either the result of some form of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or simply being over sensitive to Androgens without having an imbalance ( which applies to me) which makes it easily one of the more frustrating and long lingering strains out there. Even the Accutane manufactures say that it's likely to be ineffective in the long term if you're a woman with an underlying hormonal disturbance that's creating the Acne. You most likely need something to block Androgens like Spironolactone (if you haven't taken it already). though it takes a very long time to see obvious results it is the go to drug for this type of Acne when Accutane fails to serve the proper punch. Also, if you decide to get your hormone levels analyzed I would request ''saliva analysis'' because it's the most accurate at detecting insufficient progesterone and high Androgens that some times go ''missed'' or register normal in a blood test.

[Gin*N*Juice]

I agree with the above poster. Try Spironolactone.
It can take awhile to work but it truly works-go read the reviews for it here on acne.org, it's where I read about it and how I asked my derm to use it. (I still can't believe he didn't think to ask me rather than consider a 3rd round of accutane!) You do have to be on BC if there is any chance you can get pregnant and it's also a diuretic so you should drink lots of water but we both know you should do this regardless

Oh and I'm 30 years old so my acne is DEF hormonal.
Give it a shot! And be patient! I saw results pretty quickly (around 1 month for the oil to subside and my skin continues to get better and better.)