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Last week I went to my OBGYN to get my hormones tested. I currently don't have a derm. because honestly, after going through 3 pretty bad ones in the past, I don't trust them. I really want to get to the root of my hormone imbalance so my OBGYN is where I went as a start. I left practically stomping out of the office because she wouldn't let me get two words in, especially because I had a whole list of notes on my phone of I wanted to discuss with her. She basically told me my only options where the BC pill or Retin-A.
I told her I wouldn't accept either of those options so she said she could test my estrogen and testosterone levels but that's all she could do and that should tell me if I *really do* have hormonal imbalance. What a load of crap. Lo and behold, I get a phone call from them today and the levels are "normal." Cuz, ya know, it's not like we have any other hormones besides those two (sarcasm, obviously).
My question is, where do I go from here? She suggested seeing my GP since I'm not happy with what she can offer me, so I made an appointment with him since I am much more open and comfortable with him anyway. I really am considering going as far as an endocrinologist because for the past few months my acne has gotten me pretty depressed. It's never done that before, despite the fact that it's currently more well behaved lately... not clear by any means, but moreso mild/moderate rather than completely moderate, if that makes sense.
I know my options, whether they be Rx or natural supplements, but I'd really like some feedback/suggestions of where to go so I can actually KNOW what the root of the problem is. Try a new derm? Or maybe just go straight to an endocrinologist?
Hey,
I have the same experience too, doctors don't want to find out the root cause why you have all these symptoms, they just prescribe you some drugs to hide the symptoms. Basically you are left on your own to find the cure. Why don't you want to take BC?
Considering I already have to take 3 meds daily for my bipolar disorder, I'm not comfortable with unnatural hormones in my body. I don't like the idea of unnatrual pills in general, but for my BP I have no choice and I've come to peace with that because I am a monster when I'm off of them. Otherwise, I don't want anything that falsely controls my body.
I recall some antidepressants causing acne-like lesions. I can't remember what specifically. I remember coming across it in a dermatologist textbook.
Your GP might know a few (better) dermatologists or other practitioners, so I think it's wise to go to him since you're so comfortable.
Look on realself.com/find for local dermatologists and plastic surgeons, if you're curious. It's a good idea to look at the customer reviews and see if they had a similar acne problem.
Like a lot of diseases that have no cure (yet), you can only control/minimize/manage it. For example, I have recurring cold sores. Once the herpes simplex virus settles into the nerves, it's there for life because when it "deactivates" it hides from the immune system very well. When the cold sore flares, I can take antivirals, sure, and it'll subside. Scientists are still trying to figure out a way to eradicate it. This concept goes with acne.
Retin-A is the 2nd best anti-wrinkle topical. The 1st is sunscreen. 
Both especially can prevent wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation problems.
FInding out the "root" of your acne would be hormone testing and biopsies (to rule out anything else).