With the exception of the first few weeks on NPC, my skin has not improved and it has been months. I'm going to lower my dose. I'm still taking spiro because I have issues like stray facial hairs (not lots but still). Also, I fear my acne would be worse without it. I'm thinking the glucosmart stopped working. And my estrogen (weight gain, long periods) has increased. I do not have the opportunity to get hormonal testing at this time.

Sorry to hear that But it hasn't been that long on NPC...it took hearts some months to see improvement. NPC doesn't work fast at first. Are you using it every day , or only during the times progesterone is supposed to be low? There are times of the month where progesterone peaks, and those days you might not even need it. The goal is to make sure there aren't many hormonal fluctuations that are too abrupt, like too many highs and lows.

I would say try pure inositol powder if you are looking something comparable to glucosmart. It's easier on the liver because you don't have to ingest a capsule.

Is there anything else in your daily life that could be contributing to hormonal imbalances, like stress or lack of sleep?

Thanks . I have been taking NPC everyday. My worst breakouts are during my period. I know it takes awhile but I haven't seen much indication to show me it's working. I'm mostly stressed due to the painful acne and confusion over the right treatment path for me. I am going to add something to better regulate my insulin, like the powder.

 

With the exception of the first few weeks on NPC, my skin has not improved and it has been months. I'm going to lower my dose. I'm still taking spiro because I have issues like stray facial hairs (not lots but still). Also, I fear my acne would be worse without it. I'm thinking the glucosmart stopped working. And my estrogen (weight gain, long periods) has increased. I do not have the opportunity to get hormonal testing at this time.

Hmm....not sure what it could be. So you don't get any breakouts mid-cycle?

Have you seen this thread on vitex?

The last poster said she combined spiro with vitex for years... maybe you can try to PM her and see if she's still active? I thought spiro might interact with vitex or vitex might cancel out spiro, but I'm not sure. I wonder what happens to these people who post about being clear and then disappear.

Idk, it might work but honestly, I wouldn't recommend taking vitex for longer than a year. Actually, comparing DIM and vitex, DIM seems safer with fewer side effects. But since I only used vitex, I know that for me I need to find something that works like vitex, but also regulates androgens.

Thanks . I have been taking NPC everyday. My worst breakouts are during my period. I know it takes awhile but I haven't seen much indication to show me it's working. I'm mostly stressed due to the painful acne and confusion over the right treatment path for me. I am going to add something to better regulate my insulin, like the powder.

With the exception of the first few weeks on NPC, my skin has not improved and it has been months. I'm going to lower my dose. I'm still taking spiro because I have issues like stray facial hairs (not lots but still). Also, I fear my acne would be worse without it. I'm thinking the glucosmart stopped working. And my estrogen (weight gain, long periods) has increased. I do not have the opportunity to get hormonal testing at this time.

Sorry to hear that But it hasn't been that long on NPC...it took hearts some months to see improvement. NPC doesn't work fast at first. Are you using it every day , or only during the times progesterone is supposed to be low? There are times of the month where progesterone peaks, and those days you might not even need it. The goal is to make sure there aren't many hormonal fluctuations that are too abrupt, like too many highs and lows.

I would say try pure inositol powder if you are looking something comparable to glucosmart. It's easier on the liver because you don't have to ingest a capsule.

Is there anything else in your daily life that could be contributing to hormonal imbalances, like stress or lack of sleep?

Hi Brenmc,

It's very unusual for a premenopausal woman to take progesterone daily. Typically it's taken only during the luteal phase (14-28) and most women unless they have a moderately severe to extreme problem, only use it about 9 days.

Just to give you an idea of how dosing relates to severity of deficiency:

Mild progesterone deficiency:

50 mg miconized progesterone on days 16-26

Moderate to moderately severe:

50 mg miconized progesterone on days 5-15

100 mg miconized progesterone on days 16-26

It's very important to restore the natural cycle for optimum health and reduce the risk of cancer.

Unless something unusual is occurring, you should only be using bio-identical hormones. Transdermal progesterone doesn't work well. It's far better to use miconized oral progesterone. You take progesterone only in the evening, just before bed.

It's risky to modify hormones unless you are under the care of an informed doc.

One quick note:

You mentioned that your worst breakouts occur during your period. You should have a 28 day cycle with bleeding occurring from about days 1-5.

Testosterone is level with the exception of a peak at days 13-15.

Estradiol peaks and drops just before day 14, then follows a progesterone but at a lower level

Progesterone starts increasing at day 14, peaks at day 21 and is at baseline when bleeding starts.

Hormonal Acne is caused by elevated free testosterone

Progesterone opposes Estrogen

Estrogen opposes testosterone

Testosterone potentiates the effects of progesterone and vice versa.

The idea is to balance ALL hormones. Making small changes to several hormones can have a significant overall effect. In my experience (I'm not a doctor) most women require at least one hormone by age 40 to correct deficiencies only related to age (not a specific disease). All women should have a thorough exam prior to initiating treatment, including comprehensive serum (blood) testing. This is even more important when younger.

Based on what you said above, it appears that unopposed free testosterone that occurs just before your period is exacerbating the acne problem. I'm also slightly surprised you don't experience a breakout in the middle of your cycle. It could be that estrogen is unusually high at this point or some other issue with testosterone not peaking at ovulation.

To really know where to go from here your doc should be carefully looking at your lab data.

Thanks for the reply. I live in a small town on the coast of BC, and do not have access to any kind of specialist to preform tests. The only reason my family doctor put me on spiro was because a year of antibiotics (that he prescribed) didn't work and my mom and I came to him to beg for the 'script. Therefore, I've had to do my own research/diagnosis.

If you link to any of my other posts, you'll read that spiro worked for me for three years and then I started getting breakouts again. I was also taking glucosmart (after weaning off metformin). Around July this year, the spiro or glucosmart or both stopped controlling my acne.

Now I'm just in the trial and error stage (because I do not have access to a specialist). I was taking NPC every day because hearts (who got clear on it) is. I talked to her lots before starting the NPC treatment.

Now though, I haven't seen much improvement and am questioning the whole thing.

Also, I do breakout at other times of the month, but the nodules always come during my period.

Any other advice would be appreciated!

 

Thanks . I have been taking NPC everyday. My worst breakouts are during my period. I know it takes awhile but I haven't seen much indication to show me it's working. I'm mostly stressed due to the painful acne and confusion over the right treatment path for me. I am going to add something to better regulate my insulin, like the powder.

 

 

With the exception of the first few weeks on NPC, my skin has not improved and it has been months. I'm going to lower my dose. I'm still taking spiro because I have issues like stray facial hairs (not lots but still). Also, I fear my acne would be worse without it. I'm thinking the glucosmart stopped working. And my estrogen (weight gain, long periods) has increased. I do not have the opportunity to get hormonal testing at this time.

Sorry to hear that But it hasn't been that long on NPC...it took hearts some months to see improvement. NPC doesn't work fast at first. Are you using it every day , or only during the times progesterone is supposed to be low? There are times of the month where progesterone peaks, and those days you might not even need it. The goal is to make sure there aren't many hormonal fluctuations that are too abrupt, like too many highs and lows.

I would say try pure inositol powder if you are looking something comparable to glucosmart. It's easier on the liver because you don't have to ingest a capsule.

Is there anything else in your daily life that could be contributing to hormonal imbalances, like stress or lack of sleep?

Thanks for the reply. I live in a small town on the coast of BC, and do not have access to any kind of specialist to preform tests. The only reason my family doctor put me on spiro was because a year of antibiotics (that he prescribed) didn't work and my mom and I came to him to beg for the 'script. Therefore, I've had to do my own research/diagnosis.

If you link to any of my other posts, you'll read that spiro worked for me for three years and then I started getting breakouts again. I was also taking glucosmart (after weaning off metformin). Around July this year, the spiro or glucosmart or both stopped controlling my acne.

Now I'm just in the trial and error stage (because I do not have access to a specialist). I was taking NPC every day because hearts (who got clear on it) is. I talked to her lots before starting the NPC treatment.

Now though, I haven't seen much improvement and am questioning the whole thing.

Also, I do breakout at other times of the month, but the nodules always come during my period.

Any other advice would be appreciated!

Thanks . I have been taking NPC everyday. My worst breakouts are during my period. I know it takes awhile but I haven't seen much indication to show me it's working. I'm mostly stressed due to the painful acne and confusion over the right treatment path for me. I am going to add something to better regulate my insulin, like the powder.

With the exception of the first few weeks on NPC, my skin has not improved and it has been months. I'm going to lower my dose. I'm still taking spiro because I have issues like stray facial hairs (not lots but still). Also, I fear my acne would be worse without it. I'm thinking the glucosmart stopped working. And my estrogen (weight gain, long periods) has increased. I do not have the opportunity to get hormonal testing at this time.

Sorry to hear that But it hasn't been that long on NPC...it took hearts some months to see improvement. NPC doesn't work fast at first. Are you using it every day , or only during the times progesterone is supposed to be low? There are times of the month where progesterone peaks, and those days you might not even need it. The goal is to make sure there aren't many hormonal fluctuations that are too abrupt, like too many highs and lows.

I would say try pure inositol powder if you are looking something comparable to glucosmart. It's easier on the liver because you don't have to ingest a capsule.

Is there anything else in your daily life that could be contributing to hormonal imbalances, like stress or lack of sleep?

Hi Brenmc,

It's very unusual for a premenopausal woman to take progesterone daily. Typically it's taken only during the luteal phase (14-28) and most women unless they have a severe problem use it about 9 days.

Just to give you an idea of how dosing relates to severity of deficiency:

Mild progesterone deficiency:

50 mg miconized progesterone on days 16-26

Moderate to moderately severe:

50 mg miconized progesterone on days 5-15

100 mg miconized progesterone on days 16-26

It's very important to restore the natural cycle for optimum health and reduce the risk of cancer.

Unless something unusual is occurring, you should only be using bio-identical hormones. Transdermal progesterone doesn't work well. It's far better to use miconized oral progesterone. You take progesterone only in the evening, just before bed.

It's risky to modify hormones unless you are under the care of an informed doc.

One quick note:

You mentioned that your worst breakouts occur during your period. You should have a 28 day cycle with bleeding occurring from about days 1-5.

Testosterone is level with the exception of a peak at days 13-15.

Estradiol peaks and drops just before day 14, then follows a progesterone but at a lower level

Progesterone starts increasing at day 14, peaks at day 21 and is at baseline when bleeding starts.

Hormonal Acne is caused by elevated free testosterone

Progesterone opposes Estrogen

Estrogen opposes testosterone

Testosterone potentiates the effects of progesterone and vice versa.

The idea is to balance ALL hormones. Making small changes to several hormones can have a significant overall effect. In my experience (I'm not a doctor) most women require at least one hormone by age 40 to correct deficiencies only related to age (not a specific disease). All women should have a thorough exam prior to initiating treatment, including comprehensive serum (blood) testing. This is even more important when younger.

Based on what you said above, it appears that unopposed free testosterone that occurs just before your period is exacerbating the acne problem. I'm also slightly surprised you don't experience a breakout in the middle of your cycle. It could be that estrogen is unusually high at this point or some other issue with testosterone not peaking at ovulation.

To really know where to go from here your doc should be carefully looking at your lab data.

I know it's very frustrating to deal with this over a long period and feel like you are better now than when you started.

The blood work and exam are critical. I also understand there are access issues.

My take is that elevated free testosterone causes acne. Couple that with poor diet and it can be exacerbated.

When I posted initially here I made some comments regarding diet that resulted in negative feedback. I'm not here annoy and argue so I have been primarily focused on the hormonal side. I have an interest in hormones and this is where most of the heavy lifting occurs anyway.

Because you don't have access to the hormonal side, perhaps you would be willing to look at the nutritional side.

Modifying diet is extremely difficult in my view. I also have a very strong interest in health/fitness and understand nutrition and training fairly well.

Are you interested in logging your diet? Since this isn't a fitness issue, you could omit the quantities if that's a problem for you. The only way it will work is if you list everything you eat/drink. You could start with just a few days. Ideally we would have 30 days, however it may not be necessary if there are obvious problems.

Just to repeat, you must include everything, regardless of how trivial you think it might be. This also includes everything you drink. Start at 2 days. Also, you can't improve your diet for the logging period. You will want a baseline for comparison purposes.

Also look at endocrine disruptors/phalates and toxins that you may be exposed to.

If we look at the sex hormones of men today versus 30 years ago, there is a startling and statistically significant decrease that has occurred. There are men in the NHL that have the androgen levels of an 80 year old of 40 years ago.

We think this is related to xenoestrogens. These are estrogen like chemicals that exist in the environment that we are exposed to everyday that have unknown effects on the endocrine system. I will find a link and post that.

One quick example is household fragrances that are emitted daily from a dispenser. Some of these are known xenoestrogens, bind to the estrogen receptor and can result in potent estrogenic side effects. It's speculated that they may contribute to decreased hormone levels and some of the genital/reproductive cancers.

Also try and avoid other toxins in the environment. A few quick example is microwaving food in plastic containers, eating foods that have been overdone on the bbq or the bph on cash register receipts.

Thanks for the reply. I live in a small town on the coast of BC, and do not have access to any kind of specialist to preform tests. The only reason my family doctor put me on spiro was because a year of antibiotics (that he prescribed) didn't work and my mom and I came to him to beg for the 'script. Therefore, I've had to do my own research/diagnosis.

If you link to any of my other posts, you'll read that spiro worked for me for three years and then I started getting breakouts again. I was also taking glucosmart (after weaning off metformin). Around July this year, the spiro or glucosmart or both stopped controlling my acne.

Now I'm just in the trial and error stage (because I do not have access to a specialist). I was taking NPC every day because hearts (who got clear on it) is. I talked to her lots before starting the NPC treatment.

Now though, I haven't seen much improvement and am questioning the whole thing.

Also, I do breakout at other times of the month, but the nodules always come during my period.

Any other advice would be appreciated!

Thanks . I have been taking NPC everyday. My worst breakouts are during my period. I know it takes awhile but I haven't seen much indication to show me it's working. I'm mostly stressed due to the painful acne and confusion over the right treatment path for me. I am going to add something to better regulate my insulin, like the powder.

With the exception of the first few weeks on NPC, my skin has not improved and it has been months. I'm going to lower my dose. I'm still taking spiro because I have issues like stray facial hairs (not lots but still). Also, I fear my acne would be worse without it. I'm thinking the glucosmart stopped working. And my estrogen (weight gain, long periods) has increased. I do not have the opportunity to get hormonal testing at this time.

Sorry to hear that But it hasn't been that long on NPC...it took hearts some months to see improvement. NPC doesn't work fast at first. Are you using it every day , or only during the times progesterone is supposed to be low? There are times of the month where progesterone peaks, and those days you might not even need it. The goal is to make sure there aren't many hormonal fluctuations that are too abrupt, like too many highs and lows.

I would say try pure inositol powder if you are looking something comparable to glucosmart. It's easier on the liver because you don't have to ingest a capsule.

Is there anything else in your daily life that could be contributing to hormonal imbalances, like stress or lack of sleep?

Hi Brenmc,

It's very unusual for a premenopausal woman to take progesterone daily. Typically it's taken only during the luteal phase (14-28) and most women unless they have a severe problem use it about 9 days.

Just to give you an idea of how dosing relates to severity of deficiency:

Mild progesterone deficiency:

50 mg miconized progesterone on days 16-26

Moderate to moderately severe:

50 mg miconized progesterone on days 5-15

100 mg miconized progesterone on days 16-26

It's very important to restore the natural cycle for optimum health and reduce the risk of cancer.

Unless something unusual is occurring, you should only be using bio-identical hormones. Transdermal progesterone doesn't work well. It's far better to use miconized oral progesterone. You take progesterone only in the evening, just before bed.

It's risky to modify hormones unless you are under the care of an informed doc.

One quick note:

You mentioned that your worst breakouts occur during your period. You should have a 28 day cycle with bleeding occurring from about days 1-5.

Testosterone is level with the exception of a peak at days 13-15.

Estradiol peaks and drops just before day 14, then follows a progesterone but at a lower level

Progesterone starts increasing at day 14, peaks at day 21 and is at baseline when bleeding starts.

Hormonal Acne is caused by elevated free testosterone

Progesterone opposes Estrogen

Estrogen opposes testosterone

Testosterone potentiates the effects of progesterone and vice versa.

The idea is to balance ALL hormones. Making small changes to several hormones can have a significant overall effect. In my experience (I'm not a doctor) most women require at least one hormone by age 40 to correct deficiencies only related to age (not a specific disease). All women should have a thorough exam prior to initiating treatment, including comprehensive serum (blood) testing. This is even more important when younger.

Based on what you said above, it appears that unopposed free testosterone that occurs just before your period is exacerbating the acne problem. I'm also slightly surprised you don't experience a breakout in the middle of your cycle. It could be that estrogen is unusually high at this point or some other issue with testosterone not peaking at ovulation.

To really know where to go from here your doc should be carefully looking at your lab data.

I know it's very frustrating to deal with this over a long period and feel like you are better now than when you started.

The blood work and exam are critical. I also understand there are access issues.

My take is that elevated free testosterone causes acne. Couple that with poor diet and it can be exacerbated.

When I posted initially here I made some comments regarding diet that resulted in negative feedback. I'm not here annoy and argue so I have been primarily focused on the hormonal side. I have an interest in hormones and this is where most of the heavy lifting occurs anyway.

Because you don't have access to the hormonal side, perhaps you would be willing to look at the nutritional side.

Modifying diet is extremely difficult in my view. I also have a very strong interest in health/fitness and understand nutrition and training fairly well.

Are you interested in logging your diet? Since this isn't a fitness issue, you could omit the quantities if that's a problem for you. The only way it will work is if you list everything you eat/drink. You could start with just a few days. Ideally we would have 30 days, however it may not be necessary if there are obvious problems.

Just to repeat, you must include everything, regardless of how trivial you think it might be. This also includes everything you drink. Start at 2 days. Also, you can't improve your diet for the logging period. You will want a baseline for comparison purposes.

Also look at endocrine disruptors/phalates and toxins that you may be exposed to.

If we look at the sex hormones of men today versus 30 years ago, there is a startling and statistically significant decrease that has occurred. There are men in the NHL that have the androgen levels of an 80 year old of 40 years ago.

We think this is related to xenoestrogens. These are estrogen like chemicals that exist in the environment that we are exposed to everyday that have unknown effects on the endocrine system. I will find a link and post that.

One quick example is household fragrances that are emitted daily from a dispenser. Some of these are known xenoestrogens, bind to the estrogen receptor and can result in potent estrogenic side effects. It's speculated that they may contribute to decreased hormone levels and some of the genital/reproductive cancers.

Also try and avoid other toxins in the environment. A few quick example is microwaving food in plastic containers, eating foods that have been overdone on the bbq or the bph on cash register receipts.

Yep, diet modifications are tough, but if you find the right one it could solve many issues without medication. I am able to control my insulin by having small meals very 3 hours and cutting out refined sugar from my diet. I hardly get sugar lows or cravings anymore.

If you noticed, in my "before" myo-inositol photos, I added one where my acne disappeared temporarily. This was thanks to a very strict anti-histamne diet that I couldn't sustain in that restrictive form in the long run. But it does work, it's just not realistic for my busy lifestyle.

jlcampi, what do you think about inositol (both myo and chiro) as an anti-androgen? Have you read my thread about it? I'm back on it after taking a break, and I am much less "hormonal" now, more calm, and no more flare ups.

I'm wondering how we can detox xenoestrogens. Every time I try something detoxing I end up getting worse acne. I'm too scared to try DIM or keep up with calcium d- glucarate because I'm worried about skin purging if the liver can't handle the detox.

Great points. I do manage my diet and exposure to environmental estrogens the best I can: no meat, dairy, processed or packaged food, no alcohol and I don't even own a microwave. I think, as you said, the issue of androgens (and insulin) could be the main issues still (facial hair growth and nodules during my period). And did I read a previous post right that estrogen rarely would/could cause acne? If that's the case, then the progesterone wouldn't help would it? Any other treatment options?

Great points. I do manage my diet and exposure to environmental estrogens the best I can: no meat, dairy, processed or packaged food, no alcohol and I don't even own a microwave. I think, as you said, the issue of androgens (and insulin) could be the main issues still (facial hair growth and nodules during my period). And did I read a previous post right that estrogen rarely would/could cause acne? If that's the case, then the progesterone wouldn't help would it? Any other treatment options?

Too much estrogen can get converted to testosterone, so I think the idea behind taking something to regulate estrogens is to have fewer estrogen, thus less chances of it converting to testosterone.

My personal experience: I had periods of clear skin AND symptoms of high androgens at the same time, especially while on vitex. So I do think it's possible to have both high androgens and high estradiol.

Have you stopped spiro and glucosmart? I think that if you take greengables' suggestion and take a break from everything to see what happens, then you should wean off not go cold turkey because you will basically removing 2 sources of androgen blockers at once. Or maybe wean off the strongest one first, then glucosmart, and switch to just vitamins. Maybe that's all you need.

The first time I stopped taking vitex, I noticed that I was slightly breaking out on my forehead, which used to be the prelude to major cystic acne on the rest of my face. The naturopath told me that if I started breaking out after 1+ year on vitex, then it means I don't need it anymore. Maybe that's what's happening with you, or what you are taking is losing its effectiveness because your hormones changed or your liver isn't processing as well.

Thanks for the quick reply WishClean!

I have stopped glucosmart in the last few days to see if I could pinpoint whether it was making any difference anymore. Although you and GreenGables have a point about cutting out pharmaceuticals to see what the result might be, I am too nervous to quit spiro at this time. When I went of bc my acne was extremely severe and I do not want that to happen again from quitting spiro. I'm wondering if vitex might do a better job than NPC?

 

Great points. I do manage my diet and exposure to environmental estrogens the best I can: no meat, dairy, processed or packaged food, no alcohol and I don't even own a microwave. I think, as you said, the issue of androgens (and insulin) could be the main issues still (facial hair growth and nodules during my period). And did I read a previous post right that estrogen rarely would/could cause acne? If that's the case, then the progesterone wouldn't help would it? Any other treatment options?

Too much estrogen can get converted to testosterone, so I think the idea behind taking something to regulate estrogens is to have fewer estrogen, thus less chances of it converting to testosterone.

My personal experience: I had periods of clear skin AND symptoms of high androgens at the same time, especially while on vitex. So I do think it's possible to have both high androgens and high estradiol.

Have you stopped spiro and glucosmart? I think that if you take greengables' suggestion and take a break from everything to see what happens, then you should wean off not go cold turkey because you will basically removing 2 sources of androgen blockers at once. Or maybe wean off the strongest one first, then glucosmart, and switch to just vitamins. Maybe that's all you need.

The first time I stopped taking vitex, I noticed that I was slightly breaking out on my forehead, which used to be the prelude to major cystic acne on the rest of my face. The naturopath told me that if I started breaking out after 1+ year on vitex, then it means I don't need it anymore. Maybe that's what's happening with you, or what you are taking is losing its effectiveness because your hormones changed or your liver isn't processing as well.

If you decide to take vitex, I can give you feedback based on having taken it twice, for about a year each time. You need to have a strong digestive system and a healthy liver for it...the risk of gastrointestinal issues increases the longer you take it, that was one of the reasons I was advised to only take it up to a year at a time (actually, the naturopath even said to try to cut down the dose at 6 months if my skin is clear). I was tempted to go back on it again since I knew it would clear me up steadily, but every time I go off it it's almost as if I went off bcp - the chaos is comparable. So you need to have a backup for when you quit taking it...maybe DIM or glucosmart, depending on how you respond to vitex. Multivitamins helped lessen the blow for me the first time I weaned off it...also, acidophilus supplements could help boost its effectiveness, as well as evening primrose oil. Think about it carefully though, and do your research to make sure you are comfortable starting it and sticking with it. You might break out more at first, but once you start it it's best to stick with it for some time. It takes a few months for it to fully kick in. You have to be patient with it.

I'm not sure you can take vitex with spiro safely, but I think there are women on the PCOS forums who take them both. If you decide to do that, do not take vitex capsules; take the tincture/ liquid, preferably without alcohol in it. It is way easier for your body to use it, and doesn't overload your liver with too many things to break down.

Btw, how about calcium d-glucarate? If your issue is that the liver isn't getting rid of all toxins properly, then it might be all you need. I stopped taking it to see what was causing my breakout, but today I found out something that made me even more uncertain about what caused it. I got a red/blue light treatment with a peel last weekend, and the esthetician usually puts a kojic acid serum on my face before the lights...one time, she used retinol and my face broke out in similar red bumps, so I was thinking maybe she used retinol again this time. I called her today, and she said she used a detoxing serum on my face, and that it's supposed to bring everything to the surface and make the skin purge. ARGHHHHH!!!!! She said that my skin was tolerating treatments much better and that it was looking good, so she wanted to get the little whiteheads to the surface. OMG, I was so mad at her. I told her that I got some painful bumps, and she just said "yeah, that's normal, they will go away soon." She told me to go see her this weekend so she can treat them. Anyway, sorry to rant about it, I was just so upset not only bc of this detox serum but because now I have no idea if CDG worked or if this serum was the issue or the foundation samples I was trying. I guess I shouldn't add all these variants so close to each other next time.

 

Thanks for the quick reply WishClean!

I have stopped glucosmart in the last few days to see if I could pinpoint whether it was making any difference anymore. Although you and GreenGables have a point about cutting out pharmaceuticals to see what the result might be, I am too nervous to quit spiro at this time. When I went of bc my acne was extremely severe and I do not want that to happen again from quitting spiro. I'm wondering if vitex might do a better job than NPC?

Thanks for the reply. I live in a small town on the coast of BC, and do not have access to any kind of specialist to preform tests. The only reason my family doctor put me on spiro was because a year of antibiotics (that he prescribed) didn't work and my mom and I came to him to beg for the 'script. Therefore, I've had to do my own research/diagnosis.

If you link to any of my other posts, you'll read that spiro worked for me for three years and then I started getting breakouts again. I was also taking glucosmart (after weaning off metformin). Around July this year, the spiro or glucosmart or both stopped controlling my acne.

Now I'm just in the trial and error stage (because I do not have access to a specialist). I was taking NPC every day because hearts (who got clear on it) is. I talked to her lots before starting the NPC treatment.

Now though, I haven't seen much improvement and am questioning the whole thing.

Also, I do breakout at other times of the month, but the nodules always come during my period.

Any other advice would be appreciated!

Thanks . I have been taking NPC everyday. My worst breakouts are during my period. I know it takes awhile but I haven't seen much indication to show me it's working. I'm mostly stressed due to the painful acne and confusion over the right treatment path for me. I am going to add something to better regulate my insulin, like the powder.

With the exception of the first few weeks on NPC, my skin has not improved and it has been months. I'm going to lower my dose. I'm still taking spiro because I have issues like stray facial hairs (not lots but still). Also, I fear my acne would be worse without it. I'm thinking the glucosmart stopped working. And my estrogen (weight gain, long periods) has increased. I do not have the opportunity to get hormonal testing at this time.

Sorry to hear that But it hasn't been that long on NPC...it took hearts some months to see improvement. NPC doesn't work fast at first. Are you using it every day , or only during the times progesterone is supposed to be low? There are times of the month where progesterone peaks, and those days you might not even need it. The goal is to make sure there aren't many hormonal fluctuations that are too abrupt, like too many highs and lows.

I would say try pure inositol powder if you are looking something comparable to glucosmart. It's easier on the liver because you don't have to ingest a capsule.

Is there anything else in your daily life that could be contributing to hormonal imbalances, like stress or lack of sleep?

Hi Brenmc,

It's very unusual for a premenopausal woman to take progesterone daily. Typically it's taken only during the luteal phase (14-28) and most women unless they have a severe problem use it about 9 days.

Just to give you an idea of how dosing relates to severity of deficiency:

Mild progesterone deficiency:

50 mg miconized progesterone on days 16-26

Moderate to moderately severe:

50 mg miconized progesterone on days 5-15

100 mg miconized progesterone on days 16-26

It's very important to restore the natural cycle for optimum health and reduce the risk of cancer.

Unless something unusual is occurring, you should only be using bio-identical hormones. Transdermal progesterone doesn't work well. It's far better to use miconized oral progesterone. You take progesterone only in the evening, just before bed.

It's risky to modify hormones unless you are under the care of an informed doc.

One quick note:

You mentioned that your worst breakouts occur during your period. You should have a 28 day cycle with bleeding occurring from about days 1-5.

Testosterone is level with the exception of a peak at days 13-15.

Estradiol peaks and drops just before day 14, then follows a progesterone but at a lower level

Progesterone starts increasing at day 14, peaks at day 21 and is at baseline when bleeding starts.

Hormonal Acne is caused by elevated free testosterone

Progesterone opposes Estrogen

Estrogen opposes testosterone

Testosterone potentiates the effects of progesterone and vice versa.

The idea is to balance ALL hormones. Making small changes to several hormones can have a significant overall effect. In my experience (I'm not a doctor) most women require at least one hormone by age 40 to correct deficiencies only related to age (not a specific disease). All women should have a thorough exam prior to initiating treatment, including comprehensive serum (blood) testing. This is even more important when younger.

Based on what you said above, it appears that unopposed free testosterone that occurs just before your period is exacerbating the acne problem. I'm also slightly surprised you don't experience a breakout in the middle of your cycle. It could be that estrogen is unusually high at this point or some other issue with testosterone not peaking at ovulation.

To really know where to go from here your doc should be carefully looking at your lab data.

I know it's very frustrating to deal with this over a long period and feel like you are better now than when you started.

The blood work and exam are critical. I also understand there are access issues.

My take is that elevated free testosterone causes acne. Couple that with poor diet and it can be exacerbated.

When I posted initially here I made some comments regarding diet that resulted in negative feedback. I'm not here annoy and argue so I have been primarily focused on the hormonal side. I have an interest in hormones and this is where most of the heavy lifting occurs anyway.

Because you don't have access to the hormonal side, perhaps you would be willing to look at the nutritional side.

Modifying diet is extremely difficult in my view. I also have a very strong interest in health/fitness and understand nutrition and training fairly well.

Are you interested in logging your diet? Since this isn't a fitness issue, you could omit the quantities if that's a problem for you. The only way it will work is if you list everything you eat/drink. You could start with just a few days. Ideally we would have 30 days, however it may not be necessary if there are obvious problems.

Just to repeat, you must include everything, regardless of how trivial you think it might be. This also includes everything you drink. Start at 2 days. Also, you can't improve your diet for the logging period. You will want a baseline for comparison purposes.

Also look at endocrine disruptors/phalates and toxins that you may be exposed to.

If we look at the sex hormones of men today versus 30 years ago, there is a startling and statistically significant decrease that has occurred. There are men in the NHL that have the androgen levels of an 80 year old of 40 years ago.

We think this is related to xenoestrogens. These are estrogen like chemicals that exist in the environment that we are exposed to everyday that have unknown effects on the endocrine system. I will find a link and post that.

One quick example is household fragrances that are emitted daily from a dispenser. Some of these are known xenoestrogens, bind to the estrogen receptor and can result in potent estrogenic side effects. It's speculated that they may contribute to decreased hormone levels and some of the genital/reproductive cancers.

Also try and avoid other toxins in the environment. A few quick example is microwaving food in plastic containers, eating foods that have been overdone on the bbq or the bph on cash register receipts.

Yep, diet modifications are tough, but if you find the right one it could solve many issues without medication. I am able to control my insulin by having small meals very 3 hours and cutting out refined sugar from my diet. I hardly get sugar lows or cravings anymore.

If you noticed, in my "before" myo-inositol photos, I added one where my acne disappeared temporarily. This was thanks to a very strict anti-histamne diet that I couldn't sustain in that restrictive form in the long run. But it does work, it's just not realistic for my busy lifestyle.

jlcampi, what do you think about inositol (both myo and chiro) as an anti-androgen? Have you read my thread about it? I'm back on it after taking a break, and I am much less "hormonal" now, more calm, and no more flare ups.

I'm wondering how we can detox xenoestrogens. Every time I try something detoxing I end up getting worse acne. I'm too scared to try DIM or keep up with calcium d- glucarate because I'm worried about skin purging if the liver can't handle the detox.

I've been out for a bit. I will take a look at your inositol thread and reply.

Great points. I do manage my diet and exposure to environmental estrogens the best I can: no meat, dairy, processed or packaged food, no alcohol and I don't even own a microwave. I think, as you said, the issue of androgens (and insulin) could be the main issues still (facial hair growth and nodules during my period). And did I read a previous post right that estrogen rarely would/could cause acne? If that's the case, then the progesterone wouldn't help would it? Any other treatment options?

I am going to tell you what I use that is inexpensive and extremely effective for me. It tends to be a bit drying, however I use a moisturizer if necessary. This only treats the symptoms.

Please note that some may find this contraindicated/ineffective/inappropriate. I put this together after about 20 years of trial and error. It only treats the symptoms, not the underlying cause. I have no formal opinion on it's efficacy in others.

Morning

Step 1: thoroughly sanitize all affected areas with ethyl alcohol (denatured):

Step 2: combine generous amounts of 2% erythromycin gel and 5-10% benzoyl peroxide on fingers and apply liberally to affected areas.

Evening

Repeat

I have problems on my shoulders, middle back and upper chest. To cover these areas, i use about 30 grams each of 2% erythromycin gel and benzoyl peroxide per week.

It seems to work more effectively if the benzoyl peroxide gel is rotated on a weekly basis. I switch brands and may also go to a cream.

It must be applied heavily to work effectively.

It's also critical that ETHYL ALCOHOL is used rather an the more common iso-propryl rubbing alcohol. Ethyl alcohol is grain alcohol (drinking) that has been denatured with other chemicals to cause severe gastro-intestinal upset if taken orally. I'm hypothesizing that it's the denaturing ingredient in ethyl alcohol that dramatically potentiates this routine.

One of the first things I noticed when using this combination of products was that the problem areas cleared. Next I noticed that acne would show up intermittently with no greater frequency in the problem areas. After about a month I was completely clear. Stop treatment and and the acne will return.

I suspect that the ethyl alcohol is sanitizing the skin and temporarily destroying the treatment resistant colonies of bacteria.

I do no other washing other than when showering.

If you try it, please have a potent moisturizer available and start with the 5% benzoyl peroxide if you haven't used it before.

2% erythromycin gel requires an Rx

CVS carries 70% Ethyl Rubbing Alcohol

Hi All,

Not sure if anyone is following this thread anymore, but I figured I'd post in case poor souls frantically Googling "hormonal acne" and "progesterone cream" find the thread and want some advice. I posted back in November about my experience using natural progesterone cream (NPC) while also taking EstroBlock, Vitex, and Liv Tox. These things helped to clear my skin. (I was suffering from pretty bad hormonal breakouts before). However, last month, my breakouts came back. Not as bad as before, but I got some chin and above the eyebrow cysts. And, even more strangely, I seemed to break out ALL THE TIME, even in the week after my period, which had previously been my clearest time. I stopped taking everything except a liver supplement (not Liv-Tox any more since I can't purchase it online anymore), and now I'm pretty clear again. I think after about 5 - 6 months, the supplements and NPC must have got my hormones back in balance on their own so now taking this extra stuff just disrupts that. Also, I've found that Eminence Organics Willowbark Serum works really well to prevent acne without overdrying. Hope this helps!

Hi All,

Not sure if anyone is following this thread anymore, but I figured I'd post in case poor souls frantically Googling "hormonal acne" and "progesterone cream" find the thread and want some advice. I posted back in November about my experience using natural progesterone cream (NPC) while also taking EstroBlock, Vitex, and Liv Tox. These things helped to clear my skin. (I was suffering from pretty bad hormonal breakouts before). However, last month, my breakouts came back. Not as bad as before, but I got some chin and above the eyebrow cysts. And, even more strangely, I seemed to break out ALL THE TIME, even in the week after my period, which had previously been my clearest time. I stopped taking everything except a liver supplement (not Liv-Tox any more since I can't purchase it online anymore), and now I'm pretty clear again. I think after about 5 - 6 months, the supplements and NPC must have got my hormones back in balance on their own so now taking this extra stuff just disrupts that. Also, I've found that Eminence Organics Willowbark Serum works really well to prevent acne without overdrying. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the update. You are right, some of the supplements you had been taking are not meant to be taken long term (liver supps & vitex in particular). Those help you up to a point, and then you need to cut down and eventually wean off or stay on a lower, maintenance dose. But I really see no point in taking liver supplements for that long unless you used to drink heavily or something.