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Hi,
I have suffered with bad acne for 3 years now. I have been told by many that because of where I get my acne (Jawline and Chin) that it is hormonal. I feel most people would be prescribed the pill for this to balance out the estrogen, however, what happens when you aren't allowed it? I suffered from Focal Migraines as a teenager (I am 24 now) so I am not allowed to take the contraceptive pill as it could cause me to possibly have a stroke. I can take the mini progesterone only pill but that causes even more severe acne . I feel so trapped now because I have tried every anti-biotic apart from roaccutane and they don't work. Oxytetracycline teamed with adapalene gel worked absolute wonders for about 10 months then I obviously must have created a resistance. I have heard of Saw Palmetto from this forum and I'm feeling like this naturally does the same as the contraceptive pill would? Does is level out your hormones naturally? Also is there a male and female version of this that do different things or a certain type I should steer clear from? Any help would be much appreciated or if anyone has found themselves in this position?
Thanks xxx
Hi there, I'm not in exactly the same position as you because I do take the pill, but it hasn't made any difference to my skin. Birth control is not the only way to treat hormonal acne (although it also depends on which pill you take). Some people find success with a skincare routine, diet changes, or other supplements. Saw palmetto and other herbs have helped me, and I think it is an option to consider for people who can't or don't want to take birth control pills or other prescription medications.
Saw palmetto does not necessarily level out hormones. What it can do is block DHT, a form of testosterone that has a connection to acne and overproduction of oil. Most saw palmetto/DHT-blocking herbs are marketed towards men/treating prostate issues, but there is no reason (that I know of) why females can't take them. One thing I feel is important to say is that before you start taking any herbs, I would definitely recommend having your hormones tested and/or talking to a doctor. The location of your acne is not always an indicator of the cause and it's possible that hormonal treatments might not be the best for you.
If you're interested in reading about my experience so far with saw palmetto and other herbs, you might find my posts about it helpful. Either way, don't give up, and I hope you find something that works for you soon 
On 8/22/2016 at 1:39 PM, kelbell812 said:Have you looked into Spironolactone? A lot of people have taken this medication for their hormonal acne. I'm not sure how it would relate to your condition, but you can always look into it.
It isn't available in the UK 
, I was going to ask my doctor to take a look online and see if I am safe to take it then maybe order some or get some next time I am in the states. I have heard good things. Thanks for your help
On 8/20/2016 at 5:13 PM, FiercePenguin said:Hi there, I'm not in exactly the same position as you because I do take the pill, but it hasn't made any difference to my skin. Birth control is not the only way to treat hormonal acne (although it also depends on which pill you take). Some people find success with a skincare routine, diet changes, or other supplements. Saw palmetto and other herbs have helped me, and I think it is an option to consider for people who can't or don't want to take birth control pills or other prescription medications.
Saw palmetto does not necessarily level out hormones. What it can do is block DHT, a form of testosterone that has a connection to acne and overproduction of oil. Most saw palmetto/DHT-blocking herbs are marketed towards men/treating prostate issues, but there is no reason (that I know of) why females can't take them. One thing I feel is important to say is that before you start taking any herbs, I would definitely recommend having your hormones tested and/or talking to a doctor. The location of your acne is not always an indicator of the cause and it's possible that hormonal treatments might not be the best for you.
If you're interested in reading about my experience so far with saw palmetto and other herbs, you might find my posts about it helpful. Either way, don't give up, and I hope you find something that works for you soon
Thanks so much for your help. I definitely do need to take a hormone test, I have kind of self diagnosed because I'm thinking it must be hormonal due to it's whereabouts and I have other symptoms which link to it too. The saw palmetto I have been taking (in my second week now) don't seem to have done anything, in fact it is at it's worst at the moment, however I know it will take time. I've also cut out dairy, sugar and red meat for past 3 weeks. Is there a difference do you know between 'saw palmetto berry' and 'saw palmetto extract'? There were different types and not sure which one I would need? Thanks
I have been recommended (and am on) Kelnor due to the fact that it doesnt have the progesterone component that most birth control has, which leads to the body's creation of more waxy oils which leads to acne. So far, I have to say, I like it - not very many, if any, side effects that I have noticed and acne has subsided significantly.
On 8/30/2016 at 6:36 PM, FiercePenguin said:The saw palmetto "standardized extract" is the best, because it guarantees a certain percentage (usually 85%-95%) of fatty acids (the helpful part) in each capsule
Thanks so much for your help!
On 8/30/2016 at 10:10 PM, Mary12 said:I have been recommended (and am on) Kelnor due to the fact that it doesnt have the progesterone component that most birth control has, which leads to the body's creation of more waxy oils which leads to acne. So far, I have to say, I like it - not very many, if any, side effects that I have noticed and acne has subsided significantly.
Does it have any oestrogen in it at all? This sounds really good, I hope it is available in the UK