# What Causes Acne Around the Menstrual Cycle
Many women experience breakouts that seem to follow a predictable pattern tied to their menstrual cycle. This type of acne, often called premenstrual acne flare-up, is driven by hormonal changes that happen naturally throughout the month.
## How Your Hormones Change During Your Cycle
Your body goes through significant hormonal shifts during your menstrual cycle. About 7 to 10 days before your period starts, progesterone levels rise. This increase in progesterone triggers your skin’s oil glands to produce more sebum, the oily substance that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
The timing of these breakouts is fairly consistent. Acne flares tend to happen during the late luteal phase and early follicular phases of your cycle, which is the time right before and at the start of your period.
## The Role of Androgens
Beyond progesterone, another group of hormones called androgens plays an important role in menstrual-related acne. Androgens are male hormones that both men and women have in their bodies. When androgen levels are elevated or when your skin is particularly sensitive to these hormones, several things happen. Your skin produces more oil, your pores become more likely to clog, and inflammation increases. This combination creates the perfect environment for acne to develop.
## What Hormonal Acne Looks Like
Hormonal acne has distinct characteristics that set it apart from other types of breakouts. It typically appears on the lower face, particularly along the jawline, chin, and cheeks. Rather than showing up as surface-level blackheads or whiteheads, hormonal acne tends to form as deep, painful bumps and cysts beneath the skin. These lesions are often tender to the touch and take longer to heal than typical pimples.
The pattern is also telling. If you notice your breakouts cluster around the same time each month, especially in the week or two before your period, that’s a strong sign your acne is hormonal.
## Other Factors That Make It Worse
While hormonal fluctuations are the primary driver, other factors can intensify premenstrual acne. Stress is a significant contributor. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a stress hormone that can trigger additional oil production and worsen breakouts. Poor sleep quality and high stress levels during your cycle can amplify the problem.
Diet also plays a role. High sugar and dairy intake, along with poor gut health, may worsen hormonal acne. Additionally, using harsh skincare products or washing your face too frequently can damage your skin barrier, causing your skin to produce even more oil to compensate.
## Who Is Most Affected
Hormonal acne is extremely common, especially among women in their 20s and 30s. However, it can occur at various life stages. Teenagers going through puberty experience it as hormones shift rapidly. Women approaching menopause may also see increased breakouts due to hormonal fluctuations. Some women who had clear skin during their teenage years develop acne for the first time in their 20s or 30s, often tied to their menstrual cycle.
Certain medical conditions make hormonal acne more likely. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, frequently experience hormonal acne because of higher androgen levels. Thyroid issues and other hormonal imbalances can also contribute.
## Why Regular Acne Treatments May Not Work
One frustrating aspect of hormonal acne is that standard acne treatments often don’t work as well as they do for other types of breakouts. This is because the root cause is hormonal rather than bacterial. While topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can help, they may not fully address the underlying hormonal driver of the acne.
## The Duration and Pattern
The length of time hormonal acne persists varies from person to person. For some women, breakouts appear sporadically during certain phases of life and resolve relatively quickly once hormone levels stabilize. For others, particularly those with ongoing hormonal conditions like PCOS or those approaching menopause, acne may persist for months or even years.
Age also influences how long episodes last. Younger adults often experience shorter episodes compared to women in their late 30s and beyond. Lifestyle factors like stress and sleep quality continue to play a role in how long breakouts last and how severe they become.
Understanding that your acne follows your menstrual cycle is the first step toward managing it effectively. Recognizing the pattern allows you to anticipate breakouts and take preventive steps, whether through skincare adjustments, stress management, or by consulting with a dermatologist about hormonal treatment options.
Sources
https://drankitmehra.com/blogs/hormonal-acne-causes-treatment-dermatologist-guide
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/621113/what-is-premenstrual-acne-flare-up-and-how-is-it
https://www.drbatras.com/hormonal-acne-what-causes-it-and-how-to-treat-it
