Signs Your Acne is Hormonal

If you feel like you’ve tried every skincare product, prescription, or diet change without success, your hormones may be the missing piece of the puzzle. Hormonal acne isn’t just about puberty—it can persist well into adulthood and is influenced by a complex interplay of androgens (like testosterone), estrogen, progesterone, insulin, and cortisol. When these hormones become imbalanced, they can increase oil production, trigger inflammation, and disrupt your skin’s ability to heal—leading to breakouts that feel impossible to control.

So, how can you tell if hormones are driving your acne? Here are some key signs:

Breakouts follow your menstrual cycle

Hormonal acne often flares up in sync with your cycle. Many people notice breakouts:

Before their period (luteal phase) due to rising progesterone, which increases oil production.
Mid-cycle (ovulation) when testosterone spikes and boosts sebum production, making skin more prone to clogged pores and inflammation.

If your acne consistently worsens at these points, your hormones may be playing a role.

Acne is concentrated around the jawline & chin

Unlike other types of acne, hormonal acne tends to appear along the lower face—especially the jawline, chin, and sometimes the neck. These areas have more androgen receptors, making them particularly sensitive to testosterone and DHT (a potent androgen). When these hormones spike, they can lead to increased oil production and deep, stubborn breakouts.

Your breakouts are deep, painful, and cystic

Hormonal acne often presents as deep, inflamed cysts rather than small surface-level whiteheads or blackheads. These cysts are often tender to the touch, take longer to heal, and often leave behind dark marks or scars.

Acne worsens with stress

High stress levels trigger a rise in cortisol, which can disrupt your other hormones and lead to breakouts. Cortisol also increases oil production and inflammation, making stress a major acne trigger. If your skin flares up during busy or emotional periods, your adrenal hormones may be a key factor.

You experience other hormonal symptoms

Hormonal acne rarely occurs in isolation. If you have irregular periods, PMS, hair thinning or increased facial hair, it may be a sign of an underlying hormonal imbalance.

What Can You Do?

If your acne seems resistant despite what you do, addressing the root cause is key. A hormone-focused approach may include:

Thorough blood work to get a clearer picture of what’s driving your breakouts
Balancing blood sugar to stabilize insulin and androgens
Supporting liver detoxification for better hormone metabolism
Managing stress to reduce cortisol spikes
Using targeted supplements to support hormones.

If you're ready to get to the root of your acne, a personalized naturopathic approach can make all the difference. To understand my approach to acne, and to see how I can help you, feel free to book a complimentary consult with me here. Let’s work together to find the best acne solution for you!