Acne is one of the top problems ruining the lives of many people around the world. Acne can occur for various reasons such as liver issues, dysbiosis, and many others. Although, imbalanced hormones can also wreak havoc on your health resulting in those painful and unpleasant pimples. Hormonal acne most commonly occurs in adult women ages 20 to 40. 

It’s necessary to understand the difference between hormonal acne and non-hormonal acne. The hormones that cause this type of acne are called estrogen and progesterone. They both can vary extensively throughout the menstrual cycle month. Plus, fluctuations of each of these hormones can impact women’s testosterone levels as well as contribute to hormonal acne. Actually stress hormone cortisol can influence the levels of these hormones as well.

Experts believe that hormonal changes, which can be menstrual or cyclical in women increase oil production in the pore, and this is how hormonal acne starts. Here are five common signs you’re dealing with hormonal acne. 

1. Your acne breakouts appear once a month.

Hormonal acne tends to occur once a month, particularly before periods. However, it can also appear in postmenopausal women, since these women still have monthly changes in their estrogen and progesterone levels. Acne usually occurs as the result of a particular pore being clogged by oil accumulation. 

2. You have painful cysts

Painful cysts are deeper bumps that are under your skin’s surface and cannot be extracted with usual manual extraction. Acne cysts are usually tender to the touch since they’ve accumulated oil over a long period, which then leads to inflammation. They can appear in the same place over and over again making them chronic. Since they are caused by inflammation, they require a treatment that should start from the inside out rather than eliminating them by using topicals.

3. The pimples occur around your jawline and chin.

Those hormonal inflamed cysts tend to appear around your lower face, particularly your chin and jawline. This is one of the main signs of hormone imbalance. Experts don’t know why this symptom is so common, especially in women. Although the jawline and chin are very common areas for hormonal acne, it may also occur along the side of your face or down your neck.

4. Your stress levels are too high.

As was mentioned above, the stress hormone (cortisol) can impact all of your other hormones, including your progesterone and estrogen levels. Women who are predisposed to monthly hormonal changes and have long periods of intense stress make their bodies more prone to hormonal acne breakout.

5. You’re 30 years old or older but still have acne.

Hormonal acne is the type of acne that oftentimes affects women in their 20-something years. This is the age when women are most hormonally active and are able to bear and deliver a healthy baby. However, genetics can dictate when hormonal flares start and stop. In fact, half of the women in their 20s have acne.