Actually for those of us making too many androgens that convert to too much Testosterone that gives us hormonal acne, beta 18 Estradiol (estrogen that is not garbage like the Premarin stuff that comes from pregnant horse urine) is a much better bet. When I tried Progesterone cream, it converted to even more Testosterone and made me worse instead of better!

Also, find out the reason WHY you have hormonal acne. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, PCOS, adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's disease, etc. If these conditions go untreated it is very bad news, but often, you have to get sick as a dog before they do anything to help you, and then they don't do enough!

I am on Estradiol gel (I buy it from Europe, can't get it here unless you get a scrip and go to a compounding pharmacy), dessicated adrenal supplement, (to displace some of the out of balance stuff I make, it helps) and Saw Palmetto (a natural anti-androgen). I still don't have complete relief but it is getting better. If I can't find the optimal dose of Saw Palmetto (I am at 500 mgs. a day but I have only been for 1 month, it takes 3 to totally kick in), I will bite the bullet and try an anti-androgen drug (like Sprironolactone).

I cannot take birth control pills (can't stand Progestin, the synthetic Progesterone in them, it makes me sick).

Anyway, if you are making too many androgens that are converting to too much Testosterone (and you are if you have hormonal acne), you best be finding out what is at the root of it, because some things, like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, mild congential adrenal hyperplasia, (or non-classic CAH or LOCAH), or Cushing's disease, will only get worse over time and can cause other problems (like heart problems for example), if left untreated.

I would not use Progesterone cream on any kind of regular basis. If you are like me and convert it to Testosterone, it will only make you worse anyway.

Just wanted to tell everyone my story and how I finally found a cure for my adult female acne. I had never had Acne until I turned 32. My face began getting very oily and breaking out all over but especially around my cheecks and jawline. I tried every Antibiotic out there, I also did a year of cleansing and colonics, but they Acne would not go away. It did improve but I wasn't satisfied. After much research on the internet, I found out about Aldactone or spironolatone the generic name. This is a blood pressure medication that blocks the hormone aldostrone. Since testosterone is so similar to aldostrone it is also blocked. My GP was open enough to let me try it since my dermotologist only wanted to try accutane, and I was to nervous because of the side effects. Nearly a year later my skin is completely clear and I thank God everyday for this medication. I take 200mg spread out through the day. The only bad side effect is my period comes about every two and a half to three weeks, this can be avoided by taking birth control pills but I opted not to. Hope this info helps someone as much as it has helped me.

Hi,

How does one know that the condition they have is hormonal acne? I noticed one woman referring to the skin clearing after children. I have been diagnosed with rosacea, but I believe I have Acne too. Does hormonal Acne mean that the flare-ups co-incide with your period? Please enlighten me.