It always puzzles me how doctors (GPs, dermatologists and gynecologists) give young women hormonal acne treatments without ever testing to see what their hormone levels are. So today I’m going to go through with you why it’s so important to get your hormones tested if you want to eliminate your hormonal acne for good.
It seems pretty straightforward to me that if something is being driven by hormones, like hormonal acne, you need to know what the hormone levels are like before you supply or provide treatment. Otherwise, you’re just dishing out treatments willy-nilly based only on assumptions.
How can you cure hormonal acne without knowing the hormone levels?
This seems like a pretty obvious question, but as I was just saying, you might find your doctor doesn’t see it this way though.
You might have already experienced going to your doctor and asking to get your hormones tested and found there weren’t too keen to do it. The reason for this is because medical treatments are really strong. The birth control pill and Accutane/Roaccutane usually work regardless of what type of hormone imbalance you have, so your doctor thinks why to bother testing.
They know the medications are that powerful that they will just override any hormonal imbalance.
But the problem with these treatments is that when you stop them, your hormonal imbalance returns and so does your acne. So if you want to get rid of your acne for good, then you need to balance out your hormones.
So when you want to solve your hormonal acne issues naturally, we need to know what your hormone levels are like. So testing becomes critically important. When you do the testing, you know what your hormone levels are which then allows you to be very specific around the herbs and supplements you’ll use.
Because if you don’t test, all you can do is guess at what you need, and this is where most people are at.
You might research, research, research, and see that this herb is good for hormonal acne, this vitamin’s good for hormonal acne, this mineral is good for hormonal acne but if you don’t ever do any hormone testing then all you can do is just guess at what you need and what you should take.
So what I see a lot in my clinic is patients come to see me and they’re taking a whole heap of supplements, but they’ve still got acne. And this is because they don’t really know what they should be taking and what they’re taking isn’t correcting their hormone imbalance.
So if you’re taking supplements and herbs and your acne isn’t improving, then it’s probably because you don’t know what your hormone levels are and so you’re not taking the right supplements for your hormone imbalance. And there’s a multitude of hormones you can have out of balance that affects oil production and cause acne. So let’s see what they are…
The most important hormones I’ve discovered you need to test are the male sex hormones, (testosterone, DHEA, and Androstenedione), female sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, luteinising hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone) and the stress hormone, cortisol. These three types of hormones all interact with each other so they all need to be tested to know what’s going on in your body.
Knowing your male sex hormones levels is super important because male sex hormones, like testosterone, increase skin pore size. And larger pores get more dirt and dead skin cells caught in them. This breeds more bacteria and the pore becomes infected.
Male sex hormones also stimulate oil production, so if your male sex hormone levels are too high you’re going to get more oil coming out of the larger pores which attracts dirt and all sorts of things. The pores then easily get clogged, inflamed and infected and so of course acne results.
Male sex hormones also stimulate hair growth in male sex hormone-sensitive hair follicles. These are the follicles along the ‘beard line’, the chest, and around the nipples and navel. When male sex hormone levels are high you tend to see hormonal acne, or hair growth, in these areas. This happens because male sex hormones drive more oil production and more hair growth in these areas, and the follicles can become clogged and infected. This is why acne is so common in these areas.
Another issue to be aware of is male sex hormones can also thin the hair on your head. So if you’ve noticed that your hair’s thinning and you’ve been getting hormonal acne, then this is a classic sign that your male sex hormones are out of balance, so you should test them.
Female sex hormones (particularly estrogen and progesterone) are also critical to test because they reduce skin pore size and reduce oil production, mainly by counterbalancing male sex hormones. Female sex hormones don’t directly reduce oil production, but when they are at optimum levels they overpower and dominate male sex hormones and this stops the male sex hormones from triggering extra oil production.
Good female sex hormone levels are super important because they also reduce facial and body hair, boost your energy and balance your mood.
The third type of hormone you need to get tested is the stress hormone cortisol. Stress hormones can increase oil production, like male sex hormones, but the bigger issue is too much stress hormone suppresses female hormones.
This happens because of a very primitive adaptive response in your body. Back in our ancestral past, during times of stress, like famines, it wasn’t a good time to have a baby, so to stop a woman from conceiving female hormonal function was suppressed. However, these days the stress your under is not because there’s a famine, it’s because of modern life. But the part of your brain that detects stress can’t tell the difference between famine stress and modern stress and so female hormone production is still suppressed.
So then because your female hormone levels don’t get up high enough, the male sex hormones in your body start to dominate, and this increases oil production and acne flare-ups.
This is the reason why your testosterone can appear normal on a blood test yet you have hormonal acne along the jaw, cheeks, chin, neck, back, etc. It’s not because your male sex hormones are actually high but because they are high compared to your low female hormones.
Now let’s go through what some of the hormone imbalances you can suffer from look like.
First, we have some saliva test results from my patients. I use saliva testing a lot because it’s very easy for patients to do. You can do it at home and it’s also good because it gives us a slightly different look at the hormones compared to blood tests. This is because saliva comes out of your body, so it’s carrying hormone levels which are very similar to what are next to your cells.
Whereas the blood is telling you about what’s being transported out to your cells, which is slightly different.
In this example here, what we can see is the testosterone is high. It should be 100 but it’s up over 200, so that’s double the amount of testosterone. Also, you can see progesterone’s on the lower side as well. This combination of low female hormone and high male sex hormone spells trouble for your skin because it’s going to trigger excess oil production, particularly in the week before a period.
In this next chart, we’ve got high testosterone, low progesterone and high estrogen. You can see the progesterone is not out of range, but it’s sitting down the bottom end. This test was done 21 days from the start of a period and at this point in the cycle, progesterone should be at the upper end, not the lower end, of the range.
The other hormones are up at the top end of the ranges. High testosterone is particularly problematic because it’s going to increase oil production, and the high estrogen’s (Estradiol and Estrone) are an issue too because they’re contributing to progesterone suppression.
In this next chart, we actually see a low progesterone and high normal testosterone. Again this is a bad combination. Low progetserone, a high male sex hormone, that’s going to increase oil production and cause an acne flare-up before a period.
This set of results is from a blood test. Here we’re looking at FHS (follicle-stimulating hormone, the hormone that stimulates the growth of the ovarian follicles and egg) and LH (luteinising hormone, the hormone that triggers ovulation). This test would have been done at the beginning of the cycle on the 2nd or 3rd day of the period. At this part of the cycle, the LH and FHS should be more or less equal, but here we see the LH much higher than the FHS. This can be a sign of PCOS and excess male sex hormone production because excess LH can trigger the ovaries to make extra testosterone.
Here we have blood test results again and you can see the male sex hormones are high. The total testosterone is high, the free (active) testosterone is high and the free androgen index (total active male sex hormones) is high. Then the SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), a protein that binds up sex hormones to stop them from being active, is very low. This means most of the hormones will be active and able to act on the cells. So all up these results explain why this person was experiencing a whole lot of hormonal acne.
Now we move onto the stress hormone cortisol. These are the results from a saliva test and we see the cortisol is high. It’s high in the morning, it’s high at lunch, it’s high in the afternoon, and it’s right on the border at nighttime. This shows this person’s got a whole lot of stress hormones circulating through their body and this is a problem because it’s going to suppress their female hormones.
Next, we’ve got the flip side of the previous results. In this chart, we’ve got very low cortisol levels. You can see the line running along the bottom, below the green a few times. Now you might think this is good because there isn’t too much cortisol, but low cortisol isn’t good either.
When we see low cortisol it tells us there’s been long-term stress and the body’s gone into shutdown mode. This is a much more advanced stage of stress issues than the case before. In the initial stress response, the cortisol is high but if the stress persists then the cortisol levels eventually go low. And female hormones will definitely be suppressed.
So from these examples, I’m sure you can see how crucial it is to check your hormone levels because there can be so many different kinds of hormonal imbalance. Identifying the actual imbalance is extremely important because it directs treatment. The herbs, vitamins, minerals and other supplements you need depend on the particular hormone imbalance you have because…
- There’re herbs/supplements to lower LH if it’s high
- There’re herbs/supplements to minimize testosterone production
- There’re herbs/supplements to stop regular testosterone from being turned into the much stronger Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
- There’re herbs/supplements to raise progesterone
- There’re herbs/supplements to detoxify excess estrogen
- There’re herbs/supplements to lower cortisol
- There’re herbs/supplements to raise cortisol
So if you don’t know what your hormone levels are how are you going to pick the right herbs and the right supplements to rebalance your hormones and eliminate your hormonal acne?
You won’t. You won’t know what you really need and so you won’t know what to choose.
You’ll just be guessing!
So this is why testing is very, very important. It’s one of the first things to do when you want to get rid of your hormonal acne.
If you’re not having any success getting your hormones checked with your doctor, then click here to discover how to get your hormones checked and your acne cleared naturally.
Comments 36
How/where can I get a hormone test?
Author
Hi Monica, are you still wanting to get your hormones tested?
I have cystic acne with one round of Accutane. I would like to see if my issue is internal. What kind of testing for 23 year old female
Author
Hi, here are 2 blog posts we have on testing your hormones https://www.healthyremedies.com.au/why-testing-your-hormones-is-critical-if-you-want-to-eliminate-hormonal-acne/ and https://www.healthyremedies.com.au/why-saliva-testing-is-better-than-blood-testing-for-checking-your-hormones/
When you are ready to get your hormones tested we have two options to choose from. Click this link to work out which suits you best https://www.healthyremedies.com.au/picture-perfect-options/
Healthy regards,
Hayden Keys
I need to know where I can go to get my saliva tested. I’m having hormonal breakouts fir the first time in my life. Nothing helps
Author
Hi Amber, we can organise a saliva hormone test for you no matter where in the world you live. Click this link to see our two options https://www.healthyremedies.com.au/picture-perfect-options/
Hi!
I’m not finding the two options that you have available, I would love to get this test done and look forward to hearing from you!
Author
Hi Rose,
We are currently not taking any new member’s into our PPS program. However we still have our one-on-one consultations available. An initial appointment does for 60-minute to discuss and review your health history in order to individualize a plan of treatment for you.
To schedule a consultation you can use this link https://happy-healthy-wellbeing-centre.simplecliniconline.com/diary (times in the schedule are for Sydney Australia, not your local time).
Happy and Healthy Wellbeing, Gabrielle
Hello. Do you do those tests in the UK? Particularly in London.
Thanks.
Author
Hi Mikee, for our international patients we use a US lab that ships internationally. For UK patients it’s $250US and this includes express shipping both ways.
Please help me 🙁 Looking for assistance on best at home saliva hormone testing. I’m desperate.
Author
Hi Macenzie, did you receive our emails with details about how to get your hormones tested?
Hi, this is the most helpful article I’ve read and I would LOVE to have my hormones tested! No doctor seems to want to take the time to find a cause, just throw birth control and prescriptions my way.
Author
Hi Kala, we can organise to get your hormones tested no matter where in the world you live. Click this link to see our two options https://www.healthyremedies.com.au/picture-perfect-options/
Hi, I’ve gotten an at home hormone test but I need someone to help me analyze the results and talk about what supplements are best. What option would you suggest or what alternative consultation option would you suggest since the cost of testing wouldn’t be a factor anymore? Thanks!
Author
Hi Olivia, if you want a more personal option then talking to myself (Hayden Keys) or my other naturopathic team member Margaret one-on-one is the best option https://www.healthyremedies.com.au/picture-perfect-skin-program-1-on-1/. We work closely with you to interpret your results and create a supplement plan for you to fix your hormones and acne.
If you need a budget option then you can join our online Picture Perfect Skin program https://www.healthyremedies.com.au/picture-perfect-skin-program/. When you join the program you won’t have to purchase a test kit because you already have (as long as it’s a saliva hormone test) but you’ll need to send through the results once you have them so we can interpret them and create a supplement plan for you.
Hi,
I have already spent money for hormonal testing ( requested by one of my doctor (I am not based in Australia) before I found your website. Testing that was done is Testosterone (ECLIA), Insulin Fasting (ECLIA), Insulin Growth Factor 1, DHEA (RIA), Androstenedione (RIA), Cortisol (ECLIA).
However, I would like to seek your second opinion. Can I use that result above instead as i have already spent a lot of money for that testing and do not have budget for additonal testing.
Author
Hi, while we usually get our patients to do saliva hormone testing I can totally understand your hesitancy to do more testing at this time. So if you want to do a one-on-one via Zoom we can go with the results you have. If you wanted to do the online program you would have to do the saliva testing. To find a time to talk to me (Hayden) or Margaret (my other naturopath in my team) then here is the link https://www.healthyremedies.com.au/picture-perfect-skin-program-1-on-1/. Healthy regards, Hayden Keys
What if you have a teenage boy who is suffering terribly and also has Crohn’s?
Author
Hi Karen, thanks for your question. I would recommend a gut health test like a microbiome test as well as hormone testing. We can help you with both but I’d need to have a full consultation with you and your son (I presume) so I can thoroughly understand his situation. To organise a time to talk with me you can use this link https://happy-healthy-wellbeing-centre.simplecliniconline.com/diary
Healthy regards,
Hayden Keys
Do you help men age 20 with acne using the hormone saliva testing? I only see women on this site.
Author
Hi Amy, yes we definitely help men with acne and can get their hormones tested just like we do for our female patients. To organise a consultation, you can either call us on 9524 2471 or book online by clicking this link https://happy-healthy-wellbeing-centre.simplecliniconline.com/diary. Healthy regards, Hayden Keys
Hi, thank you so much for this article which helps a lot in terms of understanding the results and take action.
I stopped the pil 6 months ago and officially have acne break outs that started after 5 months (still ongoing).
I decided to do a general blood test including hormones to see if if my acne was caused by my hormones. Although it is a bit difficult to interpret… I think I have very low progesterone when I was mid cycle. What would you recommend in terms of supplement? Please see below my results.
Starts of the period was 23rd July. Test was made on the 5th August.
Oestradiol: 894.0 pmol/l
Follicle Stimulating Hormone 6.4 U/l
Luteinising Hormone 10.7 U/l
Progesterone 0.59 nmol/l
Prolactin 353 mIU/l
Testosterone 1.32 nmol/l
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin 115.00 nmol/l
Free Androgen Index 1.1
thank you so much
Author
Hi Cyrielle, thank you for your question and sharing your results. To give you specific supplement recommendations about what supplements you need you will need to either join our online program or have a one-on-one consultation with myself or one of my naturopathic team. Without you being a patient we can’t provide you with specific recommendations for liability reasons. However in general terms if someone has low progesterone then vitex can be helpful as well as adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola and ginseng. To get specific help from us you have two options, click this link to discover what option is best for you https://www.healthyremedies.com.au/picture-perfect-options/
Healthy regards, Hayden Keys
Hi Hayden,
Thank you for your response. I am based in London and I was wondering how it would work if I book a consultation with you? As I am assuming it might be a bit tricky to do tests / have the same supplements.
What would happen during the one to one and how many more appts we would need? And same questions for the online program?
Thank you,
Cyrielle
Sorry and one final question – is my acne hormonal? I am assuming yes but obviously wanted to avoid getting on a treatment for hormonal acne if this is not that.
Thank you,
Cyrielle
Hi! I’m planning on joining your online community, and am going to take a hormone saliva test shortly. However, I have been on birth control (eloine) for 2 years plus which I was prescribed to tackle my hormonal acne. Will my test results be helpful seeing as birth control alters most of the hormones I will be testing. My birth control hasn’t been able to completely suppress my hormonal acne (most likely due to moving countries, and increased stress levels) but i’m so scared of going off it, as I had debilitating acne prior to taking it, and I cannot imagine going through that again.
Author
Hi Ari, we are no longer accepting members into our online program. However the good news is you can consult one-on-one with myself or Margaret. The pill will alter your results but still provides useful information if you are planning to stay on the pill. We have patients who for personal reasons want to stay on the pill but want us to help them and we are able to do this successfully. The best way to proceed is to schedule a consultation, here is the link with all the info https://www.healthyremedies.com.au/picture-perfect-skin-program-1-on-1/
Healthy regards,
Hayden Keys
Hi Hayden, thanks so much for your posts they are extremely insightful. I have come off my contraceptive patch 6 months ago and I am now suffering with hormonal acne. I also only have very short periods (have now learned this is likely linked to low progesterone). I do plan to book in a virtual consultation with yourself however as I am in the UK I was wondering how the saliva tests will work following the consultation (if you deem necessary). Also, can you confirm the additional cost for the testing over and about the $270 consultation fee? Thanks so much
Author
Hi Laura, thanks for reaching out. Yes we can get the saliva testing done easily. We use a lab in Europe for our UK patients and the cost is $250US. Looking forward to talking to you soon. Hayden Keys
Thanks for the insightful article. Really puts the levels into perspective of why they are important to test for. Does the timing of the cycle give you more accurate results? For example: Is your testing done in the first few days of a cycle? Or do you prefer later for the second half of the menstrual cycle for testing?
Author
Hi Mona, Yes it is important to complete the testing at the correct time of your cycle to be able to obtain the most accurate results. Typically we want to test between 5-7 days prior to your period. Which is when progesterone is normally at its peak. For example, an average cycle length is 28 days therefore the day to test would be on day 21 of the cycle. (Day one of your cycle is the first day of your period.)
Its important to note that cycle lengths vary and we amend the recommended testing time to suit each clients individual needs.
To schedule a consultation you can use this link https://happy-healthy-wellbeing-centre.simplecliniconline.com/diary (times in the schedule are for Sydney Australia, not your local time).
Happy and Healthy Wellbeing,
Gabrielle
Hi, I‘d like to get a saliva test, but I live between Germany and Italy. How should I proceed?
Author
Hi Antonella, where you live shouldn’t be an issue as we have patients in bothe Italy and Germany and we have been able to saliva hormone testing organised for them. So we can know what will be the best way to help you please book and online initial consultation with Bianca or Hayden, our acne specialist naturopaths. We use Zoom, here is the online booking link https://happy-healthy-wellbeing-centre.simplecliniconline.com/diary
Hello! I was wondering if it is important to wait until a certain time of my cycle to test my hormones. What stage of the cycle will the tests come out the most accurate? Especially for a blood test. Thank you!
Author
Hi Ellie, to get your baseline levels do the blood test on day 2, 3 or 4 of your period. T get an idea of functional hormone production then 4 to 7 days before a period for is the best. This is when we get our patients to do their saliva hormone test. Healthy regards, Hayden Keys