PCOS

I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and my acne has become horrible due to side effect of the disorder.   Anyone have any advice?

[loiloi]

Acne is a common side effect of PCOS. I will recommend some treatments, but check with your doctor that they are not contra-indicated with any other medication you may be taking for your PCOS. There are four main ways to control acne. The first is prescription topical lotions, good ones are duac cream, Differin and Dalacin-T. The second is oral antibiotics such as oxytracycline or erythromycin. Thirdly, anti-androgen contraceptive pills such as Diane35 or Yasmin will reduce the acne, whilst progesterone only mini pills or the Depo Shot may increase the acne (Check with your doctor about this option, i don't know what pills are suitable for a patient with PCOS) Lastly, there is a medicine called Accutane which gives patients a holiday from their acne, and in a large percentage of cases, a total remission. However, as your acne is caused by an underlying health condition it is possible you may relapse from this treatment. Please get back to me as i only know about acne from a dermatological point of view and would be interested to learn which treatments are suitable for a patient with PCOS as many sufferers will also have acne. Eloise x

[rachie204]

thank you so much for this info.  I am going to try and contact my OB today and see if they can get me something.  I will let you know what I find out.  Thanks again,
~Rachel

[heyang]

please take a look at my postings to Soccer Mom.

I must disagree with Loiloi on this one. PCOS is hormonal, therefore the terament must be hormonal. First, the right birth control - yasmin is a great choice. Second, another widely used treatment is Spironolactone - google it along with the word acne, it is life saving information for you. Lastly, a topical treatment, whether it is benzoyl peroxide (clearasil), clindamyacin (antibiotic topical).

I suffered from severe, cystic acne - it cleared up within a month of being on Spironolactone. Let me know! Hurry!

[fallingleaves77284]

I have done alot of research on this topic as well as the added hair that comes with this disorder....you half to get your hormones on track first to stop all other symptoms all will stop with this being handled,,,,your disorder is a direct result of the food that youve been consuming all your life probably.....our food is altered and tainted at every angle.   Our food has hormones, steroids and chemicals added usually stripping away all nutrient value...this is what has caused all of our hormonal shifts...immediately go all natural....grow your own food if you need to....stay away from all sugar unless from fruit....no dairy its almost all terrible....substitue for almond milk you get vitamine e and more calcium....drink lots of water ...exercise daily....this is really common sense as to how our bodies are meant to function....eat 5 servings a day of fruits and veggies....do you???? honestly?? and drink 8 glasses at least of water actually much more...caffenine stimulates hormone imbalance.  start detoxing your body immediately of all chemicals and toxins...do research on cleansing methods....drastic measures call for fasting to put the body back into a state of balance. Put yourself on a natural progesterone creame to help balance out the testosterone....Steam your face over the stove add organic apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to the water.  also clean your face daily with hydrogen peroxide it kills bacteria with in the zits,,bleaches your hair on your face and will eventually kill the hair follicle on your face...but nothing will work long term until you balance out your hormones first.   there is a reason so many women are getting this disease..it is not normal and did not exist to this extent 100 years ago.  Taking a pill is not solving the root of the problem.  I promise this will work however it takes discipline to change your life style....but your health is worth it.  All of these steps that i have mentioned i have tried myself with wonderful results.  There is also a great organic supplement called akea.  This can super jump your body back into health and help with the sugar cravings.  Best of luck Girls