How to Battle Endometriosis Acne Naturally
Do you have endometriosis and find yourself dealing with breakouts?
If so, there may be a connection between your hormones, which can become imbalanced due to endometriosis, and the presence of acne.
The inflammation that commonly occurs with endometriosis could also play a role in breakouts.
Several years ago, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. So I know firsthand the serious and damaging consequences this condition can have on a woman’s life.
Because women with endometriosis are more prone to hormone fluctuations and inflammation that can lead to acne, it’s essential to be aware of the risks associated with this and how best to address them.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how endometriosis can affect hormone levels and inflammation in women and lead to skin issues such as acne.
We will also explore some holistic acne solutions. You don’t have to live with unwanted breakouts anymore – read on for more information and some great tips!
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What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition that affects an estimated 10% of women in the United States between the ages of 25 and 40.
Endometriosis typically affects women during their reproductive years. But can also occur in post-menopausal women. It can be painful, disruptive, and significantly affect a woman’s quality of life.
The two significant endometriosis factors contributing to acne are inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
Let’s look more at the inflammatory and hormonal aspects of endometriosis.
Inflammation
Endometriosis is an inflammatory medical condition.
It happens when the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus.
This most commonly occurs on the ovaries and fallopian tubes. But it can happen almost anywhere in the body.
This abnormal growth of the endometrial tissue can lead to pain, discomfort, and other symptoms.
Because endometriosis is inflammatory in nature, it can also cause an imbalance in the immune system.
In this way, endometriosis acts like an autoimmune disease, for example, lupus. But endometriosis has not yet been classified as an autoimmune condition.
Endometriosis is also linked to other inflammatory conditions and may increase the risk of developing an autoimmune disease.
Inflammation of the immune system occurs when the body mistakenly identifies its cells or tissues as foreign invaders. The body then launches an attack against the cell or tissues.
In endometriosis, this could be due to substances like prostaglandins released by endometrial deposits.
These substances trigger an inflammatory response in the surrounding tissue. This inflammatory response can further irritate the nerves and cause increased pain levels.
Hormonal Imbalances
Women with endometriosis also can have an imbalance of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen helps to maintain the endometrium. But an excess of it can cause an overgrowth of the tissue. This hormone imbalance can contribute to symptoms such as pain, infertility, and changes in menstrual bleeding.
Progesterone is a hormone that helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and plays a key role in ovulation. In women with endometriosis, the balance of progesterone and estrogen may be off, leading to increased inflammation.
This can cause changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle, including more frequent or heavier periods and cramping. It can also lead to infertility and other complications.
Conventional treatment options for endometriosis depend on if you have mild endometriosis or severe endometriosis.
Treatment options may include birth control pills, other hormone treatments, surgery, or a combination of these methods.
In this post, we will look at how to take a holistic approach to the inflammation and hormonal imbalances that can cause endometriosis-related acne.
The information in this post should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
If you have endometriosis symptoms, seeking medical help as soon as possible is essential.
A healthcare provider can assess your health and advise you on the best endometriosis treatment for you.
What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?
Here are some common symptoms of endometriosis:
- Painful periods
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Abdominal cramping
- Severe pain during menstruation
- Lower back pain
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Pelvic pain
- Constipation or diarrhea during menstruation
- Infertility, miscarriage, or difficulty conceiving
- Bloating
- Weight Gain
- Fatigue
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How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
Endometriosis is a difficult condition to diagnose, as no single test can confirm its presence.
Instead, diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical exams, medical imaging tests, and laparoscopy.
Laparoscopy (also known as keyhole surgery) is a surgery that uses a thin camera inserted through small incisions into the abdomen. Laparoscopy can diagnose endometriosis more accurately.
Physical exams may include a pelvic exam to check for enlarged organs or suspicious lumps or nodules in the pelvic area.
There are no specific blood tests available to diagnose endometriosis. This makes it challenging for doctors to identify the condition in its early stages.
As a result, it takes about ten years for an accurate diagnosis after the onset of symptoms.
Does Endometriosis Cause Acne?
Acne is a common condition. But, women with endometriosis are particularly prone to acne due to the hormonal imbalance and inflammation caused by the condition.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Estrogen levels tend to fluctuate during endometriosis. This fluctuation can lead to an imbalance in the production of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that lubricates and protects our skin.
This excess oil can clog pores, trapping bacteria and causing redness, swelling, and pus-filled lesions.
Also, hormonal changes can stimulate certain types of acne, such as cysts or nodules. Cysts and nodules are deeper blemishes filled with pus that can cause scar tissue when untreated.
Hormones can also influence other factors, such as stress levels and sleep. These other factors can cause breakouts due to changes in lifestyle habits.
Women with endometriosis also tend to have lower progesterone levels. Having lower progesterone in relation to estrogen can contribute to acne.
Inflammation
Endometriosis is a condition that can cause chronic inflammation and pain in those who suffer from it.
This inflammation is linked to several other health issues, including the development of skin problems such as acne.
Hormones, bacteria, and overactive oil glands cause acne. And the presence of chronic inflammation in someone with endometriosis can worsen breakouts.
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How Do You get rid of endometriosis acne?
Acne breakouts can be frustrating and embarrassing. But, there are many holistic solutions available that can help to manage it.
Many of these holistic solutions target hormonal fluctuations and inflammation that can worsen acne.
Here is a list of 12 of the most effective remedies for hormonal acne:
1. Healthy diet
Eating foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats helps improve skin health and reduce inflammation. Aim for at least nine servings of fruits and veggies daily.
It is also important to ensure you are drinking enough water. In general, it is recommended to drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water for each pound that you weigh.
Also, avoid processed foods, sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats. They can aggravate skin conditions like hormonal acne.
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2. Exercise
Regular exercise helps to increase circulation and improves digestion.
It also reduces stress hormones and increases endorphins that act as natural antidepressants.
Regular exercise also reduces inflammation in the body. It is recommended to exercise at least 150 minutes each week.
You can use a fitness watch to help you track you daily activity and help keep you motivated!
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3. Stress reduction techniques
Managing stress levels to keep hormones balanced and reduce breakouts is essential.
Practices such as yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, and meditation can effectively relieve stress levels.
I really like Circle & Bloom for guided meditation. They have meditations for everything from miscarriage support to reaching your life goals!
You can also try journaling and exercising to manage stress.
A smartwatch can help you track your stress levels so you can better manage them.
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4. Topical treatments
Natural topical treatments like diluted tea tree oil or witch hazel can help reduce inflammation on the skin.
The reduced inflammation can make the skin less prone to breakouts. These natural topical treatments can also help with oily skin.
5. Don’t touch your face
When you touch your face, bacteria, and dirt from your hands, transfer onto your skin. The dirt and bacteria on your face can cause pimples and other blemishes.
Keeping your hands clean by washing them regularly with soap and water is also important. This will help remove any dirt and oil on your hands that could irritate your skin.
Finally, try to be aware of when you unconsciously touch your face.
6. Inventory your makeup
Check the ingredients in your makeup and skincare products to make sure they don’t contain any harsh chemicals that could be contributing to your breakouts.
Look for foundations and powders for sensitive skin.
Harsh chemicals can make acne worse, especially for those with sensitive skin.
7. Don’t pick at pimples
Picking at pimples can aggravate existing breakouts. It can also spread bacteria that cause more breakouts.
8. Look at your medication
Be aware of any medications you’re taking that could be causing skin reactions or hormone disruptions. Speak with a doctor if you think this is the case.
9. Consult a dermatologist
A dermatologist can provide advice on how best to manage hormonal acne. They can also determine the proper medical treatment for you with minimal side effects.
A dermatologist can help you with any of your skin concerns.
10. Find the proper skincare routine
Using gentle products such as cleansers, exfoliators, and moisturizers helps to maintain healthy skin and remove dead skin cells without damaging your skin further.
11. Get enough sleep
Getting adequate sleep helps maintain proper hormone balance, which reduces inflammation and breakouts. Getting at least 7 hours of restful sleep each night is recommended.
A fitness watch can help you track your sleep to ensure you’re getting the recommended amount!
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12. Supplements
Because endometriosis is an inflammatory condition, supplements that help reduce inflammation can be helpful.
These supplements include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (I love this one because it is vegan!)
- Ginger (you can use the powder or tea form)
- Green tea
- Turmeric (you can add this to any savory dish or to your tea!)
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Wrapping Up
If you’re struggling with hormonal imbalances and inflammation due to endometriosis, there are supportive resources to help you manage your symptoms.
With a deep understanding of endometriosis both personally and professionally, I’ve created Thriving Beyond 30, a holistic wellness guide packed with tools and strategies to support your journey.
This guide offers practical steps for managing symptoms, balancing hormones, and achieving greater well-being.
Take control of your health with Thriving Beyond 30. Begin your journey today to feel empowered, informed, and supported every step of the way!
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/is-endometriosis-an-autoimmune-disease#causes
