Stubborn melasma/hormonal acne? You may want to read this!
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free skin care · Fri Oct 23, 2009 6:00 pm

I think I have stumbled on some possible solutions you might want to look into if you, like me, have both of these problems. My melasma developed after having my daughter, so I think it's hormonal (cholasma) I have hormonal (jawline) acne that doesn't respond to anything I've tried other than antibiotics, which offer very temp results. Lately since starting retin a, I have had some bad breakouts, I think two back-to-back from my cycle-breakout and then another I suspect from the purging period. My red marks left over (yes, I admit picking) are really bad looking bc the retin a makes my skin so much more thin/sensitive. I pick worse when I am stressed, which I am REALLY stressed right now - remember this, I mention more on this later. I started thinking maybe these issues are part of one larger, internal problem. I don't want to spend a ton of money putting 1,000,000,000 temporary band-aids on something I could possibly identify and CURE for much less money, so I started looking.

I found BOTH of these problems of cholasma and acne can be caused together due to hormonal imbalances...hormonal imbalances that manifest with these issues can be caused by at least two other issues: adrenal fatigue and PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) There may be others, but these two look promising to me...this sounds like a good thing to look into if you have stubborn melasma/hormonal acne!

Adrenal fatigue often comes as a result of prolonged periods of stress.... hmm

m, been reading a lot of melasma probs since the recession it seems. Mine has certainly gotten MUCH worse this year and I wasn't out in the sun nearly as much as usual. Actually this year was when it went from just slight color to breaking where there's a clean and strong line where my eye area skin starts (this doesn't discolor) It's called the mask of pregnancy, and mine does actually look like a mask. Also, I drink a LOT of coffee (releases cortisol [which also causes acne!])Cortisol is called the stress hormone. Basically your body reads large doses of caffeine as stress. I drink coffee sometimes to the point of anxiety...this year I also started having mild panic attacks. I noticed I can reduce caffeine negative effects a bit by using my ultra energy into exercise which reduces stress. I used to take hydroxycut (loaded with caffeine) when I was 20, I got a BAD bout of cystic acne I had to go to the derm for from this stuff. Caffeine is bad stuff for skin if in excess...combined with stress and time, adrenal fatigue can happen. I think a good first try at treating stubborn melasma and acne is to take an online test to see if you might have adrenal fatigue, quit the caffeine, and do anything else to help with stress like exercise. I took the tests, I have this for sure, I answered yes to nearly everything. I noticed my skin-picking has been out of control lately, which made me start to address how stressed I have been this year. So I'm going to start with natural remedies and see if those work before moving to drugs. If I end up on drugs and they do work, I can drop numerous other drugs, at least this is a step up. This adrenal issue is also responsible for premature aging of the skin and dry skin, btw. Interesting for me again.

PCOS I won't go too far into, since I think I most likely have the first one or a combo of the two which I must not have a bad case of this anyway, since I have had a pregnancy and I would think I would have been informed if my ovaries were cystic while getting ultrasounds. Ultrasounds are one way to diagnose PCOS BUT, I read not all women get the actual cysts, I think I am one of these women. I'll just say I have dandruff that is so stubborn and hormonal acne that is very stubborn, both symptoms of PCOS. I have been taking the band-aid approach with dermatological drugs to help these and still suffer. I've had hair stylists ask me what the waxy buildup on my scalp is...there are only small patches now and then, but the dandruff is almost constant. I get bouts of scalp acne too. Head and shoulders does little to help, and really wrecks my hair. I saw on a sight that someone took a course of a medicine called Spironolactone and how it helped with scalp acne and dandruff. I wrote it down to remember. While I was reading about PCOS which is known to cause melasma and hormonal acne, I came across this medicine which is used to treat PCOS. Great, I have another symptom, dandruff. Ugg. Facial hair and esp facial hair with acne are another strong symptom. I don't have this, but 2 close family members have this pretty bad. The medicine I mentioned reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's....my grandfather has this. PCOS can cause high blood pressure, weight gain, thinning hair, elevated blood pressure. ALL of this runs in my family with multiple members suffering. I have thin hair on top of my dandruff probs...been getting worse since pregnancy (my mothers also got worse since her first pregnancy) that means it's hormonal I believe. I have also recently had an abnormal pap with no HPV which is weird....unless you have PCOS (or a handful of other problems) I also constantly get small pea-sized breast cysts which made me run to the doc a few times freaking I had breast cancer...but was probly just another symptom of this.

Basically what I think happens to people is things throw our bodies out of homeostasis and as we age I think if we do not handle these in a healthy manner to CURE the real issue that is causing all the symptoms, we just accumulate more problems trying to cover the original ones up. Anyone notice how many of these acne or melasma meds are really bad for you? I'm using BP and Hydroquinone right now. I think some of my problems have been from outer factors and my unhealthy way of dealing with them catching up to me, picking my blemishes, abusing caffeine and cigarettes and alcohol and weight loss support drugs. My skin is showing my lack of homeostasis, my actions are making it much worse, and things are starting to come full circle now like my nervous picking causing bad skin and my bad skin causing me to stress out, my stress causing more picking. I have to stop this cycle.
Another tidbit: PCOS acne sufferers use sulfur soap to dry up acne...megadosing MSM can break up melasma. MSM is a treatment option for adrenal fatigue. hmm

m.

Sorry for the long read, but I really think I'm onto something, and I wanted to share so I can help. I'm going to read more on this and I would love to hear ANYTHING that anyone has to add to the idea or ways to help with these issues. In the meantime, I think I'm going to make a point to get my butt to the gym, quit the caffeine, and find some natural adrenal support and take some MSM. I might get some of this Spironolactone if that doesn't work. I'll keep anyone who cares updated on my condition as there are developments.

free skin care · Fri Oct 23, 2009 6:25 pm

mex,

Could you tell me where online you took the test for adrenal fatigue? Thanks.

free skin care · Fri Oct 23, 2009 6:59 pm

hi songbird...I just cleared my history and now I can't find the site....I'll look for it more tomorrow but in the meantime you can try these:

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=117152

I haven't tried them yet. I'll do this tomorrow too and update what I find out. Maybe there are more tests like these as well.

The one I was speaking of had a buncha questions you answer....I answered yes to most of them. eek. I kinda wondered what all the caffeine might be doing to me...it has to be bad, but like cigs, it is hard to stop. I feel sluggish without my coffee or caffeine pills...yet another sign of AF. Embarassed

free skin care · Sat Oct 24, 2009 8:45 pm

Well I failed the eye test.

free skin care · Sun Oct 25, 2009 5:14 pm

I failed the eye and the skin test.

free skin care · Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:00 pm

Here's another little check list I found, songbird:

* Morning fatigue -- You don't really seem to "wake up" until 10 a.m., even if you've been awake since 7 a.m.
* Afternoon "low" (feelings of sleepiness or clouded thinking) from 2 to 4 p.m.
* Burst of energy at 6 p.m. -- You finally feel better from your afternoon lull.
* Sleepiness at 9 to 10 p.m. -- However, you resist going to sleep.
* "Second wind" at 11 p.m. that lasts until about 1 a.m., when you finally go to sleep.
* Cravings for foods high in salt and fat
* Increased PMS or menopausal symptoms
* Mild depression
* Lack of energy
* Decreased ability to handle stress
* Muscular weakness
* Increased allergies
* Lightheadedness when getting up from a sitting or laying down position
* Decreased sex drive
* Frequent sighing
* Inability to handle foods high in potassium or carbohydrates unless they're combined with fats and protein

The only of these that I notice is the up and down energy levels. It is so god awful for me to wake up in the am now. I'm trying to stop the coffee to help my adrenal system, but man I just can't wake up.

Apparently, when your adrenal system really starts to suffer and mess up....the end result is what we know as a nervous breakdown. I thought that was more psychological, but apparently it stems from this medical issue.

Also, another way to test your adrenal system is if you have pain, swelling, or a bad sick feeling when you press on your adrenal glands (located 1 inch above and to both the left and right of your belly button when lying on your back) I did this and thought I didn't feel anything for about 10 minutes. Then I got so sick my heart started to race and I thought I was gonna puke.

I have so much information on this topic now...it's truly bizarre how much adrenal fatigue/estrogen dominance/liver function play off of each other. it doesn't seem like anyone has the same issues though...so I won't talk to myself on the thread Laughing

free skin care · Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:05 pm

Also, another way to test your adrenal system is if you have pain, swelling, or a bad sick feeling when you press on your adrenal glands (located 1 inch above and to both the left and right of your belly button when lying on your back) I did this and thought I didn't feel anything for about 10 minutes. Then I got so sick my heart started to race and I thought I was gonna puke.

mex,
How long did you actually press on the adrenal glands? For 10 min? Or did you press for a short time and then 10 min. later you felt sick? Also, how far in did you press?

Thanks.

free skin care · Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:26 am

Mex0050

Try a pH balanced diet.

Google for pH miracle diet by Rober Young and Susan Brown and the book "Stop Aging, Start Living" by Dr. Jeannette Graf.

Your body systems would work much better if you ensure your body pH is slightly alkaline rather than acidic.

free skin care · Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:32 pm

Whoa that was a long read. Should you not just get tested by your doctor if you're concerned?

Thu Mar 01, 2012 8:43 pm

I wanted to share with you guys on this topic.

I've been dealing with the residual effects of severe adrenal fatigue for about two years now, on and off. Two years ago, I underwent some pretty stressful events, as well as burying a lot of bad feelings, prolonged stress, moving, overtraining, and eventually my body completely shut down on me.

Luckily, I went to school for natural health, so I knew what was going on. I also saw an ND (most beneficial, and I suggest only seeing a Naturopathic Physician as opposed to an MD as conventional medicine CANNOT heal fatigue, no matter what).

The symptoms posted by Mex0050 are all completely true. The body is so out of whack. Unbearably sleepy at the wrong times, bug-eyed at night, extreme anxiety, muscle fatigue, weight gain (as your body is trying to store energy), and memory is trashed. I couldn't concentrate on anything, couldn't retain any new information, and felt like I had no energy, even to walk to the store. Yet, at certain times I would have unexplained surges of energy that I couldn't handle. Then crash again.

Skin was another story. Simple acne, slowly turning into cystic acne. Started becoming dry, but oily. Enlarged pores, increased wrinkles, abnormal facial/body hair. This was over time, because restoring adrenal glands once they've shrunk and shriveled up (which mine have), have taken so long.

Honestly, it's all about making huge lifestyle changes that cater to a more simple, controlled life.

What has truly helped (ND recommended):

-Acupuncture (HUGE help)
-Drenatropin PMG caps
-Licorice root (tea, capsules)
-Nettle tea, decaf green tea
-ALOE VERA JUICE (2 oz per day. Restores pH, heals acne in two weeks)
-Yoga
-Meditation (guided meditation at night for sleep)
-Avoiding simple sugars and carbs
-Juicing (Carrot, apple, ginger juice is a favorite)
-Fish, protein,veggies/fruits, complex carbs at every meal. DO NOT skip meals.
-Multi-vitamin, superfood supplement, Vitamin C up to 3000mg per day, zinc 50mg per day.
- NO caffeine. It robs the glands of all nutrients. Ups the cortisol. It's terrible.
-Going to sleep at 10pm or before, or sleeping past 9am. These are times when cortisol is at its highest.

-If you exercise, it's wise NOT to participate in heavy exertion. Intense cardio, etc increases cortisol production, and with adrenal fatigue you are unable to metabolize this properly. Do calming exercises like pilates, yoga, light dancing, etc.

With something like this, the residual effects, if not healed properly are horrible skin, depression, anxiety, and painful muscle fatigue and inflammation, along with much more. It's all about nourishing, not stimulating. Your body is so depleted from too much stimulation that you need to nourish it and bring it back.

I know this is long, but it's informational. If you would like more info, please let me know.

free skin care · Fri Mar 02, 2012 4:21 pm

Natural progesterone cream or gel is good for PCOS because it balances the estrogen. You can buy ProGest at Whole Foods or online. Try it for a month or two to see if anything improves.

Sun Apr 15, 2012 2:27 pm

I would like to add my 2 cents to the discussion on PCO, since I have the disorder and are seeing a very good (in my estimation) specialist for keeping it in check.

I have never before heard about adrenal fatigue, but from the listed symptoms it seems to be the same symptoms as one gets from PCO.

I have really no experience with the herbal remedies mentioned, if they work – fine -, but I would strongly suggest seeing a doctor (where I live that would be an OB/GYN) to get sorted out before trying to tamper with insulin or hormonal levels on your own.

Basically PCO is caused by low sensitivity to insulin in the body, especially in the muscles in the leg. This leads to high levels of insulin which causes all kinds of trouble, as mentioned.

My treatment consists of metformin (also used for diabetes 2), physical exercise of the moderately strenuous kind; I run 5-15 km several times a week and bike in the summer, and preferably sticking to a diet low in refined carbs. I’m not too good at that last part though, but since my BMI is normal and my sensitivity for insulin is somewhat normalized thanks to the metformin and the exercise, my doctor thinks I’m doing ok even with a little – or rather a lot! – of cake and chocolate. At least my blood tests always looks good. Razz

One symptom is heightened levels of male hormones, which can cause hair thinning, acne etc. I have no knowledge of that causing hyperpigmentation. I DO suffer from melasma, and haven’t even been pregnant, this was brought on by my family doctor trying to solve the acne with high estrogen level pills.
My acne and tendency to facial hair is indeed treated with spironolacton - but this is really just treating a symptom, not the cause.

This post became much longer than intended, I’m so sorry. But really just needed to make the point that if one suspects PCO or difficulties with insulin levels/resistance, please reseach the subject on the net and go see a qualified MD to get sorted out, before embarking on anything.
Especially since the symptoms of PCO can be somewhat similar to diabetes, thyriod problems and a lot of other things.

Mon Apr 16, 2012 4:44 am

amxg1015 wrote:

I wanted to share with you guys on this topic.
I've been suffering with this condition for a very long time and have been absolutely miserable.

I've been dealing with the residual effects of severe adrenal fatigue for about two years now, on and off. Two years ago, I underwent some pretty stressful events, as well as burying a lot of bad feelings, prolonged stress, moving, overtraining, and eventually my body completely shut down on me.

Luckily, I went to school for natural health, so I knew what was going on. I also saw an ND (most beneficial, and I suggest only seeing a Naturopathic Physician as opposed to an MD as conventional medicine CANNOT heal fatigue, no matter what).

The symptoms posted by Mex0050 are all completely true. The body is so out of whack. Unbearably sleepy at the wrong times, bug-eyed at night, extreme anxiety, muscle fatigue, weight gain (as your body is trying to store energy), and memory is trashed. I couldn't concentrate on anything, couldn't retain any new information, and felt like I had no energy, even to walk to the store. Yet, at certain times I would have unexplained surges of energy that I couldn't handle. Then crash again.

Skin was another story. Simple acne, slowly turning into cystic acne. Started becoming dry, but oily. Enlarged pores, increased wrinkles, abnormal facial/body hair. This was over time, because restoring adrenal glands once they've shrunk and shriveled up (which mine have), have taken so long.

Honestly, it's all about making huge lifestyle changes that cater to a more simple, controlled life.

What has truly helped (ND recommended):

-Acupuncture (HUGE help)
-Drenatropin PMG caps
-Licorice root (tea, capsules)
-Nettle tea, decaf green tea
-ALOE VERA JUICE (2 oz per day. Restores pH, heals acne in two weeks)
-Yoga
-Meditation (guided meditation at night for sleep)
-Avoiding simple sugars and carbs
-Juicing (Carrot, apple, ginger juice is a favorite)
-Fish, protein,veggies/fruits, complex carbs at every meal. DO NOT skip meals.
-Multi-vitamin, superfood supplement, Vitamin C up to 3000mg per day, zinc 50mg per day.
- NO caffeine. It robs the glands of all nutrients. Ups the cortisol. It's terrible.
-Going to sleep at 10pm or before, or sleeping past 9am. These are times when cortisol is at its highest.

-If you exercise, it's wise NOT to participate in heavy exertion. Intense cardio, etc increases cortisol production, and with adrenal fatigue you are unable to metabolize this properly. Do calming exercises like pilates, yoga, light dancing, etc.

With something like this, the residual effects, if not healed properly are horrible skin, depression, anxiety, and painful muscle fatigue and inflammation, along with much more. It's all about nourishing, not stimulating. Your body is so depleted from too much stimulation that you need to nourish it and bring it back.

I know this is long, but it's informational. If you would like more info, please let me know.

I have had this for a long time and am desperate for ANY thing that helps. Is it possible to nourish your body back to normal? how much progress do you expect to make and how long does it take?
Thank you so much for your post...you give me hope.

Mon Apr 16, 2012 5:08 am

Quote:

I have never before heard about adrenal fatigue, but from the listed symptoms it seems to be the same symptoms as one gets from P

Basically PCO is caused by low sensitivity to insulin in the body, especially in the muscles in the leg. This leads to high levels of insulin which causes all kinds of trouble, as mentioned.

My treatment consists of metformin (also used for diabetes 2), physical exercise of the moderately strenuous kind; I run 5-15 km several times a week and bike in the summer, and preferably sticking to a diet low in refined carbs. I’m not too good at that last part though, but since my BMI is normal and my sensitivity for insulin is somewhat normalized thanks to the metformin and the exercise, my doctor thinks I’m doing ok even with a little – or rather a lot! – of cake and chocolate. At least my blood tests always looks good. Razz

One symptom is heightened levels of male hormones, which can cause hair thinning, acne etc. I have no knowledge of that causing hyperpigmentation. I DO suffer from melasma, and haven’t even been pregnant, this was brought on by my family doctor trying to solve the acne with high estrogen level pills.
My acne and tendency to facial hair is indeed treated with spironolacton - but this is really just treating a symptom, not the cause.

This post became much longer than intended, I’m so sorry. But really just needed to make the point that if one suspects PCO or difficulties with insulin levels/resistance, please reseach the subject on the net and go see a qualified MD to get sorted out, before
embarking on anything.
Especially since the symptoms of PCO can be somewhat similar to diabetes, thyriod problems and a lot of other things.

What is PCO? I was on Spriro for a while but then I began to lose my hair. Have you had any problems while taking it?

free skin care · Mon Apr 16, 2012 5:14 am

Hi Jest,

PCO same as PCOS=Polycystic ovary syndrome

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4981

Mon Apr 16, 2012 6:18 pm

DarkMoon wrote:

Hi Jest,

PCO same as PCOS=Polycystic ovary syndrome

DarkMoon,

Thank you.

free skin care · Mon Apr 16, 2012 6:29 pm

Jest wrote:

DarkMoon wrote:

Hi Jest,

PCO same as PCOS=Polycystic ovary syndrome

DarkMoon,

Thank you.

You are welcome Jest! Smile

Thu May 17, 2012 8:26 pm

It's nice to know there are others out there dealing with the same thing I am. Thanks for the thread!

I'm someone who's actually getting through the adrenal fatigue (finally!!). I also have melasma, bad, and all over my forehead and cheeks, and acne, bad, all along my jawline and neck. Big giant ones. I get peels, I wear spf50 sunscreen daily and a big sunhat outdoors. It makes no difference except how dark the spots are.

I'm under the care of a naturopath, as well as an MD, and learned that adrenal fatigue is a symptom, caused by something, i.e; lifestyles,and a combination of things. (Dr. Lam also has a great website as an internet resource on the topic.) For me, two things were important factors in recovering: I finally ended a "toxic" relationship and second, found out my gallbladder was bad and had to come out. (Never suspected the gb thing)

Anyway, adrenal fatigue does improve with support. I know that, so any of you suffering from it - pay attention to other symptoms you have. What could your body be trying to tell you?

I realized I'd been ignoring years of nausea and other "mild" digestive issues - mainly because they were the least of my symptoms. After an unusually long bout of the "stomach flu", I to the dr and he suggested an abdominal ultrasound. I'd been dealing with gallbladder symptoms for years! But I shrugged them off. They were causing my liver and the rest of my body to work so much harder than normal. I unknowingly contributed to my adrenal fatigue.

I sure wish I could figure out the source of my acne and melasma. Whatever I'm unknowingly doing to cause it, if it is caused by me, I would gladly stop doing for nice skin!

Thu May 17, 2012 8:31 pm

It's been a few years since the initial post. mex0050, can you give an update? Was it PCOS and have you found a treatment that works?

free skin care · Thu May 17, 2012 8:35 pm

smaaackthat wrote:

It's been a few years since the initial post. mex0050, can you give an update? Was it PCOS and have you found a treatment that works?

I don't have it, from what I understand it is not curable but treatable.

PCO same as PCOS=Polycystic ovary syndrome

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4981

Sun Dec 30, 2012 3:14 am

Hi friends

I'm 18 n have had pigmentation across my right eye and cheek since around puberty. Pretty sure I have also adrenal fatigue with permanate purple bags, whacked sleeping patterns n guys I'm starting to get some facial hair!!!?! Hahah interesting thread guys!

Mon Jan 21, 2013 12:07 pm

Hi folks, thanks for the thread, its reassuring that perhaps I might be getting to an answer to what has consumed my life for the last three years.

I cant cope anymore and am suffer from feeling of wanting to end things. I have become very isolated and feel like nobody understands.

I have severe dandruff, acne including cystic, dark excess hair all over, including my face, melasma above my lip. No energy and constantly paranoid or negative. Its gotten worse over the years until now I find it very difficult to leave the house.

If I try to find comfort in others im made out to be mad. Im only 31 and feel that I cant go on.
Please help

Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:37 pm

I will pray for you. I hope you can find peace.

free skin care · Thu Feb 07, 2013 12:22 am

Please consider seeking some professional help;you are much too young to feel so hopeless about life.Best of luck to you.

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