Periods and skin question...?

Question

I'm 17 and I have pretty clear skin. I rarely get pimples EXCEPT when I'm getting my period. I am on the pill, but I hate it because I get pimples then and I feel like everyone knows that I'm getting my period (they can probably tell because of my grumpyness anyway!)

I cleanse and moisturise and don't wear too much make up.

Is there anything else I can do control my skin at this time of the month?!

I'm not sexually active. I'm on the pill for cycle control.

Thank you to the other answers!

Firstly, are you a doctor? Have you spent 5 years at medical school? I think not. Secondly, God didn't do anything, it's a pack of lies, so don't bring that into it. Thirdly, you have know knowledge of my cycle and I may wish to be sexually active in the near future.

Look after yourself.

Spruded- Thank you so very much! I couldn't agree more!

Larry- Your answer is very technical! I don't have PCOS, I have been tested for it (blood test)

Thanks.

Answer 1

i cant believe some of the answers u got from people. its a genuine question, not this im 15 and pregnant what do i do? i have very severe acne, its called severe nodular acne. what happens is cysts build up in ur pours (sp) and on the surface look like boils and can be the size of a pencil eraser or bigger. they are painful, but im on a medicene AND BIRTH CONTROL. i agree with birth control not on the basis of having sex but as a cycle control and if i get pregnant on this medicine i have to get an abortion b.c of how severly deformed the child would be, it would most likley die out of womb and would never be able to survive on its own i.e no ears. so before i got on this medicine i used a wash from clean and clear. its called advantage acne treatment. it works so well and i saw results in 1 day. they have a 3 step system, a cleanser, a moisturizing cleanzer and an on the spot treatment. if u get small zits put this on and itll be gone in 3 days. i would swear by it if i didnt have such horrible acne. but the pill could cause it b.c of hormonal balances too. try for a low dose pill or the one im on called yaz u take 24 pills and then 4 so u GET UR PERIOD but just not as long. and to all of those people with rude answers like hysteria, if u have nothing good to say then u have nothing to say at ALL. and to sioxpauxmom its her choice to be on the pill and it doesnt interfer with her cycle, it balances hormomes and makes her (and i) feel better. dont bring god into this discussion, she didnt ask to be preached to. when u have ur period u never get it at exactly the same time as the month before, on birth control u get it the same weekday as the month before. HOW CONVIENENT! and its not acceptance having acne and a period. acne is a very VERY self esteem lowering thing that ur body does. if she wants help and she does we're here to answer dont preach her on the way she lives and the choices she makes on how to govern HER body its not yours.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to prevent the pimples, just things to get rid of them once they're there.

Guys won't be able to tell that you're on your period, and probably only a few girls will make the connection. Nobody will care.

Don't be all paranoid, nothing is gonna happen if people do find out you're on your period.

The doc can give you a pill to make the pimples stop, but the pill is an antibiotic so it would interact with the birth control pills.

Answer 3

Ordinarily, during this time of the month, testosterone levels are elevated, causing increased reduction of testosterone to DHT, i.e., 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone, most potent of the androgens. One of the many places, in the human body where this reduction takes place is the skin, including the sebaceous glands. Under the influence of DHT, the sebaceous glands produce higher levels of oils, leaving one more vulnerable to acne vulgaris infections, than usual.

An effective, topical counter measure is cleansing the affected area with tea tree oil, during the days you are most vulnerable, and not using any moisturizer, or makeup in that area.

However, I have concluded, you are taking oral contraceptives, to regulate some menstrual irregularity, since you are not taking them for birth control purposes. Initially, this treatment modality works, by virtue of the same mechanism birth control is achieved, i.e., pituitary feedback.

The downside of this treatment is the exogenous estradiol, usually ethinyl estradiol, suppresses SHBG, i.e., sex hormone binding globulin, making more free testosterone available in the serum. The progesterone component of the OC, metabolized to testosterone, potentially raising serum testosterone levels.

You may in fact be suffering from functional hyperandrogenism, also known as PCOS, i.e., polycystic ovarian syndrome, or stein-leventhal syndrome. Since at least 6%, of all women of child bearing age have this syndrome. I suspect much of what is called, menstrual irregularity, is undiagnosed fuctional hyperandrogenism.

Some medications, used to treat this syndrome are: flutamide, finasteride metformin, and d-chiro-inositol. Dutasteride, may also be helpful. Some supplements, that may be helpful, are saw palmetto, lycopene and phygeum.

I suggest, a diagnosis, by a competent endocrinologist, not because you have a little acne, because of what underlies taking the OC in the first place.

Answer 4

Hi Wabby, I had the same problem as you. I was put on birth control for that purpose and not for having sex!!! I know how you feel but you can use fresh lemons and cut 1 in half and squeeze the juice in a bowl and then with your hands put the lemon juice all over your face. This worked for me at the time I had periods but as nature calls I have gotten all over that problem once a month!!! Lol Use only fresh lemon and you will see in time this will help you a lot. It did for me so why not you. Lol
A Friend.
poppy1

Answer 5

i wound'nt worry so much.. i am 26 and still breakout occasionally before my period. blame hormones. The week before your period, the hormone progesterone takes over and can make you break out. Make sure you drink extra water that week and don't pick at your face... your face is at a very vulnerable state this week and will react more to any type of picking.

Before moisturizing, try using over-the-counter meds like benzoyl peroxide or salacylic acid that week. maybe a great deep cleansing facial mask a few days before your usual breakout will help as well!

good luck!

Answer 6

Has this started just because you are taking the pill? Maybe your body is not reacting well to it. There are different forms of the pill out there. Your doctor might be able to find one that doesn't have such effects on you.

If it's not because of the pill, talk to a dermatologist. They will be able to help you.

Answer 7

Benzoyl Peroxide 10%, like Persagel- it kills the bacteria that causes acne and it also dries up oil. You put it on after you wash and leave it on all day.

Answer 8

You should check out if it's an allergic reaction and change the pills if it comes out positive.

Answer 9

salicylic acid...it's over the counter...i worked in a dermatologists office for 3 years ....you put it on at night....works the best...only put it on the pimples.

Answer 10

I agree with charlie88