Hormonal Acne Supplements & Hormone Testing

Are you struggling with hormonal acne that just won’t go away? You’re not alone. Hormonal acne can be stubborn, persistent, and frustrating. If you’ve tried everything from over-the-counter treatments to acne facials and are still battling breakouts, it might be time to take a deeper look at the root cause: your hormones. But here’s the good news—there are effective ways to manage it, starting with the right hormonal acne supplements and proper hormone testing.

At Red Leaf Wellness in Edmonton & Canada, we specialize in blending functional medicine with modern medicine to help you achieve clearer skin and better overall health. In this guide, we’ll explore how hormonal acne supplements, hormone testing, and treatments like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help you gain control of your acne and improve your well-being.

What Causes Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne, often referred to as acne vulgaris, is triggered by an imbalance in your hormone levels. Hormones play a significant role in the health of your skin, especially when they fluctuate due to reasons like puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. For women, shifts in estrogen and progesterone—especially during the menstrual cycle—can contribute to breakouts. For men, androgens like testosterone can increase oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores and acne.

Hormonal imbalances may also be influenced by cortisol, your body’s stress hormone. High stress levels lead to an increase in cortisol, which can aggravate acne by causing inflammation and excess oil production. If you’ve been dealing with stubborn acne that’s resistant to typical treatments, you might be dealing with hormonal acne.

Common Signs of Hormonal Acne:

• Deep, painful cysts around the jawline and chin
• Breakouts that flare up around your menstrual cycle
• Pimples that don’t respond well to topical treatments
• Oily skin, especially on the face
• Acne combined with other symptoms of hormonal imbalance, like irregular periods or mood swings

The Role of Hormonal Acne Supplements

When it comes to fighting hormonal acne, the right hormonal acne supplements can make a huge difference. While skincare routines and acne facials help on the surface, treating hormonal acne from the inside out is crucial. 

Supplements work by targeting the underlying hormonal imbalances that contribute to breakouts. These supplements can help regulate hormone levels, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin.

Here are some of the best hormonal acne supplements to consider:

Vitamins to Balance Hormones

• B Vitamins: B vitamins are essential for hormone regulation and stress reduction. Specifically, B6 helps balance estrogen levels and reduce inflammation, while B12 supports skin cell regeneration and energy production. These vitamins are crucial for hormonal balance and can help control breakouts.
• Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels are often linked to severe hormonal acne. This vitamin is crucial for modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, which can worsen acne symptoms. Getting enough sunlight or taking a supplement can help boost your vitamin D levels.
• Vitamin A: This powerful antioxidant is known for its role in promoting healthy skin. Vitamin A helps reduce oil production and supports faster skin cell turnover, preventing clogged pores that lead to acne. It’s available both in topical forms (like retinoids) and oral supplements.
• Vitamin E: With its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, vitamin E helps protect your skin from oxidative damage and calms inflammation. This vitamin works in synergy with other vitamins to support overall skin health.

Herbs for Hormonal Imbalance

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to balance hormones and support skin health. Some of the most effective   include:

• DIM (Diindolylmethane): Derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale, DIM is highly effective in balancing estrogen and reducing excess androgens. This makes it a great supplement for those dealing with hormonal acne related to PCOS or other estrogen-dominant conditions.
• Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb is known for its ability to reduce cortisol levels, making it ideal for those whose acne is triggered by stress. Lower cortisol levels help reduce inflammation and oil production, keeping your skin clearer.
• Myo-Inositol: Commonly used to regulate insulin and androgen levels in women with PCOS, myo-inositol helps balance hormones, reduce acne-causing oils, and support clearer skin.

Best Probiotics for Hormonal Acne

Probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining gut health, which in turn influences skin health. There’s a strong link between gut health and hormonal balance. The best probiotics for hormonal acne contain strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which help regulate hormone levels, improve gut health, and reduce inflammation.

By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics can reduce the systemic inflammation that often leads to breakouts. You can get probiotics from fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha, or through high-quality supplements.

Fungal Acne vs. Hormonal Acne: How to Tell the Difference

It’s important to distinguish between different types of acne, as they require different treatments. Fungal acne vs. hormonal acne can be difficult to differentiate, but here are a few key indicators:

• Fungal Acne: Caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin, fungal acne presents as small, itchy bumps, often on the chest, back, and shoulders. It’s usually treated with antifungal medications.
• Hormonal Acne: This type of acne typically appears as deep, cystic pimples around the chin, jawline, and sometimes the cheeks. It’s usually linked to hormonal imbalances and requires treatments like hormonal acne supplements and hormone testing.

If you’re unsure which type of acne you have, hormone testing can help pinpoint the root cause.

Why Hormone Testing is Essential

Before you start taking supplements, it’s important to know exactly what’s causing your acne. Hormone testing is the key to understanding your body’s specific hormonal imbalances. At Red Leaf Wellness, we offer comprehensive hormone testing Canada services to assess your hormone levels and create a personalized treatment plan.

Our testing includes evaluating hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol to determine the underlying cause of your acne. Whether you’re dealing with imbalances due to menopause, PCOS, or andropause, proper testing ensures we address the right hormones for optimal acne control.

Signs HRT Is Not Working

If you’re currently undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and still experiencing acne, there are some clear signs HRT is not working for you. These include:

• Persistent acne despite treatment
• Mood swings and fatigue
• Lack of improvement in energy levels

If this sounds familiar, it may be time to reassess your HRT approach and work with a professional to adjust your treatment.

How Red Leaf Wellness Helps You Achieve Acne Control

At Red Leaf Wellness, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we address the root cause. Our holistic approach includes a blend of acupuncture, functional medicine, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to help you achieve lasting acne control and improved overall health.

Personalized Acne Facial Treatments

For those looking to complement their internal treatment with external care, we offer customized facial acupuncture treatments. These treatments focus on improving skin texture, stimulating collagen production, and helping to clear your skin naturally.

Edmonton BHRT and Canada BHRT

Our bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) services, available in Edmonton and across Canada, are designed to help balance hormones naturally. BHRT uses plant-based hormones that closely mimic your body’s own hormones, making it a safer and more effective option for those dealing with acne and other symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

FAQs About Hormonal Acne Supplements & Hormone Testing

1. What are the best hormonal acne supplements?

The best hormonal acne supplements include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, and herbs like DIM and ashwagandha, which help balance hormones and reduce acne.

2. How does hormone testing help with hormonal acne?

Hormone testing provides valuable insight into which hormones are out of balance, allowing for a targeted approach to treatment. At Red Leaf Wellness, we offer hormone testing Canada to help you identify the root cause of your acne and create a personalized plan.

3. Can BHRT help with hormonal acne?

Yes, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help balance your hormones and manage stubborn acne, especially for women going through menopause or perimenopause.

4. What are the signs HRT is not working for acne?

If you’ve been on HRT but haven’t noticed any improvement in your acne, experience mood swings, or feel fatigued, these may be signs HRT is not working for you. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider to adjust your treatment.

5. How do I know if I need hormonal acne supplements?

If you’ve been dealing with persistent breakouts, mood swings, or irregular periods, you might benefit from hormonal acne supplements. Testing your hormone levels through blood or saliva tests can help determine if supplements are right for you.

Conclusion

Hormonal acne can be challenging, but it’s not impossible to manage. With the right hormonal acne supplements, hormone testing, and holistic treatments, you can take control of your skin and your health. At Red Leaf Wellness, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your journey to balanced hormones, clear skin, and improved overall well-being.