Recurring breakouts can affect your comfort and confidence. If acne flares around your period or appears alongside irregular cycles or unwanted hair growth, an OB/GYN evaluation may help identify a hormonal contribution.
Understanding Hormonal Acne
How do hormones affect the skin?
Hormones called androgens can increase oil production. Oil and skin cells may clog pores, leading to inflammation and breakouts.
Hormones are one possible factor—not the explanation for every case of acne. Acne can occur even when hormone levels are normal. The American Academy of Dermatology explains adult acne triggers.
Symptoms to discuss
- Breakouts around the chin or jawline.
- Acne that flares around your period.
- Irregular periods with acne.
- Increased facial hair or scalp hair thinning.
- Painful spots or acne that leaves scars.
When to get urgent care: Rapid onset of severe acne with voice changes or quickly increasing body hair deserves prompt hormonal assessment.
Why an in-person evaluation matters
Your clinician can review your skin concerns, menstrual history, medications, and pregnancy plans. Not everyone needs hormone testing, a pelvic exam, or ultrasound.
Severe or scarring acne may also need a dermatologist’s care.
What to Expect During Evaluation
- Review when breakouts occur and what you have tried.
- Discuss periods, other hormonal symptoms, and current medicines.
- Check blood pressure and treatment safety factors.
- Order selected tests only when the history suggests a hormonal condition.
- Discuss treatment or coordinated dermatology care.
Hormonal Treatment Options
Combined oral contraceptive pills
Certain pills containing estrogen and progestin can reduce the effect of androgens on oil glands. Some are FDA-approved for acne.
They are not appropriate for everyone, including some patients with migraine with aura, blood-clot history, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or smoking at age 35 or older. Improvement often takes several months. AAD explains hormonal acne therapy.
Other treatment approaches
Selected patients may benefit from spironolactone, prescribed off label for acne. Pregnancy must be avoided during treatment; kidney function, potassium risk, and interacting medicines may need review.
Skin treatments may be used alongside hormonal therapy. Your plan should change if you are trying to conceive or become pregnant. AAD reviews acne treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an OB/GYN help with acne?
Yes, particularly when hormonal symptoms or contraceptive needs are part of the picture.
Do all birth control pills improve acne?
No. Benefits vary by formulation, and some contraceptive methods may worsen breakouts.
Does jawline acne mean I have PCOS?
No. Acne alone does not diagnose PCOS.
How quickly will treatment work?
Hormonal treatment often takes two to three months to show noticeable improvement, with further benefit over time.
Care That Considers Your Whole Health
Davie ObGyn provides board-certified evaluation for patients in Davie, Cooper City, Weston, Plantation, and Pembroke Pines. We can help assess hormonal concerns and discuss when dermatology care would be useful.
For an emergency, call 911. Not sure what you need? See our patient resource center.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: September 26, 2026. This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.