Why Does Acne Get Worse Around Your Period? Understanding Hormonal Acne

Medical Review

Written by: Serene Clinic
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Yasmin Amini, ND
Last Updated: October 2026

Services Related to This Article

• Naturopathic Skin Health
• Hormonal Health
• Naturopathic Medicine
• Nutrition & Lifestyle Support

Quick Read Summary

If your acne consistently becomes worse before or during your period, the timing may provide useful information.

Acne can be influenced by several factors, including hormonal changes, menstrual cycles, skincare products, stress, diet, and certain medications. For some patients, acne that changes with the menstrual cycle also occurs alongside other hormonal symptoms.

At Serene Naturopathic Doctors & Doulas, our approach to naturopathic skin health looks beyond the breakout itself.

Dr. Yasmin Amini has worked with patients whose acne became significantly worse around their menstrual cycles and occurred alongside other hormonal symptoms. Their assessments included menstrual history, nutrition, skincare, stress, and relevant laboratory testing when appropriate.

Treatment was individualized and focused on hormonal and metabolic health, identified nutritional deficiencies, skincare, dietary strategies, and monitoring changes over time.

Why Does My Acne Get Worse Around My Period?

You may have noticed a pattern.

Your skin starts clearing.

Then your period approaches.

Suddenly, the breakouts return.

For some people, acne may appear repeatedly around the:

• Chin
• Jawline
• Lower face
• Cheeks
• Neck

The timing can be frustrating, especially when you’ve invested in skincare products and the same pattern continues month after month.

But when acne consistently changes around the menstrual cycle, it may be useful to look beyond skincare alone.

Hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle can influence the skin and oil production.

That doesn’t mean every breakout around your period represents a “hormone imbalance.”

It means the menstrual pattern is clinically relevant information.

Acne Is More Than a Skincare Problem

Acne develops through processes occurring within the skin, including oil production, follicular plugging, inflammation, and bacterial activity.

That’s why skincare and dermatological treatment can be important.

But several factors may influence how acne behaves over time.

These can include:

• Hormonal changes
• Menstrual cycles
• Skincare products
• Stress
• Diet
• Certain medications
• Genetics
• Underlying health concerns

For this reason, our naturopathic doctors consider the broader health picture while recognizing the important role of dermatologists, family physicians, and appropriate medical treatment.

What Is Hormonal Acne?

“Hormonal acne” is commonly used to describe acne that appears to be influenced by hormonal changes.

For some women, one of the most noticeable clues is timing.

Breakouts may repeatedly become worse:

Before menstruation.

During menstruation.

After stopping or changing hormonal contraception.

During certain reproductive transitions.

However, acne alone cannot tell us exactly what someone’s hormone levels are doing.

That’s an important distinction.

A recurring menstrual pattern may justify looking more closely at the patient’s overall history, but it does not automatically establish a hormonal disorder.

Look at the Pattern, Not Just the Pimple

One of the most useful questions we can ask is:

When does your acne become worse?

Consider tracking whether breakouts:

• Appear at a similar point in each menstrual cycle
• Become more inflammatory before menstruation
• Occur alongside menstrual irregularities
• Change during periods of increased stress
• Respond to changes in skincare
• Change after starting or stopping medications
• Occur alongside other symptoms

Patterns can provide more useful information than looking at one breakout in isolation.

When Acne Occurs With Other Hormonal Symptoms

This is where the broader assessment becomes particularly important.

Imagine someone has acne that worsens around menstruation.

But she also reports:

• Irregular periods
• Increased facial or body hair
• Scalp hair changes
• Changes in weight
• Other menstrual symptoms

Those additional symptoms may change what assessment is appropriate.

Conditions such as PCOS can involve acne alongside menstrual irregularity and signs of androgen excess.

But acne alone does not mean someone has PCOS.

The appropriate diagnosis requires evaluation of the broader clinical picture.

When acne occurs alongside menstrual or other hormonal concerns, hormonal health becomes one relevant part of the assessment.

Does Everyone With Hormonal Acne Need Hormone Testing?

No.

Laboratory testing should have a clinical reason.

Testing may be more relevant when acne occurs alongside symptoms or history suggesting that further hormonal or metabolic assessment is appropriate.

Depending on the individual presentation, a healthcare provider may consider factors such as:

• Menstrual regularity
• Signs of androgen excess
• Existing medical conditions
• Medication history
• Other hormonal symptoms
• Previous laboratory findings

The goal isn’t to order a large hormone panel for every patient with acne.

It is to determine:

Would testing help answer a meaningful clinical question?

Why Menstrual History Matters

If acne follows a menstrual pattern, menstrual history becomes important.

An assessment may include questions such as:

• How long is your typical cycle?
• Are your periods predictable?
• When during your cycle does acne become worse?
• Have your cycles changed?
• Are there other menstrual symptoms?
• Did the acne change after starting or stopping birth control?
• Are there other symptoms occurring alongside the acne?

These questions help place the skin symptoms into a broader context.

Skincare Still Matters

Looking beyond the skin doesn’t mean ignoring skincare.

An individualized acne assessment should still consider:

• Cleansers
• Moisturizers
• Sunscreen
• Makeup
• Hair products
• Active skincare ingredients
• Frequency of product use
• Products that may irritate the skin

Using many products at the same time can also make it difficult to know what is helping and what may be aggravating the skin.

A skincare strategy should therefore be appropriate for the individual’s skin and existing medical treatment.

Naturopathic Care Can Work Alongside Dermatology

This is important.

Someone receiving naturopathic support for acne does not need to choose between:

Naturopathic care

and

Dermatological care.

They can work together.

Depending on the severity and type of acne, a dermatologist or family physician may recommend topical or oral treatment.

Naturopathic care can complement that treatment by considering areas such as:

• Nutrition
• Relevant nutritional deficiencies
• Menstrual patterns
• Stress
• Lifestyle
• Metabolic health
• Skincare habits

The goal should be coordinated care—not competing approaches.

Nutrition and Acne: Avoid Oversimplifying the Connection

Patients with acne often encounter long lists of foods they are told to eliminate.

Dairy.

Sugar.

Chocolate.

Gluten.

Carbohydrates.

Sometimes several foods at once.

But acne is complex, and dietary recommendations should not be based on the assumption that one food causes everyone’s breakouts.

Instead, an individualized nutrition assessment may look at:

• Overall dietary pattern
• Meal composition
• Protein
• Fibre
• Highly refined carbohydrates
• Food patterns that appear consistently associated with symptoms
• Identified nutritional deficiencies
• Individual health needs

The objective isn’t to create an unnecessarily restrictive diet.

It is to determine whether meaningful nutritional changes are appropriate for the individual patient.

Blood Sugar and Metabolic Health May Be Relevant for Some Patients

Hormonal and metabolic health can overlap.

For certain patients—particularly when acne occurs alongside other relevant symptoms—the broader assessment may include metabolic health.

That does not mean everyone with acne has a blood sugar problem.

It means that someone’s medical history, symptoms, and relevant laboratory findings may sometimes indicate that metabolic factors deserve further attention.

This is another reason individualized assessment matters.

What About Nutritional Deficiencies?

Nutritional deficiencies should be identified rather than assumed.

If a patient’s history or appropriate testing identifies a relevant deficiency, correcting it may form part of the overall care plan.

This is different from recommending a long list of “skin supplements” to everyone with acne.

Before supplementation, it is important to consider:

• Why the supplement is being recommended
• Whether a deficiency has been identified
• Appropriate dosage
• Current medications
• Other supplements
• Possible interactions
• Individual medical circumstances

More supplements do not automatically mean better skin.

Stress Can Be Part of the Acne Picture

Some patients notice that their skin becomes worse during stressful periods.

Stress can interact with sleep, eating patterns, skincare routines, and other behaviours.

But stress shouldn’t become a catch-all explanation for acne.

Instead, it is one factor worth discussing when there appears to be a pattern.

An individualized assessment may therefore ask:

Does your acne consistently worsen during high-stress periods?

Does your sleep change at the same time?

Does your eating pattern change?

Do you change your skincare routine when stressed?

Again, we’re looking for patterns rather than assuming one universal cause.

When One Acne Treatment Plan Doesn’t Fit Everyone

Consider two patients.

Both have acne.

The first has regular menstrual cycles, no other hormonal symptoms, and recently introduced several new skincare products.

The second has acne that becomes significantly worse before every period and also reports irregular cycles and other hormonal symptoms.

Their skin may look similar.

But their overall health stories are different.

That’s why the assessment shouldn’t stop at:

“You have acne.”

It should ask:

“What else is happening?”

What Does a Naturopathic Acne Assessment Look At?

At Serene Clinic, an individualized assessment may include:

Not every patient requires every type of testing or intervention.

The assessment should guide the plan.

A Treatment Plan Should Move at a Realistic Pace

Skin changes don’t necessarily happen overnight.

This can be particularly frustrating for patients who have already tried multiple products or diets.

But constantly changing several things at once creates another problem:

You may not know what is actually helping.

At Serene Clinic, treatment plans are incorporated at a pace that is realistic for the patient.

That may allow time to:

• Introduce appropriate changes
• Monitor skin response
• Assess tolerance
• Review menstrual patterns
• Evaluate whether recommendations are sustainable
• Adjust the plan during follow-up

A clear plan can help patients understand what they’re doing and why.

Experience From Dr. Yasmin Amini, ND: Acne

Acne can be influenced by several factors, including hormones, menstrual cycles, skincare products, stress, diet, and certain medications. Our naturopathic doctors assess the whole picture rather than focusing exclusively on the skin and can work alongside treatments prescribed by a dermatologist or family physician.

I have worked with patients whose acne became significantly worse around their menstrual cycles and was accompanied by other hormonal symptoms. In these cases, we reviewed menstrual history, nutrition, skincare, stress, and relevant laboratory testing. Treatment focused on supporting overall hormonal and metabolic health, correcting identified nutritional deficiencies, and developing an appropriate skincare and dietary strategy while monitoring how the skin responded over time. These patients are given a clear treatment plan, which is incorporated with their own timely pace. As a result, patients see changes and improvements with their skin over time.

— Dr. Yasmin Amini, ND

Patient examples have been modified and de-identified to protect privacy and are provided for educational purposes. Individual experiences and treatment plans vary.

Why Patients Choose Serene Clinic for Acne and Skin Health

At Serene Naturopathic Doctors & Doulas, our approach to naturopathic skin health doesn’t assume that every patient with acne needs the same diet, supplement, or skincare routine.

Instead, we look at the individual pattern.

That may include:

• Acne timing
• Menstrual history
• Other hormonal symptoms
• Nutrition
• Skincare
• Stress
• Sleep
• Medications
• Medical history
• Relevant laboratory findings

From there, recommendations can be individualized and introduced at an appropriate pace.

For some patients, dermatological treatment remains an important part of their care.

The goal is not to replace appropriate medical acne treatment. It is to understand the broader health picture and provide complementary support where appropriate.

When Should Acne Be Assessed by a Doctor or Dermatologist?

Acne deserves appropriate medical assessment when necessary.

This may be particularly important when acne is:

• Severe
• Painful
• Nodular or cystic
• Causing scarring
• Rapidly worsening
• Not responding to treatment
• Associated with significant hormonal symptoms
• Having a major impact on emotional wellbeing

A family physician or dermatologist can diagnose acne and discuss appropriate medical treatment.

Naturopathic care can work alongside that treatment rather than delaying it.

Acne Treatment Is Not About Finding One “Root Cause”

It’s tempting to search for one explanation:

It’s hormones.

It’s dairy.

It’s stress.

It’s your gut.

But acne doesn’t always work that way.

Multiple factors may influence the same patient’s skin.

A more useful approach is to determine which factors are actually supported by the patient’s history, symptoms, clinical findings, and appropriate testing.

That is different from assigning every breakout to a single hidden cause.

Conclusion

If your acne repeatedly becomes worse around your period, the timing is worth paying attention to.

It doesn’t automatically mean you have a hormonal disorder.

But menstrual patterns—particularly when acne occurs alongside other hormonal symptoms—can provide useful information.

Dr. Yasmin Amini has worked with patients whose acne became significantly worse around their menstrual cycles and occurred alongside other hormonal concerns.

Their assessments considered menstrual history, nutrition, skincare, stress, and relevant laboratory testing.

Treatment focused on supporting hormonal and metabolic health, correcting identified nutritional deficiencies, developing appropriate skincare and dietary strategies, and monitoring the skin over time.

Importantly, patients were given a clear treatment plan that could be incorporated at a realistic pace.

Over time, patients reported changes and improvements in their skin.

The principle is simple:

Don’t look only at the breakout. Look at the pattern around it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hormonal Acne

1. Why does my acne get worse before my period?

Hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle can influence oil production and acne for some people. If breakouts consistently follow the same menstrual pattern, that timing can be useful information during an assessment.

2. Where does hormonal acne usually appear?

Hormonal acne is often described as affecting the lower face, jawline, or chin, but acne location alone cannot determine its cause.

3. Does acne around my period mean my hormones are imbalanced?

Not necessarily. Acne can fluctuate with normal hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle. Other symptoms and medical history help determine whether further hormonal assessment is appropriate.

4. Can PCOS cause acne?

Acne can occur in people with PCOS, particularly alongside symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles or signs of androgen excess. However, having acne does not mean you have PCOS, and appropriate assessment is required for diagnosis.

5. Do I need hormone testing for acne?

Not everyone with acne requires hormone testing. Testing may be considered when the patient’s history or additional symptoms suggest that further hormonal or metabolic assessment would be clinically useful.

6. Can diet affect acne?

Diet may influence acne for some individuals, but there isn’t one universal “acne diet.” Dietary recommendations should consider the overall eating pattern, individual health needs, and available evidence rather than automatically eliminating multiple foods.

7. Can stress make acne worse?

Some patients report worsening acne during periods of increased stress. Stress may be one contributing factor, but acne should not automatically be attributed to stress alone.

8. Can a naturopathic doctor help with hormonal acne?

A naturopathic doctor can provide complementary support by reviewing menstrual patterns, nutrition, skincare, stress, lifestyle, medications, relevant health concerns, and laboratory findings when appropriate.

9. Can I see a naturopathic doctor while seeing a dermatologist?

Yes. Naturopathic care can complement dermatological or family-physician treatment. Patients should inform their healthcare providers about medications, supplements, and other treatments they are using.

10. How long does it take for hormonal acne to improve?

There is no universal timeline. Response depends on acne severity, contributing factors, treatment, consistency, and individual circumstances. Skin changes should be monitored over time rather than promising a specific result.

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Clinical and patient guidance on acne, contributing factors, and evidence-based acne treatment.

2. Canadian Dermatology Association. Patient information and clinical resources related to acne and appropriate dermatological care.

3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Clinical guidance relating to hyperandrogenic symptoms and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

4. International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Guidance on assessment of PCOS and clinical features including acne, menstrual irregularity, and androgen-related symptoms.

5. Health Canada — Canada’s Food Guide. Evidence-informed guidance on balanced dietary patterns and overall nutrition.

Looking for Acne and Skin Health Support in Toronto?

If your acne repeatedly becomes worse around your menstrual cycle—or occurs alongside other hormonal symptoms—it may be helpful to look at the broader pattern.

At Serene Naturopathic Doctors & Doulas, our naturopathic doctors provide individualized skin-health support that can consider your menstrual history, nutrition, skincare, stress, lifestyle, medications, and relevant laboratory findings, while working alongside dermatologists and family physicians when appropriate.

Book a free consultation to learn more about naturopathic acne and skin health support in Toronto or virtually across Ontario.

Book a Free 15-Minute Online Consultation

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a physician or dermatologist. Acne can have multiple contributing factors, and individual treatment plans and outcomes vary.