PCOS Acne Treatment
Learn more about how PMOS / PCOS can affect your skin. PCOS Sisters offers personalized and compassionate PMOS / PCOS skincare treatment as part of our services.
Treat Hormonal Acne at the Source
Acne is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms experienced by women with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
If you’ve tried cleansers, serums, acne treatments, or complicated skin care routines without getting the results you expected, there may be more happening beneath the surface.
PCOS acne is often connected to the hormonal and metabolic changes associated with the condition.
At PCOS Sisters, also known as PMOS Sisters, our PCOS specialists look beyond your skin to understand the factors that may be contributing to your acne and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, health history, goals, and lab results.
Could Your Acne Be a Sign of PCOS / PMOS?
Persistent hormonal acne can be one sign of PCOS/PMOS, especially when it occurs alongside other symptoms such as irregular periods, unwanted facial or body hair, hair thinning, weight changes, or difficulty becoming pregnant.
If you’re experiencing acne and wondering whether PCOS could be part of the picture, our free PMOS / PCOS Screening Tool is a simple place to start.
It takes about 10 minutes to complete and learn whether you may benefit from further evaluation and testing with a PCOS / PMOS specialist.
What Does PCOS Acne Look Like?
PCOS related acne can look different from woman to woman, but it may include:
- Persistent or recurring hormonal acne
- Acne along the jawline, chin, lower face, neck, chest, or back
- Deep, painful or cystic breakouts
- Oily skin
- Acne that continues well beyond the teenage years
- Breakouts that worsen around your menstrual cycle
- Acne that has not responded well to traditional over-the-counter skin care
Acne can also occur alongside other signs of androgen excess, including unwanted facial or body hair and thinning scalp hair.
You don’t have to experience every symptom to have PCOS / PMOS.
Why Your Acne Treatment Should Be Personalized
There isn’t one universal treatment for PCOS acne because not all PCOS experiences are the same.
At PCOS Sisters, we don’t treat acne as an isolated skin problem. Your PCOS specialist can evaluate your symptoms alongside the rest of your health, including menstrual cycles, hormone levels, metabolic health, medications, fertility goals, and other PCOS / PMOS symptoms.
Depending on your individual needs, your personalized plan may include:
- Evaluation of hormonal and metabolic factors
- Laboratory testing when clinically appropriate
- Prescription treatment when appropriate
- Recommendations for acne and skin care
- Nutrition and lifestyle support
- Treatment of related PMOS / PCOS symptoms
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to your care plan
Your treatment recommendations will depend on your individual health history, symptoms, goals, and whether you are currently trying to become pregnant.
More Than Acne: Other PCOS Related Skin Changes
Acne isn’t the only way PCOS can affect your skin.
Hormonal and metabolic changes associated with PCOS may also contribute to concerns such as:
- Oily Skin: Increased androgen activity can stimulate the skin’s oil-producing glands, contributing to oily skin and clogged pores.
- Unwanted Facial or Body Hair: Higher androgen levels may contribute to coarse or dark hair growth on areas such as the face, chin, chest, abdomen, or back. This is known as hirsutism.
- Darkened or Thickened Skin: Some women with insulin resistance develop areas of darker, thicker or velvety skin known as acanthosis nigricans, commonly found around the neck, underarms, groin, or other skin folds.
- Skin Tags: Skin tags may also occur more frequently in women experiencing insulin resistance.
Addressing these symptoms as part of your overall PMOS / PCOS care can help your provider understand the bigger picture rather than treating each symptom separately.
PCOS Acne Treatment Through Telehealth
Getting specialized care for PCOS acne shouldn’t require bouncing between providers who only address one symptom at a time.
PCOS Sisters provides comprehensive PCOS/PMOS care through convenient telehealth appointments in the states we serve.
Our board certified medical providers specialize in PCOS / PMOS and understand how acne can connect with irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, hair thinning, weight changes, insulin resistance, fertility concerns, and other symptoms.
Your care begins with an evaluation of you as a whole person, not just your skin.
PCOS Acne & Skincare FAQ
Is acne a symptom of PCOS?
Yes. Persistent or severe acne can be associated with PCOS, particularly when increased androgen activity is present. Acne may occur alongside other symptoms such as irregular periods, unwanted facial or body hair, hair thinning, or difficulty managing weight.
Will treating PCOS get rid of my acne?
Treating the hormonal and metabolic factors contributing to PCOS may improve acne for some women, but results vary. Acne treatment may also require specific skin care or medication depending on the individual.
Can birth control help PCOS acne?
Certain hormonal birth control methods may help reduce acne in some women with PCOS by affecting hormone activity. Birth control isn’t appropriate for everyone, however, and your provider should consider your medical history, symptoms, goals, and pregnancy plans when discussing treatment options.
Can I treat PCOS acne without birth control?
Yes. Birth control is only one potential option. PCOS treatment is individualized, and your provider can discuss other approaches based on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms and your personal treatment goals.
Does PCOS Sisters accept insurance?
PCOS Sisters Telehealth Clinic & Wellness Center accepts self -pay and insured patients. We accept insurance in many states. If we don’t accept your insurance for your visit, you may self-pay and still use your insurance for labs, imaging, and medications. We cannot accept Medicaid or Medicare patients.
Ready to Get to The Root of Your PCOS Symptoms?
You deserve more than being told to try another cleanser.
PCOS Sisters provides personalized care for women living with PCOS / PMOS, including acne, irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, hair thinning, metabolic concerns, fertility challenges, and more.
Our team of Nurse Practitioners specializes in PCOS / PMOS care and understands firsthand how frustrating these symptoms can be.
