NellAdamsPlatinumNellAdams
Platinum
5 yrs, 3 mths ago

Hormonal cystic acne from Mirena IUD

Hello beauties o (^‿^✿)

Around August 2018 I switched my birth control to the Mirena IUD due to having excessively long, heavy and frequent periods, and usually having very strong side-effects with oestrogen-based birth controls. I finally found my solution with the Mirena (my periods are gone entirely and I do not have the side-effects I did with oestrogen pills) and I was just so happy.

However unfortunately since then, my acne slowly got worse – I used to only have it once a month, and relatively mildly so (compared to now). At the moment I have full-blown cystic acne. The pimples are deep under the skin, red and very, very painful. It appears no amount of cleansing, toning, moisturising works anymore – Clean & Clear moisturiser used to keep my monthly acne well under control but it seems to be no match for this cystic acne.

I feel so honestly sad and defeated. Going back to another birth control is just not an option – non-oestrogen birth controls caused me to have periods as long as 3 weeks (with a 1 week break in between!) and oestrogen birth controls would keep my period in check but cause severe migraines. I’m just not willing to go back to heavy migraines or 3-week-periods just over my skin. But that said… I hate my skin. In areas it looks like I’ve been attacked by a hive of angry bees. I’m surprised nobody has asked me “what happened” or “what’s wrong” yet. I’m kind of waiting for it.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of acne (birth control related cystic acne) specifically and if so, what did and didn’t work for you? In terms of skincare or otherwise?

I’m kind of dreading going to the doctor because I’m scared they’ll want me to try something with oestrogen – and medicare wouldn’t really cover me going to a dermatologist (since it isn’t technically medically necessary) and I just can’t afford it out of pocket at the moment. So I’m just desperate for any advice at this stage.

Thank you so much for your time, sorry about the essay!

Nell

7 comments 32 voices

Replies

  • Carley M
    Bronze
    Carley M
    4 yrs, 9 mths ago

    Hi Nell! So sorry you’re going through your skin troubles! I’ve definitely been there with cystic acne hell. May I ask, did you switch from the pill to the Mirena IUD? I’m surprised that the Mirena is causing such bad acne for you, considering the hormones for the IUD are localized in the uterus, and only a small amount gets into the bloodstream. Upon switching to the Mirena, I was told it would do absolutely nothing for my skin (my acne was bad before going on it), but I decided to try it as birth control was a bigger concern.

    It may just be a matter of finding another birth control that has skin benefits as well (not the pill because it’s the absolute worst!). In terms of products, Niacinamide by The Ordinary has been the only thing to make a difference for my cystic acne and it has a small price point so it could be worth trying before making another switch. Wishing you the best of luck!

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  • AngagePlatinumAngage
    Platinum
    5 yrs, 2 mths ago

    You are not alone NellAdams.I went through the same way as you do in the last 4 years.I switched my birth control to the Mirena IUD after my third child as i don’t want another baby sooner. I struggled a lot with my acene as well.
    I was constantly irritable and upset with myself and others. This person was not me! My period was lighter just a few drops every month.,
    but I started getting migraines and virginal yeast infections regularly. My sweat was really smelly. My body weight was getting higher and higher.I cut my sugar and did regular exercise. I found myself frustrated and obsessed.
    I went to extremes to try and return to “normal.”
    I felt like I was drowning in depression.
    My husband understands what i was going through. Having that support and validation gave me the courage to move forward with the removal. Finally, i got my period back. Feels like i am living now.
    I’m returning to my normal self, slowly. I am not going back any hormonal birth control. I can see my acene disappearing now. At the moment i am using Dermaveen skin care products. It also helps me to reduce my acene. Hope you can pass this situation soon.

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  • Lisa359PlatinumLisa359
    Platinum
    5 yrs, 2 mths ago

    Contraception has always helped my hormonal acne, but having the mirena coil has not been without side effects for me either, and interestingly the second one caused different problems than the first. I don’t really have alot of options due to the medication I take interfering with contraception. But thankfully I can live with it.

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  • AngagePlatinumAngage
    Platinum
    5 yrs, 2 mths ago

    Hi NellAdam.BH conducting an interview with a skincare expert on Tuesday afternoon. You can ask your skin care problem with them.https://www.beautyheaven.com.au/forums/talkback/skincare-questions?page=1#comment-4391981

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  • Lisa359PlatinumLisa359
    Platinum
    5 yrs, 3 mths ago

    I’m onto my second mirena but it’s made no difference to my skin at all. Check with your doctor about seeing a dermatologist, medicare might cover it if it’s bad enough. Make it very clear how much this is affecting your life and how unhappy you are. .

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    • NellAdamsPlatinumNellAdams
      Platinum
      5 yrs, 3 mths ago

      Yeah different birth controls have completely different effects on everyone, sadly there doesn`t seem to be any general rule. I will speak to my doctor and see if Medicare would be able to help me see a dermatologist.

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  • 2663annePlatinum2663anne
    Platinum
    5 yrs, 3 mths ago

    No help for you here Nell but sending positive vibes. I had a hell of a time with my hormones and periods so I feel for you.

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