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I am a 29 year old female who has suffered cystic acne for about three years. I have had hypothyroidism for several years (hashimotos). When I left my condition untreated, I did not have cystic acne. Ever! Three years ago, I started thyroid replacement therapy. I tried synthroid, levothyroxine and most recently, naturethroid. I developed severe cystic acne (with all three). I tried antibiotics and accutane. No success. About 9 months ago, I got on spironolactone (25 mg a day) and Yaz. I felt horrible on this combination(dizzy, tired) and gained a lot of weight (about 20 lbs). I have stopped yaz and I take 1/2 of a 25 mg pill of Spiro every other day. I have stopped my thyroid medication (1 grain of naturethroid). I have not had a single cyst since I stopped!The hyposymptoms have reemerged. I don't know if this is because of a withdrawal or if this is the state of my thyroid. I am hoping it's the initial withdrawl. I have always had subclinical levels of hypothyroidism.I am trying to determineif I would be ok without the medication. I also believe that taking all these medications (for acne) is causing more harm than good. If I continue with the prior combination, I believethat I would have ended up in the hospital and gaining a lot of weight (despite same caloric ingestion and exercise).I know that thyroid medication is supposed to be replacement therapy, but I am also aware that sometimes people go through bouts of hypothyroidism after viral infections or severe stress. In other words, there is variation in the causes of hypothyroidism. I developed hashimotos after contracting typhoid abroad (tell me about it).
Has anyone been successful in coming off thyroid medication ? Secondly, if my thyroid doesn't "wake up" and produce again, I am considering going on a low dose thyroid medication. Has anyone managed to find a dosage that allows you to balance the demands of a poor thyroid and successfully prevent cystic acne?
I don't know if the cause of the acne is due to the dosage, the brand (the proportion of t3 to t4) or just by taking thyroid medication, regardless of dosage or brand.
Please note,My doctor is completely on board with me because I have never been seriously hypothyroid. We are testing my thyroid every 4 weeks.
I see a lot of reposes that never address the questions, but instead attack the poster. I've had a exhausting journey with my thyroid and acne, and I am just seeking some advice. My health is my priority. Thank you!
I should also note! that I was hydrocortisone for about 18 months. This is considered a replacement therapy too. When I weaned off, I felt tired initially, but the adrenals "woke up" and started producing again.
I feel like I might be the exact opposite. As soon as I didn't need the hypothyroid medication and was taken off of it, my acne got worse. I really believe everyone is different, and anytime hormones are involoved you are at risk for acne.... I've asked two different doctors, dermatologist and general primary doctor and they both said acne isn't typically liked to thyroid disorders, particularly hypo. Which I don't believe.... I have an appointment with an endocronologist and can let you know what I hear from him about this connection. Something kind of odd to try is acupuncture. I did that right before my thyroid was fixed and my levels became normal, and didn't need medication for 5 or 6 years. Could have been a coincidence but it's worth a try! Best of Luck!
I have suffered from Hyperthyroid (graves) since the age of 14 and I am now 40! I never had acne till my thyroid problems. Yes, thyroid disorders effect hormones. In fact the pituitary gland controls every hormonein your body, it is the master gland.
I eventually had to have a very low low dose of radiation iodine, as natural methods and meds for hyperthyroid (which is different from Hypo) didn't work. and I am now clinically low thyroid (hypo) and my acne hasn't changed. I learned to deal with it. I feel better when thyroid is in good levels.
Yes I took Accutane which made my thyroid worse and hormones and I still have acne. I would look natural ways for yourHypothyroid such as diet, supplements etc. Look up Mary Shomon's forum.
Good Luck
Hope this helps!
I am a 33 year old female and have been struggling with acne since have been 16 years old. At the age of 24 I developed Hashimoto's. Nut sure what the trigger was, but I suspect that my acne and thyroid problems are somehow linked. After starting to take my medication, my acne however did not go away. On the contrary, I have the impression that adding a higher dosage or the supplements that are supposed to help thyroid (iodine, B12) make my acne even worse. I am on a very strict no-gluten-dairy-sugar-coffee-alcohol-FODMAP diet which has some effect to a certain extent but I still have pretty bad acne. I am trying to conceive so accutane or contraception is not an option...