So sick of my menopausal zits - need help!!

[Goatymum]

I have really bad zits - probably for about a year. I tried HRT and they made it worse, so I came off it. I haven’t got many other meno symptoms and went on it to help my skin and anxiety.
I had fairly bad skin as a teen/young adult. I took tetracycline aged 21 and it cleared it up. After that I only got one or two before my period.
Now I’ll get a couple and then when they’re nearly gone I’ll get a couple more - mainly in chin area.
I’ve got a lot of other medical issues but I don’t think they’re causing the spots - I don’t drink, smoke, eat junk food etc.
Shall I see a dermatologist or can anyone recommend a face wash/cream etc in the meantime?

Use something retinol based, I have a similar problem with really tough spots that seem really deep and don’t squeeze.

I recommend the retinol bubble masks, they are often included in Boots £10 Tuesday. Nip & Fab I believe

Sudocrem. Try it - you’ll be amazed!

I tried a retinol night moisturiser but it didn’t help. Will look at the masks.

just on the spots? I don’t want it all over my face particularly 😂

I'm some distance the far side of menopause and though skin is usually OK, still get the odd chin zit, usually in time for a special occasion!

It feels like my body has just dredged up a crumb of oestrogen from the hormonal equivalent of the back of the sofa.

I’ve got a special occasion this weekend and I look shite. I’m actually having my make-up done so I don’t look like a sporty teen (in my 50s!).
I hope my body finds some oestrogen soon - maybe I should eat more tofu 😜

I have menopause spots too (mine are tiny whiteheads all over my face not just my chin though) but unlike you I never suffered as a teen, my GP prescribed me some cream and tablets and they worked within a few days so might be worth a chat with your GP, I can give you the name of my medication if you want 👍

@alcoholfreelife- thanks - I don’t really want to take tablets at this point but a point to the cream would be good. Im dealing with other more pressing health issues at the moment too but the spots are really annoying!

It’s called Zindaclin and to be fair I’ve used it without the tablets and it does work really well, I hope you sort them out as I know how annoying they are, I looked bloody awful with them before starting the medication

My acne was horrible when I started peri. 6-8 huge ones, I couldn’t step out of the house!! HRT plus Tretnoin worked well for me. I still get a flare up now and again when estrogen dips and progesterone increases but not as horrible as the beginning.

Thanks - I’ll look it up.

Mine isn’t quite that bad. I think I’ll see what the GP says I seem to be in regular contact with them now. The meno specialist who I saw said the progesterone was the culprit.

Hi OP, I’m in a similar situation, not sure if mine are peri or due to my B12 jabs (known side effect). I’m wondering whether to speak to the GP, or try something else topical first.
Mine are nothing to do with HRT, as I’m unable to take it

The GP is probably sick of the sight of me and my issues but they probably do need some type of intervention! Idk much about B12 deficiency- mine is always slap bang in the middle of normal so it’s def not that with me.

Tretinoin has almost entirely fixed this for me - had awful, painful spots, especially around the jaw/chin, a year or so ago (mid-40s). It was like being a teenager again. Now I only get the odd one and my skin texture is so much better. I don't use many other products now, just a Simple face wash and moisturiser, and sun cream - everything else seemed to irritate and make it worse.

Good to hear. I will def try and get this - did you get it on prescription? Mine are mainly in chin/jaw area.
My son is on roaccutane- it’s a miracle - but he had really awful acne.

Hi op spironolactone has changed my life , went on it as I had had enough of wrinkle and spots. Dermatologist can also prescribe you tretinoin so I would say if you can afford it privately don’t waste time with go or atleast ask them to refer you on nhs.

Glycolic acid helps me (nip+fab)

Retinol didn’t help me either.

I got mine through Skin+Me - it is a monthly subscription but they usually have a new customer offer on if you want to give it a try.

@martha79- thanks. Will take a look! I went to a function on the weekend and had my make-up professionally done and I felt so much more confident so I know I need to get it sorted.

Never heard of spirinolactone. Will google!