Menopause Acne

Some women sail through menopause without any symptoms at all. At least that's what the studies say. I have yet to meet any of those women.

Most of the women I know find themselves battling at least one troubling symptom – whether it's hot flashes, sleep problems or weight gain.

One of the most frustrating is acne. Yes, that's right: decades past the time when you thought you'd seen your last pimple, you could suddenly find spots popping up on your chin, jaw and around your mouth. The American Academy of Dermatology also says you could see lesions on your chest and back.

Makes hot flashes seem like a piece of cake, right?

Women get acne at menopause for the same reason they get it in their teens: an excess of sebum, oil that moisturizes the skin. Fluctuating hormones are usually the trigger for menopause acne (just as they are the trigger for adolescent acne).

Some medications that you might be taking could also trigger menopause acne so check with your doctor if you are noticing pimples after starting a new drug. Your doctor can also recommend treatment that will help.

And here's some good news. Menopause acne will generally go away as soon as your hormones settle down.

Here's some more advice for dealing with menopause:

How to Quit Hormone Therapy

How to Get Rid of Facial Hair

Dry Eyes and Menopause