OT: Breakouts along jaw line: Causes? IUD related?

[MegND95]

Obviously, this is not earth-shattering. But I have noticed in the 20m since receiving my IUD, I've had more noticeable breakouts along my jaw line. I've never, even in my teens, had problem skin. But now, in my 30's, my skin is very troublesome, but just along the jaw. I have not contacted a Dr about this, as it seems so insignificant in the grand scheme. But it's really starting to bug me, so I am trying to identify the cause if possible. Any idea what might be causing these breakouts? Am I missing something obvious? Any connection to my IUD?

Thanks from the skin challenged!

[tarahsolazy]

Have you been on hormonal contraceptives a lot before you had the IUD? The pill generally decreases acne, by not allowing your body to have the normal cycling of hormones. With IUDs, even the Mirena, which contains synthetic progesterone, that doesn't happen. Your body can keep cycling naturally, you ovulate, etc.

So... if you were on the pill before, and are now having more acne, it could have been that the pill was protecting you, not that the IUD is causing it.

I can't think of any physiological reason for an IUD to make acne worse in and of itself, however.

[jerseygirl07067]

I don't know a thing about IUDs.

I have read in several sources as well as heard several esthetiscians and derms say that jawline acne is usually hormonally related. I never had it until I was in my mid to upper twenties. And before that I had perfect skin, go figure...Must be those hormones. And if you think about it, it makes sense. Most teens with acne get it more in the center of their face.

I did find that ProActiv worked well for me in that area, but I am now trying to find something that will help acne and aging issues simultaneously (I'm 36). I've been thinking about trying Retin-A so I could slow down the aging process so to speak!

EDITED to add: prior to kids I was on Ortho Tricylcen, which really did help keep my skin clear too. But I will say ProActiv did do wonders for my skin :)

Marcy

[JacksMommy]

From what I recall my facialist telling me, jaw breakouts are related to hormones and could just be caused by your naturally fluctuating hormonal cycle as you age.

I can't speak to the IUD in particular, if you have the Mirena that might be partially to blame, since it does administer a low dose of hormones...

My advice is to see a good facialist for a skin care regimen and then your dr if that doesn't help.

Laurel
WOHM to Jack, 6/4/02
Baby Madeline 12/14/04

[brittone2]

PCOS is hormonal and can cause breakouts like that, and many women get increasing PCOS symptoms with age or after they have a baby. It may not be the cause but if you have any of these signs it *could* be worth looking into (fwiw, many women w/ pcos only have one or two of them). It could just be "normal" hormonal stuff too though.

Issues w/ your weight
Apple-shaped figure (carry fat in your abdomen)
Irregular periods
Irregular ovulation
Long cycles (more than 35-40 days)
History of Infertility
Acne
Hair (on scalp) falls out easily
Hair growth on face, chest, abdomen
Cystic ovaries
History of diabetes in your family
High cholesterol
High triglycerides
High blood pressure
(hormone testing might also show elevated androgens or elevated LH/FSH ratio)

I have PCOS and "only" have the irregular periods, cystic ovaries, and history of infertility (but have the bloodwork indicative of PCOS). The cystic ovaries aren't a requirement for pcos, some women w/ PCOS do not have cysts (the syndrome was named before it was understood that cysts aren't a necessity). It affects 5-10% of women of childbearing age.

I thought I'd mention it in case it helps anyone else out there :) BCPs mask the symptoms of PCOS so many women never realize they have the symptoms until after they go off of the pill. Hopefully it is just normal hormonal breakout stuff for you and not PCOS but I thought i'd mention it as a possibility if you struggle with adult acne.

[kath68]

I was on the pill for a long time, had little acne, then had Charlie. Afterward, I got an IUD. I now get acne. And mood swings.

Talked to my NP, and she said that my IUD (Mirena) doesn't affect acne and mood swings, that it is all me doing it naturally.

She also said, interestingly, that menstrual symptoms get worse as we age, so even if you didn't have acne, mood swings, etc. when you are younger you can get them when you are older.

[heatherirene]

I absolutely believe that the Mirena IUD is directly related to acne. About 9 months ago I had my first IUD inserted, and a few months later I began getting cyst-like acne mostly on my jawline and a bit on my cheeks. Before I would break out like an average teen/twenty-something in my t-zone. Now I am 24, and have a significantly different kind of acne like never before. At the same time, my pores are remarkably shrinking on my t-zone area.
Although I know that as we age our chemistry changes, however, this change was undeniably spurred by the IUD. In fact, my friend who was telling me about her IUD experience had noticed this exact type of acne each time she had her's inserted. Coincidence? No way.
With all this said, I do still love my IUD. I lost a few pounds immediately (b/c of my going off the pill), and after a few months my period has nearly completely vanished.
Every birth control has its ups and downs, and I'd say overall the Mirena IUD is the best one (out of many) that I have tried. How I plan to deal with this compromise is to have a good cleaning/eating/exercising regime. I have become addicted to Tea Tree Oil and I use it like a toner on my problem areas. You can get a little jar of this pretty cheap at Trader Joe's, and just dilute it with a splash of water on a cotton swab. Also, Earth Science products have been helping with my combination/sensitive skin. For a natural beauty product, this brand is way affordable.
Thanks for all the posts. They are definitely helping me to understand my own skin better.