A lesser-known truth is that endometriosis and acne are closely connected — a hormonal link many doctors rarely explain in detail.
If you often wonder:
l “Will endometriosis cause acne?”
l “Does endometriosis cause acne flare-ups before my period?”
l “Can endometriosis cause acne even if my skincare is perfect?”
Then this guide is for you.
Endometriosis is already a painful and exhausting condition. Adding stubborn acne on top of that feels unfair — and confusing. But the good news is that once you understand why endometriosis acne happens, it becomes much easier to manage, reduce, and in many cases, completely control.
This UK-based, easy-to-read guide breaks down the causes, symptoms, science, and real solutions behind endometriosis-related acne — in more than 2500 words — plus a detailed FAQ section to clear every doubt.
What Exactly Is Endometriosis? (A Quick, Simple Explanation)
Women in the UK often report these symptoms:
l Very painful periods
l Chronic pelvic pain
l Pain during or after sex
l Bloating
l Infertility/difficulty conceiving
l Aloe vera doesn
So, Does Endometriosis Cause Acne? The Honest Answer
Yes — endometriosis can cause acne.
Not in every woman, but in a significant number.
The connection is hormonal.
between:
l Oestrogen
l Progesterone
l Testosterone
l Inflammation hormones
“Will endometriosis cause acne for me?”
It can — especially if your endometriosis symptoms are triggered by hormonal imbalance or inflammation.
The Hidden Hormonal Link: Why Endometriosis Acne Happens
Most women with endometriosis experience high levels of oestrogen dominance. This is when the body has too much oestrogen compared to progesterone.
When this happens, several things occur that directly affect your skin:
1. Oestrogen Dominance Leads to Hormonal Chaos
Oestrogen dominance can:
l Increase sebum (oil) production
l Trigger cystic acne
l Cause deep, painful breakouts
l Worsen acne before periods
l Slow down skin healing
This explains why many women report “my acne gets worse when my endometriosis flares.”
2. Progesterone Drops — and Skin Gets Oilier
Low progesterone levels:
l Increase stress
l Increase inflammation
l Cause skin sensitivity
l Promote hormonal breakouts
This is one of the main reasons endometriosis and acne go hand in hand.
3. Androgens Increase — Leading to Jawline Acne
Even if your blood levels are testing normally for testosterone, endometriosis can affect your androgen sensitivity locally, making your skin extremely reactive to even small changes in hormonesThis leads to:
l Jawline acne
l Chin acne
l Neck acne
l Cystic bumps
This is the classic hormonal acne pattern.
4. Chronic Inflammation Makes Acne Worse
When inflammation increases:
l Pores become clogged more easily
l Breakouts become more painful
l Acne becomes deeper and harder to treat
l Redness stays for longer
Many women say their skin feels “angry,” “hot,” or “inflamed” during flare-ups — this is why.
5. Stress Hormone (Cortisol) Triggers Flares
Due to these problems, and with pain and discomfort occurring almost every month, stress levels are bound to be high.
High cortisol:
l Makes the skin oilier
l Slows down healing
l Weakens the skin barrier
l Triggers hormonal breakouts
This leads to a frustrating circle.
Symptoms of Endometriosis Acne (What It Looks Like)
1. Deep cystic pimples around the jaw and chin
Classic hormonal site.
2. Acne that gets worse before or during periods
Because hormones shift rapidly during this time.
3. Breakouts after stress, pain episodes, or flare-ups
Cortisol spikes make it worse.
4. Acne that doesn’t respond to regular skincare
Because it’s hormonal, and not topical.
5. Pimples on the neck, chest, or back
Typically occur when androgens are high.
If so, then it might be a pattern associated with acne caused by endometriosis.
The UK Reality: Why Women Don’t Get Clear Answers From Doctors
In the UK, many GPs focus on treating basic acne with:
l Antibiotics
l Skin creams
l Spot treatments
l Birth control pills
However, these solutions will not work on women with endometriosis because it isn’t on the surface. It’s hormonal and inflammatory.
Most women say they feel:
l Misunderstood
l Ignored
l Given generic advice
l Told acne is “normal” or “just hormonal”
l Given creams that make no difference
How To Know If Your Acne Is From Endometriosis (Self-Check Guide)
Use this simple checklist.
If you can say “yes” to 5 or more, you likely have endometriosis acne:
l Your acne gets worse around your period
l You have jawline or chin acne
l You experience pelvic pain or heavy periods
l You feel bloated before periods
l Your acne becomes severe during stress
l Skincare products don’t work
l You have fatigue or hormone imbalance symptoms
l Breakouts flare after consuming sugar or dairy
If this sounds like you — keep reading for real solutions.
Real Solutions: How To Reduce Endometriosis Acne Naturally (UK-Focused)
You don’t need expensive products or harsh treatments.
You need a hormone-balancing strategy.
Here are proven, realistic steps:
1. Balance Oestrogen Naturally
To reduce oestrogen dominance:
Eat more:
l Broccoli
l Kale
l Cauliflower
l Brussels sprouts
l Flaxseeds
l Green tea
Reduce:
l Dairy
l Sugar
l Processed foods
l Caffeine (only reduce if it worsens symptoms for you)
These increase inflammation.
2. Improve Gut Health for Better Hormone Balance
Add:
l Probiotics
l Greek yoghurt
l Fibre
l Vegetables
l Whole grains
Avoid:
l Junk food
l Excess sugar
3. Reduce Inflammation
Eat more:
l Olive oil
l Berries
l Turmeric
4. Consider Hormone-Friendly Supplements (Commonly Used in the UK)
l Zinc – reduces acne inflammation
l Omega-3 – lowers inflammation
l Vitamin D – helps regulate hormones
l Magnesium – reduces stress and cortisol
l DIM supplements – balance oestrogen levels
5. Stress Management (Important for UK Women With Busy Lifestyles)
Chronic stress increases cortisol → acne flares.
Simple practices:
l Warm baths
l Light walks
l Evening herbal teas
l Stretching
Even 10 minutes daily helps.
6. Skincare That Actually Works for Endometriosis Acne
Best ingredients:
l Salicylic acid
l Niacinamide
l Benzoyl peroxide (only if tolerated)
l Retinol (introduce slowly)
Keep your routine simple:
Morning:
Niacinamide
Moisturiser
SPF
Night:
Cleanser
Moisturiser
7. NHS Treatment You Can Ask For (UK-Specific)
l Hormone testing
l Progesterone-based treatments
l Laparoscopy referral if symptoms suggest endometriosis
l Dermatology referral
l Prescription retinoids
l Bloodwork for vitamin or hormone imbalance
You have the right to ask for referrals — don’t hold back.
Medical Options: When You Need a Doctor’s Help
If acne is:
l Very painful
l Cystic
l Leaving scars
l Causing emotional stress
These medical treatments may help:
l Hormonal therapies
l Progesterone-based medication
l Stronger retinoids
Always discuss risks and side effects.
Can Endometriosis Treatment Improve Acne? YES — Here’s How
When endometriosis is treated, acne often improves automatically because:
l Hormones become more balanced
l Inflammation reduces
l Stress levels fall
l The menstrual cycle becomes smoother
Many women report noticeable skin improvements 3–6 months after starting proper treatment.
Lifestyle Habits That Help UK Women With Endometriosis Acne
Maintain a stable sleep routine
Your hormones regulate while you sleep.
Limit alcohol
It disrupts hormones.
Track flare-ups
Apps like Flo, Clue, or Balance help identify patterns.
The Emotional Side: It’s Not “Just Acne”
Women with endometriosis already deal with:
l Chronic pain
l Fatigue
l Hormonal shifts
l Mood changes
l Fertility worries
Adding acne on top of that affects:
l Confidence
l Social life
l Mental health
l Self-esteem
You’re not “overreacting.”
Your feelings are valid.
Final Thoughts: The Truth About Endometriosis Acne
So, does endometriosis cause acne?
Yes — absolutely, and for many different hormonal and inflammatory reasons.
Acne linked to endometriosis is NOT caused by:
l Dirty skin
l Bad hygiene
l Poor skincare
l Random breakouts
FAQs (UK-Focused) About Endometriosis Acne
1. How does endometriosis acne appear?
Characteristically deep, tender, and erythematous papules around the jaw and chin area.
2. Do Breakouts on the Jawline Indicate an Imbalance of Hormones?
Yes –this is the typical area for hormonal acne.
3. Should I see a GP about endometriosis acne?
Yes — and especially if your acne breaks out, is painful, serious, or associated with your period.
4. Is endometriosis acne permanent?
No — Once hormones are regulated, acne clears up.
