It seems like all the buzz these days, especially when it comes to acne, is centered around “hormones.” They’re often talked about like some evil little pest you need to get rid of because, ha, they’re breaking you out. But it’s time to shift that perspective. The real issue isn’t hormones themselves, it’s hormonal imbalance.

After working with an esthetician for 3+ years and hitting numerous walls, she finally begged me, “Get your hormones tested!” Not to make this all about me, but this, fellow babes, was my breakthrough. My testosterone levels were three times higher than they should’ve been. The “Big-T” was making my jawline bumpier than a warted pumpkin.

So here’s my plea to you: get your hormones checked! 

Step 1 (Get The Test): Your skin, being the mirror of what’s going on inside you, will often tell you how you’re experiencing a hormonal imbalance.  More specifically, if the cause is a surplus of testosterone or estrogen. And although I love an intuitive queen, medically testing your hormone levels can help you avoid endless trials, errors, and frustrations.

Step 2 (Choose Your Route): Once you get your results, you generally have two options (and this truly comes down to your personal beliefs): western medicine or eastern/functional medicine.

Western Medicine: This is the route I took when treating my elevated testosterone levels. 

Common treatments include:

• Spironolactone: Helps decrease testosterone.
• Birth Control Pills: Help increase estrogen levels and regulate hormones.

Eastern / Functional Medicine: Depending on your surplus, some supplements may aid your body in gaining back equilibrium. ,

For Estrogen Surplus:

• DIM: Supports healthy estrogen metabolism and promotes clearance of excess estrogen.
• Calcium-D-Glucarate: Helps the liver and gut eliminate metabolized estrogen.
• Milk Thistle: Supports liver detox pathways involved in hormone breakdown.
• Vitex (Chasteberry): Regulates the brain–ovary signaling that influences estrogen levels.
• Green Tea Extract: Provides compounds that support estrogen detoxification.
• Reishi Mushroom: Modulates estrogen activity and supports hormonal balance.

For Testosterone Surplus:

• Spearmint Tea: Shown to lower free testosterone levels.
• Saw Palmetto: Inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a more acne-triggering form.
• Licorice Root: Reduces circulating androgens and supports cortisol balance.
• Reishi Mushroom: Helps regulate androgen activity and reduce inflammation.
• NAC: Supports liver detoxification and reduces androgen-driven oxidative stress.
• Inositol: Improves insulin sensitivity, which can lower elevated testosterone.

Before spending big $$$ on “acne” supplements, make sure you identify what actually needs to be targeted.

Blemish Babe Tip: I used Allara, a hormone specialist app, to work with a hormone doctor who ordered my tests and prescribed medication. If you prefer the eastern/functional route, look for an IHP or FDN practitioner who can test you and guide you through a more holistic approach.