Hormonal acne: why pimples follow your cycle

Do you get pimples on your chin or jawline around your period every month? Or did your acne return after stopping the pill? Then a hormonal component is probably involved. That is good news and bad news at the same time: it rarely passes on its own, but it responds well to treatment.

Written by the 247dermatologist editorial team, medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist

Reviewed on 29 July 2026± 3 min read

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How hormones affect your skin

Certain hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands. Fluctuations, for example around your cycle, after stopping or switching contraception, or during menopause, can therefore trigger acne flare-ups. Acne that only appears after the age of 25 also often has a hormonal background. Persistent stress plays a part as well: the stress hormone cortisol stimulates the sebaceous glands.

How to recognise hormonal acne

Typical signs include deeper, often painful bumps on the jawline, chin, neck and around the mouth, following a pattern that changes with your cycle. It is most common in adult women, but not exclusive to them.

Is a hormone test needed?

Usually not. In most women with hormonal acne the hormone levels are simply normal; the skin just reacts more sensitively to normal fluctuations. A test is only useful when there are other signs, such as an irregular cycle or excessive hair growth. That combination can point to PCOS, and a doctor assesses that.

What can be done

Hormonal acne responds well to treatment. A dermatologist recognises the pattern from your photos and your story, and draws up a treatment plan that fits your situation. This may involve topical treatments or other treatments prescribed and monitored by a doctor. You do not need to wait for it to clear on its own. With a hormonal component, acne can persist for years.

Do you recognise this pattern?

A dermatologist assesses your skin within 12 to 48 hours and tells you what works in your situation.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a hormone test useful for acne?

Usually not. In most women with hormonal acne the hormone levels are normal. Only with additional signs, such as an irregular cycle or excessive hair growth, is testing useful; discuss that with a doctor.

Is my acne caused by the pill?

Starting, switching or stopping contraception can influence acne, in both directions. If your acne returned after stopping, that is a well-known pattern. Always discuss your contraception with your own doctor.

Does hormonal acne pass on its own?

Sometimes, but it can also persist for years. Because it responds well to treatment, waiting is usually not necessary.

Sources

NVDV
NHG Practice Guideline Acne
Collier et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008.

Last revised on 29 July 2026

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