Symptom Glossary

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Adult-onset breakouts linked to shifting hormone levels and sebum overproduction.

While often associated with puberty, acne is a surprisingly common symptom of perimenopause. As estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate and ultimately decline, the relative ratio of androgens (male hormones like testosterone) in the body becomes higher. This hormonal imbalance stimulates the sebaceous glands in the skin to overproduce sebum—a thick, oily substance. When excess sebum combines with dead skin cells, it clogs pores, creating an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. Menopausal acne typically presents as deep, tender, cystic bumps concentrated along the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks. Unlike teenage acne, menopausal skin is often simultaneously experiencing a loss of moisture and collagen, making harsh, drying acne treatments counterproductive and potentially damaging to the skin barrier.
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