Menstrual Acne

Menstrual acne is cyclic, appearing during a specific hormonal window and resolving as hormones recover, unlike PCOS-related acne which is constant. Menstrual acne is cyclic, appearing during a specific window and resolving as hormones recover. Acne clusters at menstruation because both estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels for the entire month. Acne clusters at menstruation because testosterone's relative dominance increases when estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, not because testosterone itself spikes. Enlarged sebaceous glands secrete excess sebum, creating conditions for bacterial growth and inflammatory acne lesions. Testosterone's relative dominance increases dramatically at menstruation even without an absolute spike in testosterone levels. Jawline acne may alternate between the left and right sides each month, corresponding to which ovary ovulated that month. Jawline acne may alternate sides each month, corresponding to which ovary is active that cycle.