Educational information from Her Form — reviewed for accuracy by our health specialists.
Not a substitute for personal medical advice. Optional 1:1 consults with Robyn, our consulting women's-health specialist, are available on request.
Common symptoms
- •Jawline and chin acne
- •Cystic, deeper lesions
- •Worse in the luteal phase
- •Often with oily skin and scalp hair thinning
What drives it
- •PCOS / high androgens
- •Insulin resistance
- •Post-pill rebound
- •Stress (high cortisol → high androgens)
Testing approach
Total and free testosterone, SHBG, DHEA-S, fasting insulin, HbA1c — together with LH:FSH ratio if PCOS is suspected.
What to do next
- ✓Address insulin and androgens at the root — topicals alone rarely hold
- ✓Cut spikes in blood sugar; prioritise protein and strength training
- ✓Consider inositol, zinc and a doctor's input on spironolactone if androgens are high
Frequently asked
Can I have hormonal acne with normal testosterone?
Yes — what matters is the free, active fraction and how sensitive your skin's androgen receptors are. SHBG and insulin context matter as much as the testosterone number.
References
- Jean Hailes for Women's Health— Evidence-based women's health information and research
- Endocrine Society — Clinical practice guidelines— Endocrine and hormone disorder management
- NICE — Women's health guidelines— Clinical evidence-based guidance for women's health
References are provided for educational context only. Her Form is not affiliated with these organisations. Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Information on this page is educational — wellness framing, not medical diagnosis. Always interpret results with a doctor who knows your history.