I am a woman in my 30's with acne. why is it worse during the time of the month leading up to my menstrual period? what hormones cause this?

Acne: This is often caused by a relative change in the balance of estrogen, estradiol, Progesterone and testosterone in the system. During the last half of the menstrual cycle estrogen starts to decrease, Progesterone increases at first then decreases, and relatively testosterone increases which can cause skin changes and acne.

Progesterone: As discussed the shift in Progesterone along with aerogels gave this effect. One treatment option is vitamin b6 which when taken one week prior to period may have positive effect on menstrual flares of acne.Another option is gugulipid, an indian herb which effects cholesterol and trigylerides and has been shown to be safe for acne.

True: Lots of women experience acne flare up in the premenstrual phase. Usually the second phase of the cycle (after ovulation) leading to menstruation is called luteal phase and is hallmarked by marked Progesterone secretion that would potentially help a fertilized egg cell to stay in the uterus and implant. What hormones in particular cause acne flare ups is hard to tell.

Adult acne in women: Very often there is a type of adult acne that women see, especially around the neck and jaw/chin. It may be related to the ration of estrogen to Progesterone that changes during the menses. See a dermatologist for appropriate treatment.