Skin and hair changes linked to hormones

Spots can appear around periods, during pregnancy or around menopause. Hormone changes can contribute to acne, but medicines and products used on the skin or hair can also play a part. You can ask a clinician about a skin change without knowing what caused it.

Acne: keep care gentle

Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can grow there and cause inflammation. It can range from a few spots to deep, painful lumps, and it may leave scars or changes in skin colour and texture.

The NHS recommends a gentle cleanser and avoiding scrubbing or squeezing spots, which can irritate skin or cause scarring. Remove make-up before bed. Products labelled non-comedogenic are designed not to clog pores. A pharmacist can help you choose an acne treatment.

Book a GP appointment in the UK, or see your doctor elsewhere, if treatment you have tried is not helping, the spots are deep or painful, or acne is causing scars. Its effect on your mental health is also a reason to ask for care. Tell your doctor how it is affecting you.

Darker patches during pregnancy

Patches of darker skin across the cheeks, forehead, nose or upper lip are common in pregnancy. They may appear on both sides of the face. These changes are called melasma or chloasma; the Office on Women’s Health says they are more common in darker-skinned women.

Other pregnancy changes include darker nipples and a dark line from the belly button towards the pubic hairline, called the linea nigra. These skin changes often fade after delivery. Describe any change you want checked rather than trying to match it to a photograph.

Shedding after birth and gradual thinning

Many women notice scalp hair loss about 3 months after childbirth, according to ACOG. Hair usually grows back, but ask for an assessment if the loss worries you.

Gradual thinning has other possible explanations. In female pattern hair loss, hair usually thins on the top and crown of the scalp, often starting with a widening centre parting. Pattern hair loss can be permanent and often runs in families.

Temporary hair loss can follow illness or stress, or be related to iron deficiency. A GP may be able to identify a cause by examining your hair. The NHS advises getting a medical assessment before considering a commercial hair clinic.

Hair loss can be upsetting. Tell your GP how it affects your wellbeing. The NHS says a GP may be able to help arrange counselling if hair loss causes distress. You can discuss treatment choices and emotional support together. Focus on what feels difficult for you, without comparing your hair loss with anyone else’s.

Check treatments during pregnancy

Before taking a medicine in pregnancy, check with your pharmacist, midwife or doctor that it is suitable. The NHS advice applies to prescribed medicines and products bought in a pharmacy or shop. Tell them about regular medicines when planning pregnancy or as soon as you find out you are pregnant.

Do not stop a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor. The NHS warns that stopping a medicine used to keep you healthy could harm you or your baby. Bring product names or packaging so you can discuss the ingredients.

Itching that needs maternity advice now

Call your maternity unit now in the UK, or your obstetric clinician or maternity service in the US or elsewhere, if you are pregnant and itching is severe, worse at night, or affects your palms or soles. In the UK, call NHS 111 if you cannot reach the unit. Do not wait until tomorrow, even at night.

These symptoms can be signs of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver condition that needs urgent treatment. Do not treat them as an expected cosmetic change. For other hair or skin concerns, bring a description of when they started and how they affect you to your GP or doctor.