Although I have never had fabulous skin, it has been relatively pimple-free over the past 30 odd (give or take a year or two) years or so that I have been alive. A few months ago I got a pimple around the time of my period. Not just a tiny blemish but a full-on pimple (the one where you know you shouldn't squeeze it but you do and then you are immediately sorry as it leaves a big permanent mark on your face - that kind).
First it was one pimple, then it was two. Then a month ago I got THREE pimples! Cause enough for concern, however what was particularly alarming was that it was nowhere near my period. I immediately googled "Adult Acne" and discovered that I had late onset Adult Acne probably due to early menopause. Of the 475 symptoms listed on Google, I self-diagnosed 474 of them. This was Serious. I was obviously menopausal and maybe even dying. With acne. (This despite a visit to the gynae a week before who saw lots of eggs in my ovaries indicating that menopause was still a way away). Google knows best.
I booked myself in for a slew of blood tests including: menopause screen, fasting glucose, platelets, thyroid screen, hormone levels and a cancer marker screen. Because you never know when acne might kill you.
The results all came back fine. I didn't have a thyroid disorder, I was not menopausal. I am not diabetic and I am not dying. Yet. I do however have pimples.
So I booked in to see a dermatologist. Who said that it does look a bit like adult acne (told you!!) which was probably hormonal due to my poly-cystic ovaries. I told the dermatologist that this was obviously a very Serious situation which called for swift and proactive measures. Apparently there are several courses of action we could take including reacutan, going on the birth control pill, trying an antibiotic or hiding out in my home and never going out again. The last one was my suggestion.
We decided to try the pill for a few months to see whether that helps. Which means I am back on the dreadful, horrible Yasmin. I know everyone loves that pill but OMG it turns me into a grumpy, irritable bitch from hell. It makes me SO ratty!! I read back on my blog archives to 2005 when I last took Yasmin and I see it turned me into a bitch from hell back then too. I am going to do my best to stick it out for another 2 months or so, but I am not sure whether anyone around me will survive. My poor husband is bearing the brunt of my extreme irritation. It is a hard choice I am making - risking my husband divorcing me vs getting rid of the acne.
I jest, but actually it is quite depressing getting acne. I am feeling really ugly and very self-conscious about it. I am trying my best not to care too much, but it's hard. No one likes to feel ugly.
I would appreciate any insights or advice anyone has on adult acne and / or going crazy on Yasmin. (My sister takes a pill call Oral-Con and she says it is wonderful - should I give Yasmin a chance for another two months and risk divorce or should I change to Oral-Con - I think my sister and I are pretty similar so if the Oral-Con works for her, it might work for me)
PS I now have 8 pimples on my face. The Yasmin is really working well so far.
Yours in irritation and acne,
Spotty McGrumpypants.