6 Major Signs Of Hormonal Imbalance: Editor Tries Hormonal Acne Treatments + Chinese Herbal Tea Recommendations

Hormonal imbalance is often linked to acne. When hormones are overactive, they can trigger excessive sebum production, increasing the likelihood of clogged pores and skin issues like blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads. In more serious cases, this can lead to cystic or hormonal acne. So, how can hormonal imbalances be addressed?

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What Is Hormonal Imbalance?

Have you ever experienced irregular menstrual cycles, sudden acne breakouts, emotional instability, or insomnia? These may all be signs of hormonal imbalance and should not be taken lightly.

Hormonal imbalance is closely related to the endocrine system, which regulates metabolism, growth, reproduction, and aging. This system includes the ovaries, adrenal glands, thyroid, and pancreas—each of which secretes essential hormones like growth hormone, melatonin, thyroxine, and adrenaline.

These hormones work in tandem to relay messages between cells. For instance, insulin regulates blood sugar, and adrenaline helps the body respond to stress. When even one part of this system is thrown off, it can disrupt the entire hormonal network.

The ovaries produce female sex hormones. When lifestyle habits, stress, poor nutrition, or illness disrupt endocrine function, hormone levels can become abnormally high or low. This leads to the physical symptoms mentioned above. Left untreated, hormonal imbalances may trigger systemic disorders and disease.

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Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Women

Women tend to notice hormonal changes more easily due to physical and emotional fluctuations. Here are six common symptoms:

1. Irregular Menstruation

The most common sign of hormonal imbalance in women is an irregular menstrual cycle. A normal cycle lasts 28–35 days and is regulated by hormones like FSH, estrogen, and progesterone. Imbalances may lead to infrequent periods, prolonged menstruation, light flow, or even painful cramps—potentially causing infertility or other gynecological issues over time.

2. Excessive Body Hair

Both men and women have androgens and estrogens. When women produce too many androgens, they may develop male-pattern hair growth in areas like the upper lip, chest, abdomen, lower legs, or toes.

3. Skin Problems

Hormonal imbalances can overstimulate sebaceous glands, causing increased oil production and resulting in breakouts like whiteheads, blackheads, cystic acne, and hormonal acne.

4. Poor Sleep Quality

Low melatonin levels can cause fatigue, brain fog, and body aches. Additionally, low estrogen can lead to night sweats and hot flashes, further disrupting sleep.

5. Emotional Instability

Hormones like estrogen, thyroxine, and adrenaline greatly impact mood. Imbalances may lead to irritability, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating. Women with thyroid issues may also feel anxious or experience palpitations.

6. Weight Gain

Estrogen helps regulate weight. Excess estrogen can lead to weight gain, while low thyroid hormone can slow metabolism, causing both weight gain and water retention.

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4 Types of Hormonal Imbalance

Did you know that “hormonal imbalance” is a catch-all term? It can actually be broken down into four types:

1. Estrogen Imbalance

Symptoms include irregular periods, heavy flow, bloating, water retention, and breast tenderness or fibrocystic changes.

2. Thyroid Hormone Imbalance

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause menstrual irregularities, weight gain, and fluid retention.

3. Stress Hormone Imbalance

Cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline help the body handle stress. Imbalances may lead to fatigue, sugar cravings, and difficulty losing weight.

4. Androgen Imbalance in Women

Although women have both estrogen and androgens, excess androgens can result in oily skin, acne, excessive body hair, and hair thinning.

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How Is Acne Related to Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, particularly increased progesterone, can lead to overactive sebaceous glands and clogged pores. That’s why many women break out right before their period.

Since sebum production is hormone-driven, any hormonal imbalance can worsen acne. When excess oil mixes with environmental pollutants and bacteria—especially if the skin isn't cleaned thoroughly—pores get clogged, inflamed, and develop into various types of acne.

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How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treat Hormonal Imbalance?

In TCM, hormonal acne is linked to imbalances in the heart, liver, and spleen. Emotional stress, lack of rest, and poor diet contribute to hormonal disruptions. Hormonal acne often stems from stagnated liver qi and excess internal heat.

The kidney is key in regulating the endocrine system, so TCM emphasizes kidney nourishment. Avoid cold foods like iced drinks, watermelon, duck, and winter melon. Instead, incorporate black foods like black fungus, kelp, and black dates to support kidney health.

To treat hormonal acne, TCM uses four diagnostic techniques—observation, listening/smelling, inquiry, and palpation—to determine root causes like damp heat in the spleen or liver qi stagnation, tailoring treatments to each patient.

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2 Herbal Teas to Improve Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne can appear as large, red, inflamed bumps. Besides TCM remedies, these two teas offer detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits and can be easily made at home:

1. Honeysuckle Detox Tea

Honeysuckle helps clear internal toxins, reduce inflammation, and combat aging. It also supports hormonal balance and acne relief. To prepare, steep 15g of honeysuckle in a cup with hot water, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes before drinking.

2. Job's Tears & Angelica Tea

This tea targets cystic and nodular acne. Place Job's tears (Coix seed), angelica root (white atractylodes), and asparagus root into a filter bag. Boil in 500–600ml of water, simmer for 10–15 minutes, and drink once cooled. One cup a day can yield visible improvements.

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What Foods Help Regulate Hormones?

To reduce hormonal acne, add these six hormone-regulating food types to your daily diet:

1. Garlic

Fresh garlic has strong antibacterial properties. It enhances flavor, boosts immunity, regulates blood sugar, and improves hormonal balance.

2. Red & Yellow Foods

Bell peppers, tomatoes, lemons, pumpkin, turmeric, and bananas are rich in vitamin A, lycopene, and beta-carotene. They fight inflammation and enhance skin quality.

3. Green Vegetables

Loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, calcium, and iron, green veggies regulate hormone levels and support detox and digestion.

4. Protein

Omega-3-rich fish and legumes fight chronic inflammation linked to hormonal acne on the chin and jawline. Eat more quality protein daily.

5. Fresh Fruit

Opt for two servings of low-sugar, high-fiber fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, watermelon, apples, grapefruit, and lemons. These aid detox, digestion, and overall metabolic health.

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7 Daily Habits to Prevent Hormonal Imbalance

Prevention is better than cure! Follow these seven tips to keep your hormones in check:

1. Maintain Gut Health

A healthy gut helps eliminate excess estrogen. Boost your microbiome with probiotics, whole grains, and fiber-rich vegetables.

2. Support Liver Detox

The liver metabolizes hormones. When it’s sluggish, skin issues and hormonal imbalances may arise. Eat antioxidant-rich foods like broccoli, onions, garlic, and turmeric.

3. Avoid Endocrine Disruptors

Environmental hormones or “endocrine disruptors” are harmful chemicals that interfere with hormone regulation. Avoid pesticides, untreated wastewater, and overheated plastics.

4. Balance the Nervous System

Chronic stress can throw your autonomic nervous system and hormones out of balance. Reduce stress through exercise, music, and relaxation.

5. Eat a Balanced Diet

Prioritize vitamin- and mineral-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, and limit processed, high-fat, and high-sugar items. Drink enough water for detox support.

6. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity boosts immunity and metabolism while improving gut health and toxin elimination. Aerobic workouts are especially effective.

7. Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule

Quality sleep promotes the release of growth hormones and helps regulate hormone levels. Consistent sleep routines are essential for hormonal balance and skin recovery.

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Long-Term Acne Sufferer Tries Out Perfect Medical’s Acne Treatment — Does It Really Work?

Perfect Medical’s “Break Up with Acne” treatment has long been popular — but is it actually effective? As someone who has struggled with acne for years, I gave it a try. The verdict? A mix of praise and critique!

First, the good stuff — the online registration process was super simple. Just fill in some basic personal info on their website, and in about 1–2 minutes, you’re done. You’ll receive a confirmation text message right after. Easy and efficient!

Before the actual treatment began, the therapist used a device to give me a detailed skin analysis. She explained, “The reason your acne isn’t clearing up is because your pores are clogged with deep-seated oil.” Their "Break Up with Acne" treatment uses a proprietary vacuum dermabrasion technique to gently and painlessly remove surface dead skin cells, allowing the oil pathways to clear up. This helps regulate sebum production and significantly improves acne conditions.

Sounds great in theory — but how did it feel in reality? First came a gentle facial cleanse. Then the therapist used a vacuum probe to “suction” the entire face. You can feel a light pulling sensation, and it doesn’t just extract blackheads and whiteheads — even pus-filled spots were cleared out. Afterward, my face felt noticeably lighter (not exaggerating). The collection jar of “dirty water” was shockingly murky! Afterwards, they applied anti-inflammatory, calming, and hydrating serums, followed by a face mask and sunscreen.

Results showed up fast. Apart from slight redness and swelling in the suctioned areas, my overall skin tone looked brighter and felt smoother (haven’t felt this smooth in ages!). The cluster of cystic acne on my chin had flattened significantly and shrunk in size. With the blackheads and whiteheads removed, my pores looked more refined, and my skin texture improved noticeably.

When I asked friends and family for their feedback, everyone said I looked much “cleaner and brighter.” That said, the real test lies in how long the results last — it’s perfect right after the treatment, but give it a few days...

So, here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Super quick and easy registration — done in under 5 minutes without asking for excessive personal info.
2. All the staff I interacted with — consultants, beauticians, receptionists — were polite and patient. Even when I asked a ton of questions, they were never annoyed.
3. The treatment was painless. They continuously sprayed and suctioned with a special solution, like a form of hydro-dermabrasion. The moment blackheads and pus were pulled out felt extremely satisfying.

Cons:

1. The wait to get into the treatment room was a bit long. Set aside extra time, especially since this brand is quite popular and often crowded.
2. There’s a sales pitch after the treatment. They’ll explain the pricing and recommend the number of sessions. I didn’t think it was too pushy, though — I would’ve asked about this info anyway.
3. Don’t expect a one-and-done miracle. This is a treatment to significantly improve acne and maintain healthy skin — not a pharmaceutical drug. If your expectations are too high, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment!

Previously, I had seen a dermatologist who suspected my acne was hormone-related. But even after blood tests, nothing abnormal showed up. I tried antibiotics and vitamin A derivatives — they worked while I was on them, but the acne always came back when I stopped. The cycle was endless, and the meds left me severely constipated... So, I decided to take matters into my own hands: focus on diet, skincare, and regular exfoliation. The results have been pretty good! After trying this “Break Up with Acne” treatment, I decided to purchase a discounted package of 8 sessions. I have high hopes — if it works out long-term, I’ll definitely share the results!

Click the link below to register for a FREE trial session of the Acne Treatment. Give it a shot!