Acne and excess hair—is it my thyroid or something else?

I'm 21... I've dealt with acne my whole life, but lately, it's gotten worse. It’s hitting the right side of my face and my neck specifically. On top of that, hair is starting to grow everywhere—upper lip, underarms (I'm shaving every two days now, which is new), my back, and even my stomach. It's getting bad. I've also started sweating constantly, which was never an issue before. My heart races all the time, even just sitting down. Then there's the exhaustion and the depression. One thing that’s really messing with me lately is sleeping; I can't rest my neck on a pillow. I have to clutch it just to keep my head up because I feel like I'm suffocating. I never thought much of these changes until now, but I'm starting to worry. For context, I don't take any birth control and never have. I see my OBGYN regularly. My mom has thyroid issues, though we don't really talk about it. Should I be seeing a GP, an endocrinologist, a psychologist, or someone else for all this? I'm studying abroad right now, so getting tests done isn't exactly easy. Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated. THANKS

Have you been on any medications or antibiotics lately? It could just be a gynecological issue, maybe something like PCOS. Your best bet is to see a doctor at Planned Parenthood, and then maybe an endocrinologist if they think it’s necessary.

Just tell your doctor everything that’s bothering you. They need the full picture so they can actually order the right tests and check your hormone levels properly. And don't forget to mention exactly what kind of thyroid issues your mom is dealing with.

Look, just go ahead and talk to your mom first. 🤷

You should definitely get your hormones checked—specifically your thyroid. Everything in the endocrine system is interconnected, and when there’s a bit of a "short circuit" somewhere, the whole body feels the fallout. Acne, especially along the lower jawline or neck (the right side specifically), increased hair growth in those typically "masculine" areas, constant fatigue... it all points toward a hormonal imbalance, likely an excess of androgens. It's worth noting that most of those symptoms are classic hallmarks of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is itself a hormonal disorder.

How have your cycles been lately, and have you noticed any significant weight gain?

What kind of thyroid issues is your mother dealing with? It doesn't necessarily mean you're destined to inherit the exact same problems.

In any case, I’d suggest scheduling an appointment with a gynecologist. They can write you a referral for blood work to check your hormone levels and, while you're at it, perform a pelvic ultrasound to take a look at your ovaries.
Once those results come back, you'll have a much clearer picture of how to proceed. You might find yourself needing to see an Endocrine specialist afterward, but one step at a time. Start with the gynecologist first.

I haven't touched antibiotics in at least two years... I only take painkillers right before my period starts...
My cycle is totally regular... weight-wise? I'm pretty average. A little soft in some spots, but nothing crazy. I gain weight easily, but I can drop it just as fast. My mom and I have never really had a real talk about this stuff—she's super private, and honestly, so am I. But I’ll have to bring it up with her eventually; she'll know what to do. I just wanted to see what you guys think first. Am I just overthinking this and creating problems where there aren't any? Anyway, I'll probably jump into the main thread soon. 😢(thanks for all the replies :**

No, I don't think it's the thyroid. It’s more likely the ovaries—specifically, maybe some issues with PCOS.

dustynomad8 said:I'm 21... I've dealt with acne my whole life, but lately, it's gotten worse. It’s hitting the right side of my face and my neck specifically. On top of that, hair is starting to grow everywhere—upper lip, underarms (I'm shaving every two days now, which is new), my back, and even my stomach. It's getting bad. I've also started sweating constantly, which was never an issue before. My heart races all the time, even just sitting down. Then there's the exhaustion and the depression. One thing that’s really messing with me lately is sleeping; I can't rest my neck on a pillow. I have to clutch it just to keep my head up because I feel like I'm suffocating. I never thought much of these changes until now, but I'm starting to worry. For context, I don't take any birth control and never have. I see my OBGYN regularly. My mom has thyroid issues, though we don't really talk about it. Should I be seeing a GP, an endocrinologist, a psychologist, or someone else for all this? I'm studying abroad right now, so getting tests done isn't exactly easy. Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated. THANKS

If you happen to be losing hair on top of everything else you mentioned, you almost certainly have an Endocrine issue. Both my mother and sister struggle with thyroid conditions, and alongside the symptoms you described, they dealt with hair loss, a sensation of choking, hand tremors, and slight swelling at the base of the neck.
Have a conversation with your mother—ask her about her specific symptoms—and then make sure to see a doctor. Once you get onto the proper medication, you'll likely start feeling much better within a few months.

The best approach would be to start by testing all your hormone levels—specifically thyroid and gynecological markers. If I were in your shoes, I’d also look into adrenal hormones. It will be difficult for any specialist to provide meaningful guidance without those specific results in hand.

If you have the budget for it, private labs might be your best bet since they can often turn results around within a single day, though it will certainly get expensive given how many tests you need. Alternatively, if you prefer using a hospital, I’d suggest calling ahead first to check the wait times. If you happen to be in Washington, D.C., give them a call; the Endocrine department there has its own dedicated laboratory. You might also want to check with Peterson, as they could potentially offer the fastest turnaround...

dustynomad8 said:I haven't touched antibiotics in at least two years... I only take painkillers right before my period starts...
My cycle is totally regular... weight-wise? I'm pretty average. A little soft in some spots, but nothing crazy. I gain weight easily, but I can drop it just as fast. My mom and I have never really had a real talk about this stuff—she's super private, and honestly, so am I. But I’ll have to bring it up with her eventually; she'll know what to do. I just wanted to see what you guys think first. Am I just overthinking this and creating problems where there aren't any? Anyway, I'll probably jump into the main thread soon. 😢(thanks for all the replies :**

hey there

I am 33 years old. My hair is thinning quite a bit, I deal with sweating... and I get these frequent hot and cold flashes. My breasts are incredibly sore, and I have this white discharge (when I apply pressure)... over the last year and a half, I've gone through a mountain of tests... mostly because I'm also dealing with bloating, cramps, a racing heart, a bit of extra hair growth along my jawline, looking quite pale, and people tell me I've lost a significant amount of weight (I went from about 160 lbs down to 125 lbs—though that happened over a few years and I've been holding steady at this weight for about two years now)... my thyroid seems fine (though an aunt of mine has issues with hers), and my bloodwork showed low iron and slightly elevated cholesterol; I couldn't bring myself to do a gastroscopy because that procedure looks absolutely dreaded... basically, my gynecologist found that I have a yeast infection—those can cause so much trouble if they spread... and my cortisol levels were high, which is essentially the stress hormone...

My primary care physician says it’s all just stress... apparently, when you're stressed, you get anxious, suffer from insomnia, and your immune system drops—which then leads to yeast infections and either an accelerated or slowed metabolism...

If someone in your family has thyroid issues, it might be best to have yours checked first... if the thyroid isn't the culprit, maybe try getting your hormones monitored—I had four different female hormones tested, and you really have to be careful about which day of your cycle you schedule them... for the thyroid, I think you'd just ask your GP for a referral, but for those hormones, go to the gynecologist... in my opinion, seeing the gynecologist is a must.

I'm dealing with something pretty similar. I've always had this moderate amount of extra hair growth—honestly, I can't even remember a time when I felt "normal."🙄 So, we're talking from age 11 onwards, most likely.🤷 No PCOS, no acne issues either (except for those random breakouts back in middle school), and I'm definitely not carrying any extra weight. It's just not my thing. So, looking at all this, does it sound more like a thyroid issue or a sex hormone thing to you guys?🤷

Thyroid issues aren't typically going to cause excess hair growth. In fact, thyroid problems usually lead to thinning hair or hair loss instead. Excessive sweating and a racing heart are more characteristic signs—specifically when you're dealing with hyperthyroidism.

I’m assuming we’re talking about hirsutism here—that’s when women experience hair growth in places where men normally do, like the face, chin, chest, stomach, or thighs. This points toward an overproduction or hyperactivity of male hormones, known as androgens. Because of this, hirsutism can sometimes lead to virilization, which involves the development of other masculine traits like a deepening voice or male-pattern baldness, though that isn't always the case. For younger women, the most common culprit behind this hormonal imbalance is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), as some others have already noted. Beyond ovarian issues, it could also stem from adrenal gland disorders, either on its own or in conjunction with ovarian dysfunction.

The first step should be a gynecological exam—which includes a US Navy ultrasound of the ovaries—along with blood work to check hormone levels, specifically testosterone, DHEA-S, LH, and FSH.

dustynomad8 also mentioned things like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, fatigue, depression, and shortness of breath. Those symptoms definitely align with thyroid dysfunction, so my advice is to get that checked out as well.

Keep in mind, this is just my general take on the situation. You absolutely need to consult with your doctor or gynecologist regarding all of this. Wishing you all nothing but good health!

cosmicwolf27 said:I'm dealing with something pretty similar. I've always had this moderate amount of extra hair growth—honestly, I can't even remember a time when I felt "normal."🙄 So, we're talking from age 11 onwards, most likely.🤷 No PCOS, no acne issues either (except for those random breakouts back in middle school), and I'm definitely not carrying any extra weight. It's just not my thing. So, looking at all this, does it sound more like a thyroid issue or a sex hormone thing to you guys?🤷

It’s a common misconception that PCOS always manifests through those classic, textbook symptoms—you know, the usual suspects like stubborn acne, weight gain, bloating, hair thinning, or excessive hair growth in typically male-pattern areas. But honestly, it doesn't have to work that way for everyone. One thing people often miss is the distinction between general increased hair growth and true hirsutism. There is a significant difference between having slightly more hair overall and developing that specific male-pattern growth; they aren't the same thing, though I suppose it's worth noting that hirsutism isn't even a mandatory requirement for a PCOS diagnosis. Furthermore, you can't rely solely on an ultrasound to tell the whole story. It is entirely possible for your ovaries to look perfectly normal on a scan and still meet the criteria. In my view, a truly comprehensive assessment requires looking at the full hormonal profile alongside those imaging results. Often, once you see the complete picture, it becomes clear that you need to investigate adrenal function and insulin sensitivity as well—since, as we know, there is a very strong, documented link between PCOS and insulin resistance in many cases.

Nicholas Wright56 said:hey there

I am 33 years old. My hair is thinning quite a bit, I deal with sweating... and I get these frequent hot and cold flashes. My breasts are incredibly sore, and I have this white discharge (when I apply pressure)... over the last year and a half, I've gone through a mountain of tests... mostly because I'm also dealing with bloating, cramps, a racing heart, a bit of extra hair growth along my jawline, looking quite pale, and people tell me I've lost a significant amount of weight (I went from about 160 lbs down to 125 lbs—though that happened over a few years and I've been holding steady at this weight for about two years now)... my thyroid seems fine (though an aunt of mine has issues with hers), and my bloodwork showed low iron and slightly elevated cholesterol; I couldn't bring myself to do a gastroscopy because that procedure looks absolutely dreaded... basically, my gynecologist found that I have a yeast infection—those can cause so much trouble if they spread... and my cortisol levels were high, which is essentially the stress hormone...

My primary care physician says it’s all just stress... apparently, when you're stressed, you get anxious, suffer from insomnia, and your immune system drops—which then leads to yeast infections and either an accelerated or slowed metabolism...

If someone in your family has thyroid issues, it might be best to have yours checked first... if the thyroid isn't the culprit, maybe try getting your hormones monitored—I had four different female hormones tested, and you really have to be careful about which day of your cycle you schedule them... for the thyroid, I think you'd just ask your GP for a referral, but for those hormones, go to the gynecologist... in my opinion, seeing the gynecologist is a must.

Look, fungi are just a natural part of our biology—they're already living inside us, so I suppose they aren't inherently going to cause any harm or anything like that; it’s really the least of our concerns in the grand scheme of things. Of course, it all traces back to stress—that plays such a massive role in everything—not to mention the disproportionate impact it seems to have on us women.

You really ought to try and get those hormone levels under control—if you can even call it that. I had four different female hormones tested myself, and honestly, you have to be incredibly careful about which specific day of your cycle you schedule the bloodwork for; timing is everything if you want accurate results. As for the thyroid stuff, I suspect you’ll need to grab a referral from your primary care physician first, and then you can head over to a specialist. In my experience, you definitely need to see an OB-GYN to get those hormonal panels handled properly.

It isn’t enough to just test female hormones—if her gynecologist is sending her in for labs anyway, they really ought to check everything else too. I mean, you need the full picture if you want any actual clarity. Besides, the doctor is already noting thyroid tests on the referral, so she might as well get it all done in one go. Typically, you’d run those levels around day 2 through 5 of the cycle, though sometimes progesterone needs to be checked on day 21 or 22.

It is essential—if we are being thorough here—to pull a comprehensive panel. I suppose you should look at Estradiol, FSH, and LH (though the ratio between them is what actually matters), along with prolactin and testosterone—both total and free levels. You’ll also want to include TSH, T3, and T4, plus progesterone, DHEA-S, and androstenedione. If it is at all possible, I would suggest adding cortisol testing via both blood plasma and a 24-hour urine sample as well.

Just a quick question that’s a little bit off-topic here...

If someone notices a hormone imbalance—whether it’s a man or a woman—how does the treatment process usually work? Is it typically handled through specific hormone replacement therapies, or is there another standard approach?

It really depends—what exactly is malfunctioning, and to what degree? Is it an uptick or a drop? You first need a comprehensive investigation to pinpoint the "where," the "what," and the "how." Ideally, one should try to identify where this chain reaction originated and the underlying mechanics behind why it happened in the first place.
The pituitary gland produces numerous highly significant hormones and acts as the primary "communication hub" for them, which in turn regulates functions like ovarian activity or kidney performance. It is entirely possible for that communication to break down—perhaps due to the presence of an adenoma—which triggers a cascade of hormonal imbalances that might manifest, for instance, as irregularities in a woman's cycle. That is just one example among many.

Take PCOS, for instance. There isn't a singular "cure," and the hormonal fluctuations—whether they are up or down—vary wildly from patient to patient; it is incredibly individualized. Furthermore, it’s a chronic condition—a syndrome that can, admittedly, be managed and kept under control through careful dietary choices, exercise, and, in short, a healthy lifestyle.

Generally speaking, gynecologists tend to lean toward hormone therapy—specifically birth control pills. But those pills aren't actually a cure; they are relatively fine while you are taking them—since there is no ovulation and no symptoms because the ovaries are essentially in "standby mode"—but once you stop, things usually revert to the previous state after a certain period. Lately, doctors have even started prescribing Metformin (Glucophage), which can show some efficacy, though I believe it isn't prescribed nearly as frequently here in the States compared to how it's handled abroad.

The thyroid is a completely different story. Its disorders also significantly impact the entire body, and there is a wide spectrum of treatment options available—everything depends on the specific diagnosis, the patient's age, and various other factors. Judging by the symptoms mentioned in the initial post, it could potentially involve hyperthyroidism—an overactive thyroid (though, again, this is purely speculative)—where the options range from anti-thyroid medications to surgical intervention.

Samuel Morgan40 said:It’s a common misconception that PCOS always manifests through those classic, textbook symptoms—you know, the usual suspects like stubborn acne, weight gain, bloating, hair thinning, or excessive hair growth in typically male-pattern areas. But honestly, it doesn't have to work that way for everyone. One thing people often miss is the distinction between general increased hair growth and true hirsutism. There is a significant difference between having slightly more hair overall and developing that specific male-pattern growth; they aren't the same thing, though I suppose it's worth noting that hirsutism isn't even a mandatory requirement for a PCOS diagnosis. Furthermore, you can't rely solely on an ultrasound to tell the whole story. It is entirely possible for your ovaries to look perfectly normal on a scan and still meet the criteria. In my view, a truly comprehensive assessment requires looking at the full hormonal profile alongside those imaging results. Often, once you see the complete picture, it becomes clear that you need to investigate adrenal function and insulin sensitivity as well—since, as we know, there is a very strong, documented link between PCOS and insulin resistance in many cases.

Look, fungi are just a natural part of our biology—they're already living inside us, so I suppose they aren't inherently going to cause any harm or anything like that; it’s really the least of our concerns in the grand scheme of things. Of course, it all traces back to stress—that plays such a massive role in everything—not to mention the disproportionate impact it seems to have on us women.

You really ought to try and get those hormone levels under control—if you can even call it that. I had four different female hormones tested myself, and honestly, you have to be incredibly careful about which specific day of your cycle you schedule the bloodwork for; timing is everything if you want accurate results. As for the thyroid stuff, I suspect you’ll need to grab a referral from your primary care physician first, and then you can head over to a specialist. In my experience, you definitely need to see an OB-GYN to get those hormonal panels handled properly.

It isn’t enough to just test female hormones—if her gynecologist is sending her in for labs anyway, they really ought to check everything else too. I mean, you need the full picture if you want any actual clarity. Besides, the doctor is already noting thyroid tests on the referral, so she might as well get it all done in one go. Typically, you’d run those levels around day 2 through 5 of the cycle, though sometimes progesterone needs to be checked on day 21 or 22.

It is essential—if we are being thorough here—to pull a comprehensive panel. I suppose you should look at Estradiol, FSH, and LH (though the ratio between them is what actually matters), along with prolactin and testosterone—both total and free levels. You’ll also want to include TSH, T3, and T4, plus progesterone, DHEA-S, and androstenedione. If it is at all possible, I would suggest adding cortisol testing via both blood plasma and a 24-hour urine sample as well.

So, I asked about this on the forum once, and they told me it was pretty obvious.🤣🤣

I don't get this whole thing about categorizing different types of body hair. It makes zero sense to me.🤷 I mean, look at me. I’ve got more hair on my stomach, back, and arms than most women I know—just those tiny, light fuzzies everywhere. And then there's that little patch above my lip. It's nothing crazy, but still. I know plenty of other women deal with the exact same thing without making it their whole personality, though.🤷 Honestly, it’s not even that big of a deal to me. It's not like it ruins my life or anything. So... what are we talking about here? Is it actually a "manly" amount of hair, or just, like, moderate?🙏

I suppose there’s a fair amount of nonsense being posted here, though I guess this link might actually be worth a look

Regarding PCOS treatment—whether you're looking at birth control pills or clomiphene citrate if you're trying to conceive
it’s probably a decent way to handle things.

Maria Gomez4 said:I suppose there’s a fair amount of nonsense being posted here, though I guess this link might actually be worth a look

Regarding PCOS treatment—whether you're looking at birth control pills or clomiphene citrate if you're trying to conceive
it’s probably a decent way to handle things.

Maria Gomez4 and you both seem to be throwing out all sorts of theories—look, I live with PCOS myself, so please don't just drop links to some overly generalized lifestyle site and start lecturing about how pills or clomiphene are "good therapies." What kind of therapy? Since when are birth control pills considered a "therapy"? And what happens once you stop taking them? Most women view them as nothing more than cosmetic fixes—they just mask the symptoms. Why would anyone jump straight to clomiphene? Don't you realize that every single patient is a unique case? It is incredibly, highly individual; no two experiences are identical. For instance, my own lab results and even my Mayo Clinic ultrasounds vary significantly from one checkup to the next. It's common knowledge, really, and any decent OB-GYN will tell you the same: diet, exercise, and so on.

God knows which pills have actually helped resolve the issue, considering we all know everything just reverts to the status quo once you quit. Metformin is a standard treatment used everywhere else, whereas in Rhode Island, only a handful of doctors have recently started prescribing it—likely because they're still reading those same generic internet articles.

Keith Thomas21 said:If you happen to be losing hair on top of everything else you mentioned, you almost certainly have an Endocrine issue. Both my mother and sister struggle with thyroid conditions, and alongside the symptoms you described, they dealt with hair loss, a sensation of choking, hand tremors, and slight swelling at the base of the neck.
Have a conversation with your mother—ask her about her specific symptoms—and then make sure to see a doctor. Once you get onto the proper medication, you'll likely start feeling much better within a few months.

Yeah, my hands are shaking like crazy, my hair is falling out—though I always figured that was just normal—and my neck is swollen; you can even see it in photos... I'm getting my referral tomorrow and heading straight to the lab for blood work.😢(