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When you are diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), you may be focused on the issues of your hormonal imbalances or even on the ovarian cysts themselves. However, one of the issues you may not have thought of yet is acne. Acne is one of the many unfortunate side effects of having PCOS, and it is often associated with higher levels of testosterone in the body. If you have been struggling to get your PCOS-related acne under control, get to know some of the various ways that your acne can be treated. Then, you can start giving these treatments a try as soon as possible. 

Testosterone-Reducing Medications

One of the treatment options that might help you with your PCOS-related acne is to address the underlying issue that may be causing or contributing to your acne. There are medications that can help to manage and reduce the levels of testosterone in the body. One such medication is spironolactone (Aldactone). 

You will take these medications once or twice a day to suppress the production of testosterone in the body. Over time, doing so can reduce the frequency and severity of your acne. It is not necessarily a cure-all to get rid of acne entirely but can make a major difference in the appearance of your skin. 

Oral Contraceptives

Another way to manage your hormones when you have PCOS is to take an oral contraceptive. These pills help to provide estrogen and progesterone that may be lacking in a woman who has PCOS. 

When hormone levels are well-balanced, acne is often less of a problem. Taking birth control pills every day will help regulate your hormones throughout your entire cycle, helping with acne all throughout the month. You can also take both testosterone-reducing drugs along with oral contraceptives for even better control over your hormones, and therefore, your acne. 

Change Your Diet

Another form of acne treatment when you have PCOS is to change your diet. Many people are guilty of the same dietary crime. They eat foods that tend to cause inflammation throughout the body. Foods that cause inflammation can include refined carbohydrates, sugars, and alcohol, as well as some meats. 

Changing your diet to limit or eliminate these types of food can reduce inflammation in your skin as well as throughout your entire body. Acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin and because of this, diet can play a major role in managing the condition. Eating a diet rich in foods like broccoli, kelp, blueberries, ginger, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help as these foods all have anti-inflammatory properties. 

Now that you know some of the ways you can treat your PCOS-related acne, you can talk to your doctor about trying these treatments right away. You can also check out websites like http://www.greaterdesmoinesdermatology.com/ today.