11/16/2023
IUD’s and acne
This beautiful client came to me after a long struggle with acne. Her acne presented as deep, painful cysts and nodules, and she exhibited inflammation that also indicated GI issues.
We have worked together for a few months now and have slowly worked to improve the incidence of acne and general inflammation through a topical routine, regular facials, and a diet structured around liver support and balancing her microbiome. But, she still broke out in deep, painful, cystic blemishes that were clearly hormonal. Skincare can’t touch it.
From our first interaction, I suspected her IUD was the issue. Even though it was a “non-hormonal” copper IUD, which her doctors were convinced couldn’t cause acne. However, there are numerous studies that show that copper-containing IUD’s increase blood copper levels, and that copper can act as a metalloestrogen, which can add to the burden of aberrant oestrogen signaling in human tissue. Copper is stored in the organs, mainly the liver and brain. The liver is also burdened by synthetic hormones/toxins, so over time, the impacts can worsen in a kind of snowball effect.
The increase in copper levels can also negatively impact zinc levels, which can also lead to acne.
Through our conversations, she decided to explore removing her IUD. This after image is 3 weeks after removing her IUD.
This isn’t a guaranteed side effect, and it doesn’t happen to everyone. But if you’ve experienced acne that aligns in timing with your IUD, you’re not crazy. It might be negatively impacting your health.
