Extended breastfeeding and cystic acne?

[stopgap]

Since the age of 12, I've had spots on and off, including a pretty bad bout of acne at 22 when I came off the contraceptive pill. All in all, though, it was minor and easily concealed.

I'm now 35, fifteen months postpartum, and suffering with awful cystic acne. I don't know whether it's the return of my period (three months ago), my postpartum thyroid woes or the effect of prolactin on the body for an extended period of time.

Anyone else found that their skin went utterly barmy after breastfeeding for a lengthy period of time?

[BakingBunty]

Watching with interest as I've also had a recurrence of acne at 14 months post partum, 4 months after the return of my periods. I'd assumed it was a result of me cutting down on breastfeeding (just once a day now) as my skin was fab throughout pregnancy and up until last month.

[thereinmadnesslies]

I'm still feeding DS 3 and I've got a dodgy thyroid. I definitely have periods of terrible acne, like two months of constantly erupting skin followed by a period of almost decent skin.

I've always put it down to the dodgy thyroid more than the BF - when my thyroid levels are badly controlled my periods go crazy and then I get the acne breakouts. When my thyroid is ok my periods are a normal 28 days apart and other than the odd spot my skin is passable.

Are you treating the post partum thyroid issue?

[stopgap]

Yes. I'm on Armour thyroid, and all my numbers appear fine. I started taking an adrenal support supplement two weeks ago and things seems to be calming down. I am due to see a new endocrinologist next week, so I'll go armed and ready with plenty of questions.