Contraception Reviews

Hormonal IUD and acne

How our community feel hormonal IUD has affected their skin

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

No change

43%

Don't know

14%

Out of the 70 reviews for hormonal IUD, 20 people (29%) reported acne.

Reviewers that reported acne as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 6 - 12 mo
34 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  6 days ago

I initially thought I was having a positve experience, but after 3 months was diagnosed with Sebohrreic Dermatitis with an extremely itchy scalp and bumps on jawline. Within 5 months I started having noticeable hair loss. I have lost at least 50% density. It is now 11 months from insertion and still shedding drastically. 8 months after insertion, I started having cystic acne which Ive never experienced before. I use to have the Paraguard IUD and didnt have these symptoms

Read more

Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 3 - 5 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  3 weeks ago

I’ve had the Mirena since 2022 and just got it taken out today. I will preface this with I do not do well with birth control in general and it’s a struggle. I did not realize the correlation between my Mirena and my side affects. I feel like my side affects got gradually worse. I already suffer from anxiety and depression but since the Mirena was put in I have had to add on another anxiety and depression medication. I’ve also had to get on an acne medication from the dermatologist because I was getting deep acne and my face chemistry had changed including a little more facial hair growth. Once on the medication I no longer had an issue the the hair growth or acne. Let me also point out that I’ve never had acne my entire life so this was new. Everyone’s body reacts differently to birth control. I just want to make sure that I said these things in case there is another person who thought they were going crazy. I had extreme exhaustion and this increased my depression and made things much worse. I am not the only one who has had these symptoms either so take comfort in knowing you are not alone.


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  22nd Jul 25

This is my second hormonal IUD, I like the effectiveness of not getting pregnant, I’ve been lucky how effective it is. however I’ve been getting horrible cystic acne all over my face. It’s constantly, almost 2 times a month. It was never like this before until I reached my thirties. I constantly eat healthy, exercise, drink plenty of fluids, take vitamins. I no longer smoke cigarettes and no longer binge drink alcohol (occasionally). I am constantly switching my facial topicals, using peels, masks, LED therapy, electric facial brushes and using hydrafacial. I started taking supplements for acne. Nothing seems to work . I spoke to my PCP about this and she suggests following up to get me prescribed with oral anti acne meds. Still debating about taking oral anti acne pills, since it’s either antibiotics or a diuretic. But I’ve had it with the hormonal acne on my face. It always happens when my body is on the cycle, invisible period, but with slight cramps, PMS mood, breast tenderness, oily skin, and acne, plus the craving of sweets. Without bleeding has been a godsend, but the PMS symptoms especially the acne is taking a toll on me.


Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

1 comments

Hormonal IUD common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

1

Period like cramps

57% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported period like cramps

2

Headaches

39% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported headaches

3

Lower back pain

33% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported lower back pain

4

Tender breasts

31% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported tender breasts

5

Vaginal discharge

30% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported vaginal discharge


Possible hormonal IUD side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Don’t keep it on the DL.Put it on the LD.

Slide into our DMs

hello@thelowdown.com

Sitemap

©The Lowdown 2026