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

42%

Don't know

16%

Out of the 62 reviews for hormonal IUD, 18 people (29%) reported acne.

Reviewers that reported acne as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 5 - 8 yr
Lowdown user
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

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.

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Somewhat positive mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

1 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  28th Apr 25

I got the Kyleena prescribed off-label to me after suffering from ridiculously heavy periods in my teens. I used to bleed 200mls+ on some periods and even Tranexamic acid didn’t help. This IUD has been an absolute life-saver and my periods are so much lighter. I will admit I have experienced some side effects - I used to have clear skin 95% of the time, however since the IUD I permanently have 1 or 2 pimples around my jawline which can be quite annoying. My periods are often very long now (7-11 days) despite being light which also gets frustrating. Those are the two main side effects I’ve experienced, but overall it’s been a positive experience.


Worse skin

10 helpful

0 comments

Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
21 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  28th Apr 25

I got the Kyleena prescribed off-label for my heavy menstrual bleeding. I used to bleed sometimes over 200ml per period, even Tranexamic acid didn’t help. This IUD has been a life saver - my periods are so much lighter. Overall it’s been a positive experience. I won’t pretend it doesn’t have other side effects though. My periods are now way longer than they used to be (7-11 days) although not heavy at all. I also had clear skin 95% of the time prior to the IUD but now I permanently have one or two pimples around my jawline which can be pretty annoying.


Worse skin

11 helpful

0 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

40% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported headaches

3

Tender breasts

34% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported tender breasts

4

Lower back pain

31% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported lower back pain

5

Sweating more than usual

29% of hormonal IUD reviewers reported sweating more than usual


Possible hormonal IUD side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

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