Category: Gynecology · After hysterectomy, hormones & skin
Acne After a Hysterectomy With Both Ovaries Kept, When You Never Had Acne Before: Is It Related, What Are the Possible Causes, and How Can It Improve?
AI Overview / Quick Answer (BLUF)
The uterus makes no sex hormones: kept ovaries usually keep cycling after hysterectomy, even without periods. Surgery may bring earlier ovarian decline, but commoner, testable causes are stopping pre-surgery hormone medicines, adult-onset acne, stress, and new drugs or skincare. Most acne treatments need 6–12 weeks to work.
new acne after a hysterectomy with both ovaries kept —
how much it relates to surgery, which causes to check, when to test hormones, and how to treat it effectively.
If you are still deciding whether to keep or remove your ovaries, read
Keep the healthy ovary or remove both? Ovarian conservation and surgical menopause.
If you have unusual discharge after surgery, read
Yellow discharge after hysterectomy: cuff abscess and endometriosis adhesions.
If your ovaries were removed too, read
Hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy: surgical menopause care ·
Red flags ·
Possible causes ·
Treatment comparison table ·
FAQ
A real question from a fibroid and ovarian cyst support group: no periods now, lots of acne, how long until the body adjusts?
Direct answer: new acne after surgery may relate to hormonal changes, but not because you “have no periods”. The ovaries you kept are still working.
What helps more than waiting for the body to adjust is checking the testable causes and starting proper acne care now.
A member of a fibroid and ovarian cyst support group shared that since her hysterectomy, with both ovaries kept, she has had no periods
and a lot of acne even though she never had acne before. She felt very sad and asked how long it takes to adjust.
(3) When to test hormones (4) How to treat acne effectively, and how long it takes (5) Skincare and lifestyle (6) When to see a doctor
Red flags — which acne patterns or symptoms need prompt medical care
Direct answer: most acne is not dangerous, but if acne comes with signs of rapidly rising male hormones, signs of Cushing syndrome, signs of post-surgical infection, or vaginal bleeding after a hysterectomy, see a doctor promptly rather than waiting for your next appointment.
Symptoms that should not wait
- A deepening voice, clitoral enlargement, rapidly increasing facial or body hair within months, male-pattern balding, or unusual muscle gain — needs evaluation for an androgen-secreting tumour, which is rare but must not be missed
- Acne with a round, puffy face, wide purple stretch marks, easy bruising, or new high blood pressure — possible Cushing syndrome
- Fever, a red, swollen, or pus-draining wound, or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain — contact your surgical team or emergency department now
- Vaginal bleeding after a hysterectomy, especially if heavy or after the wound has healed — see a gynecologist promptly
- Painful deep nodules or cysts, or early scarring — not an emergency, but see a dermatologist soon to limit permanent scars
- Stress or low mood from acne so severe you avoid leaving home, or thoughts of self-harm — seek help right away (in Thailand, mental health hotline 1323)
1. Hysterectomy with ovaries kept: do your hormones still work, and why are there no periods?
Direct answer: the uterus does not make estrogen or progesterone; sex hormones come from the ovaries. When the ovaries are kept, they usually keep ovulating and cycling about monthly,
there is just no uterine lining to shed as bleeding. Having no periods therefore does not mean menopause, or that your hormone cycle has stopped.
Still cycling, just without bleeding
- Premenstrual symptoms can continue, such as breast tenderness, bloating, mood changes, and acne flares roughly every 4 weeks — a sign the ovaries are still working
- Mark acne flares and breast tenderness on a calendar for 2–3 months; it helps your doctor see whether acne follows a hormonal cycle
- After a hysterectomy, recognise menopause by symptoms (hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, poor sleep) rather than by periods
Research: ovarian function may decline somewhat earlier after hysterectomy
risk of ovarian failure (FSH ≥ 40 IU/L) in women who kept both ovaries vs women without hysterectomy — women aged 30–47, followed up to 5 years (Moorman 2011)
estimated ovarian failure within 4 years: 406 women with hysterectomy vs 465 controls (Moorman 2011)
earlier menopause than women without surgery in long-term cohort studies (Trabuco 2016; Farquhar 2005)
Moorman and colleagues found that women who had a hysterectomy had nearly twice the risk of earlier ovarian failure (HR 1.92), and the risk was still raised when both ovaries were kept (HR 1.74)
(Moorman 2011).
A New Zealand cohort found 20.6% of the hysterectomy group reached menopause within 5 years vs 7.3% of the comparison group, and in women with a pre-operative FSH below 10 IU/L, menopause came about 3.7 years earlier
(Farquhar 2005).
For ovarian reserve, AMH fell by a median 40.7% in the year after hysterectomy vs 20.9% in women without surgery
(Trabuco 2016).
But a smaller study (36 women) that tested blood before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months found that although AMH fell,
FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone did not differ from pre-surgery levels
(Hsiao 2025) — so in the first year, most women’s main hormones stay at their usual levels.
A plausible mechanism is that part of the ovary’s blood supply comes from the uterine vessels; tying these during surgery may reduce blood flow to the ovary.
The researchers themselves note, however, that it is unresolved whether the surgery or the underlying condition that led to surgery is the cause.
“Ovarian stunning” and a “fixed adjustment period” — what the evidence does not support
ovarian stunning is not an established diagnosis, and there is no validated recovery timeline.
Acne has also not been identified as a common consequence of hysterectomy. Post-surgical ovarian change is therefore only one possible contributor, not a proven explanation.
If the ovaries slow down, why could acne appear?
When estrogen falls, the liver usually makes less sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Free androgens, which the ovaries and adrenal glands keep making, then become relatively higher compared with estrogen
and can stimulate the oil glands — the same mechanism behind acne in some women approaching menopause. If you also have hot flushes or night sweats, it is worth checking whether your ovaries are winding down (see section 3).
More on the menopause transition: 7 sentences women over 40 tell themselves more often: decoding perimenopause
2. Possible causes: check the common, testable ones first
Direct answer: common, testable causes are more likely than the surgery itself: (1) stopping the pill or other hormone medicines used before surgery (2) adult acne starting for the first time between 25 and 45
(3) PCOS, which persists because the ovaries remain (4) stress, poor sleep, and weight gain (5) new medicines, supplements, cosmetics, or masks
The combined pill raises SHBG and suppresses ovarian androgen production, so it may have been quietly controlling your acne. When it is stopped after a hysterectomy (because contraception or bleeding control is no longer needed),
acne often flares in the months after stopping. Other pre-surgery hormone treatments, such as progestin-only tablets or GnRH agonists used to shrink fibroids, can also shift hormones when stopped.
Adult acne is more common than many people think: in a survey of 1,013 adults, 35.2% of women aged 30–39 and 26.3% of women aged 40–49 reported acne
(Collier 2008),
and there is a recognised late-onset acne type that first appears in adulthood, mainly on the lower face, jawline, and neck
(Dréno 2013).
Acne appearing for the first time after surgery can therefore be a coincidence of timing.
Table: possible causes after hysterectomy, clues, and what to check
Ordered from common and testable to rare — for discussion with your doctor, not for self-diagnosis
| Possible cause | Clues | What to check / do next |
|---|---|---|
| Stopping the combined pill or other hormone medicines after surgery | Acne starts in the months after stopping; before surgery you used the combined pill, progestin-only tablets, or fibroid-shrinking medicines | Review which medicines you stopped and when with your doctor; the combined pill can be restarted to treat acne if there are no contraindications |
| Androgenic progestins or newly started hormones | Acne starts after beginning a medicine, such as norethisterone for bleeding, or DHEA / testosterone supplements | Tell your doctor everything you take; do not stop prescribed medicines yourself — let your doctor adjust or switch |
| Adult female acne | Age 25–45, inflammatory acne on the chin, jawline, and neck, persistent | Treat as adult acne (topicals ± spironolactone or combined pill) — it does not need a surgical cause |
| Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) | Irregular periods before surgery, excess hair, easy weight gain, dark thick skin on the neck or armpits | PCOS does not go away after hysterectomy because the ovaries remain; androgen, glucose, and lipid tests as your doctor advises |
| Stress, poor sleep, weight gain / insulin resistance | Less movement during recovery, more sweet food, not enough sleep, growing waistline | Gradually return to activity as your doctor allows, manage sleep and stress; check glucose if weight gain is large |
| New medicines after surgery | Corticosteroids, some anticonvulsants, or lithium | Do not stop medicines yourself; ask your doctor or pharmacist whether a medicine can cause acne |
| Skincare, cosmetics, hair oils, masks, and friction | Acne where products are applied or where things rub, such as the hairline or under mask straps | Switch to non-comedogenic products one at a time; wash your face after long mask wear |
| Earlier-than-expected ovarian decline (possible; not proven to cause acne) | Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, or poor sleep alongside acne | See your gynecologist for FSH / estradiol, interpreted alongside symptoms |
| Androgen-secreting tumour or Cushing syndrome (very rare) | Deepening voice, rapid hair growth, male-pattern balding, round face, purple stretch marks, easy bruising, high blood pressure | See a doctor promptly — see the red-flag section |
3. When to test hormones, and which tests
Direct answer: if acne is your only symptom, acne treatment can usually start straight away. See a gynecologist or endocrinologist for hormone testing
if acne comes with new excess hair, male-pattern scalp thinning, or rapid and severe onset, or with hot flushes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness.
When high androgens are suspected
- When: acne with new facial or body hair, male-pattern thinning, or rapid, severe, treatment-resistant acne
- Which tests: total testosterone and DHEAS, and your doctor may add 17-OHP, prolactin, or TSH as they judge best
(Martin 2018, Endocrine Society) - If symptoms progress very fast, the voice deepens, or testosterone is very high, the doctor will add ovarian and adrenal imaging to look for a hormone-secreting tumour
When earlier ovarian decline is suspected
- When: new hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, poor sleep, or mood changes
- Which tests: FSH and estradiol, interpreted by your doctor alongside symptoms — a single value can swing with the cycle, so repeat testing may be needed (studies used FSH ≥ 40 IU/L to define ovarian failure)
(Carmina 2022),
while dermatology guidance usually tests when there are suggestive signs — if unsure, ask your doctor whether testing makes sense for you.
Check your pelvic symptom urgency after hysterectomy
Acne together with pelvic pain, hot flushes, or bleeding after surgery — does this pattern fit you, and how urgent is it?
Analyze severity and get personalized guidance from our Advisory team
This score bands the urgency of pelvic symptoms; it does not diagnose any disease and does not replace a doctor’s examination — for warning signs, see the red-flag section above.
4. How to treat acne effectively, and how long it takes
Direct answer: most acne treatments need about 6–12 weeks of steady use to show clear improvement — the most honest answer to “how long until it adjusts?”.
The AAD 2024 guideline (Reynolds 2024) supports benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin), and azelaic acid.
Topical clindamycin should always be paired with benzoyl peroxide. Moderate or worse inflammatory acne may need a limited course of doxycycline, about 3–4 months, with topicals.
Women may use spironolactone or a combined pill, and severe or scarring acne is treated with isotretinoin via a dermatologist.
Topicals: the foundation at every level
Start a topical retinoid slowly (a pea-sized amount for the whole face, every other night). In the first 2–4 weeks the skin may be dry, peeling, or look worse temporarily before it improves.
Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne bacteria without causing resistance, but it bleaches fabrics and pillowcases. Azelaic acid is gentle and helps post-acne dark marks, which are common in Asian skin.
More drug information: NIAMS (NIH) — Acne
Spironolactone: an anti-androgen option for women’s acne
Spironolactone is used for acne off-label, prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
The SAFA trial in 410 women used 50 mg/day, increasing to 100 mg/day from week 6. At 12 weeks, self-reported improvement was not clearly different from placebo (72% vs 68%),
but at 24 weeks the difference was clear (82% vs 63%) (Santer 2023).
After a hysterectomy, the concern about pregnancy during treatment no longer applies, but your doctor should still monitor blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium as appropriate,
especially with kidney disease, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, or potassium supplements. Side effects include frequent urination, dizziness, breast tenderness, and headache.
Combined estrogen-progestin pill
An option for acne if you have no contraindications, such as smoking at age 35 or older, migraine with aura, a history of blood clots, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or breast cancer. It usually takes about 3 months to show results, and your doctor chooses the formulation.
Isotretinoin: for severe or scarring acne
Oral isotretinoin is used for deep nodular acne, acne that is starting to scar, or acne that fails other treatments. It is prescribed and monitored only by a dermatologist, with blood tests (lipids, liver function) and mood monitoring during treatment.
Flowchart: step-by-step acne care after hysterectomy
Table: comparing adult acne treatment options after hysterectomy
Generic (INN) and drug-class names only, no brand names — every oral medicine needs a doctor’s assessment and prescription
| Option | Who it suits | Time to effect | Key cautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benzoyl peroxide (topical) | All acne levels, comedonal and inflammatory; pair with other topicals to reduce resistance | Starts improving in 2–4 weeks; clear results around 6–12 weeks | Dryness, stinging; bleaches fabrics and pillowcases; start with a low strength |
| Topical retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin) | Comedonal and inflammatory acne, dark marks; long-term maintenance | 8–12 weeks; may be dry or look worse in the first 2–4 weeks | Apply thinly at night, start every other night; daily sunscreen |
| Azelaic acid (topical) | Mild to moderate inflammatory acne, sensitive skin, post-acne dark marks | Usually 8–12 weeks | Mild stinging or itching at first |
| Doxycycline (oral) | Moderate to severe inflammatory acne, combined with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid | 6–12 weeks; limit the course to about 3–4 months | Sun sensitivity, oesophageal irritation (take with plenty of water, do not lie down right away); not used alone long term, to limit resistance |
| Spironolactone (oral, off-label) | Women with persistent jawline or chin acne, or cyclical flares; alternative to long-term antibiotics | Begins around 12 weeks, clearer at 24 weeks | Doctor-prescribed; blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium monitored as appropriate; frequent urination, dizziness, breast tenderness |
| Combined estrogen-progestin pill | Women with cyclical acne or signs of androgen excess and no contraindications | About 3 months | Avoid if smoking at 35 or older, migraine with aura, past blood clots, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or breast cancer |
| Isotretinoin (oral) | Severe, deep nodular, or scarring acne, or acne failing other treatments | A course of several months; many people stay clear long term after the course | Dermatologist-prescribed only; dry lips and skin; blood tests; mood monitoring |
| Skincare and lifestyle | Everyone; the foundation for every treatment | Ongoing; helps medicines work and reduces irritation | Not a substitute for medicines when acne is moderate or worse, or starting to scar |
5. Skincare and lifestyle: what to do and what to avoid
Direct answer: wash twice daily with a gentle cleanser, avoid harsh scrubs, use a non-comedogenic moisturiser and sunscreen, and do not pick or squeeze.
Diet evidence is limited — a lower-glycemic diet may help some people, and dairy (especially skim milk) has a weak, inconsistent association. Strict food bans are not needed.
Table: skincare and lifestyle, do vs do not
General principles for adult acne, used alongside medicines recommended by your doctor or pharmacist
| Topic | Do | Do not | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleansing | Gentle cleanser twice daily and after heavy sweating | Over-wash or use harsh alkaline soap | Irritated skin tolerates acne topicals less well |
| Exfoliating | Use your fingertips gently | Grainy scrubs or hard facial brushes | Friction worsens inflamed acne |
| Moisturiser and sunscreen | Choose non-comedogenic or oil-free products, daily | Heavy, greasy creams or facial oils | Offsets dryness from topicals and prevents sun-darkened marks |
| Picking and squeezing | Let treatment work, or have a doctor extract or inject large lesions | Pick, squeeze, or use needles yourself | Increases inflammation, dark marks, and permanent scars |
| Cosmetics, hair products, masks | Remove makeup before bed, keep hair products off the forehead, change cloth masks often | Try several new products at once | Changing one at a time shows which product triggers acne |
| Diet | Favour low-glycemic foods, vegetables, whole grains; cut sugary drinks | Strict bans on many food groups | Evidence is limited; glycemic effect is modest but significant; dairy link is inconsistent |
| Sleep and stress | Sleep enough; return to activity gradually as your doctor allows | Skimp on sleep or keep acne stress to yourself | Stress is linked with flares, and sleep supports post-surgical recovery |
Diet and acne: what the evidence says
A systematic review of 34 studies found that high glycemic index, high glycemic load, and high carbohydrate intake have a
modest yet significant pro-acne effect, while the effect of dairy is mixed and may depend on sex, ethnicity, and dietary culture
(Meixiong 2022).
Cutting back sugary drinks and refined starch is reasonable, but it should not replace acne treatment.
Sleep, stress, and recovery after surgery
Recovery after surgery often brings irregular sleep, less movement, and stress, all of which can worsen acne. Returning to walking and light exercise as your doctor allows, and keeping a regular sleep schedule, helps both your skin and your recovery.
6. When to see a dermatologist or gynecologist
Direct answer: see a dermatologist for painful lumps, scarring or dark marks, or no improvement after 2–3 months of consistent self-care, and see a gynecologist or endocrinologist when hormonal signs are present.
Checklist: book a doctor visit if
- You have painful deep inflamed lumps or cysts
- Scars, pitted marks, or dark marks that do not fade are appearing
- About 2–3 months of consistent over-the-counter treatment has not helped
- You notice excess hair growth, male-pattern thinning, a deeper voice, or hot flushes and night sweats
- Acne is causing stress, sadness, or low confidence that affects daily life
Questions to ask at your next appointment
- Could the hormone medicines I stopped or started around surgery explain my acne?
- Are my ovaries still working normally — should I check FSH / estradiol?
- Do my symptoms call for androgen tests (testosterone, DHEAS)?
- Am I a candidate for spironolactone or a combined pill, and which blood tests do I need?
- When should we assess the results, and what is the next step if it does not help?
- Could any of my current medicines or supplements cause acne?
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
I had a hysterectomy but kept my ovaries, and now I have a lot of acne. Is it related to the surgery?
It may be, but that is not a proven explanation. The uterus makes no sex hormones, and the ovaries you kept keep working. Studies link hysterectomy with somewhat earlier ovarian decline, which could raise androgens relative to estrogen, but acne has not been identified as a common consequence of hysterectomy. More common, testable causes are stopping the pill or other hormone medicines used before surgery, adult female acne that starts between 25 and 45, PCOS, stress, poor sleep, weight gain, and new medicines or cosmetics.
Will acne after a hysterectomy go away on its own, and how long does the body take to adjust?
There is no proven adjustment period, and the idea that the ovaries are stunned and recover on a fixed schedule has no supporting evidence. Acne can settle on its own at times, but if you have a lot of it, waiting risks dark marks and scars. The more useful answer is that once proper treatment starts, most acne treatments need about 6 to 12 weeks of steady use to show clear improvement, and spironolactone may show a clearer effect at around 24 weeks.
Does a hysterectomy mean I am in menopause now?
No. If your ovaries were kept, menopause happens when the ovaries stop working, not when periods stop. Only removing both ovaries causes immediate menopause. Even so, a study of women aged 30 to 47 found that those who had a hysterectomy but kept both ovaries had about a 1.7 times higher risk of earlier ovarian failure, and other studies found menopause arrived about 2 to 4 years earlier. So watch for hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness instead of relying on periods.
I have no periods now. Does that mean my hormones or my cycle have stopped?
No. A period is bleeding from the shed lining of the uterus, so without a uterus there is no bleeding. The ovaries you kept usually still ovulate and make estrogen and progesterone in a roughly monthly cycle. A small study that tested blood before and up to 12 months after surgery found FSH, LH, estradiol, and testosterone levels did not differ from before surgery. Many women still notice premenstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness, bloating, mood changes, and cyclical acne flares without any bleeding.
Should I get my hormones tested, and which tests?
If acne is your only symptom, acne treatment can usually start straight away. See a gynecologist or endocrinologist for hormone testing if acne comes with new facial or body hair, male pattern scalp thinning, or rapid and severe onset. Doctors usually check total testosterone and DHEAS, and may add 17-OHP, prolactin, or TSH as they judge best. If you have hot flushes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness, your doctor may check FSH and estradiol to see whether the ovaries are winding down, interpreting results alongside your symptoms.
Which treatments help adult acne after a hysterectomy, and can I use spironolactone?
The 2024 AAD guideline supports topical benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids such as adapalene and tretinoin, and azelaic acid. Topical clindamycin should always be paired with benzoyl peroxide. Moderate or worse inflammatory acne may need a limited course of doxycycline, about 3 to 4 months, together with topicals. For women, spironolactone is an off-label option prescribed by a doctor; the SAFA trial found it clearly better than placebo at 24 weeks. After a hysterectomy the pregnancy concern no longer applies, but your doctor should still monitor blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium as appropriate. A combined pill is an option if you have no contraindications, and oral isotretinoin is used for severe or scarring acne via a dermatologist.
Do I need to cut out milk, sugar, or other foods to clear my acne?
No strict food bans are needed. The evidence on diet and acne is limited. A review of 34 studies found that high glycemic index foods and high carbohydrate intake have a modest yet significant link with acne, so a lower glycemic diet may help some people. Dairy, especially skim milk, has a weak and inconsistent association. If a particular food clearly triggers flares for you, try cutting it back one item at a time, but food restriction should not replace acne treatment.
When should I see a dermatologist or gynecologist instead of waiting?
See a dermatologist if you have painful deep nodules or cysts, scarring or dark marks, or no improvement after about 2 to 3 months of consistent over the counter care. See a gynecologist or endocrinologist if you notice rapidly increasing hair growth, male pattern thinning, a deeper voice, or hot flushes. Seek prompt care for fever, a red or pus-draining wound, worsening abdominal pain, or vaginal bleeding after surgery. If acne is causing major stress or low mood that affects daily life, that alone is a good reason to see a doctor.
Scientific mechanism
Acne comes from four linked processes: oil glands make more sebum under androgen stimulation (especially dihydrotestosterone, which sebocytes convert from testosterone via 5α-reductase);
follicle-lining cells thicken and plug the pore as a microcomedone; Cutibacterium acnes multiplies; and inflammation follows.
A microcomedone takes several weeks to become a visible spot, which is why acne treatments need about 6–12 weeks of steady use to show clear results
(Reynolds 2024).
Why hormone balance matters: estrogen reduces sebum and prompts the liver to make SHBG, which binds testosterone and lowers free androgens.
The combined pill uses this mechanism together with suppressing ovarian androgen production; when it is stopped, SHBG falls and free androgens rise again, which is why acne often flares after stopping.
Spironolactone blocks androgen receptors in the oil glands (Santer 2023).
Why ovarian function may decline after hysterectomy: the ovary receives blood from the ovarian artery and from connecting branches of the uterine artery (the utero-ovarian anastomosis).
Tying these branches during surgery may reduce ovarian blood flow, consistent with the greater AMH fall than in controls (Trabuco 2016)
and the higher risk of ovarian failure (Moorman 2011).
Yet in the first year, most women’s FSH, LH, estradiol, and testosterone do not change (Hsiao 2025),
and there is no evidence that this mechanism directly causes acne, so it should be seen as a possible contributor, not a confirmed cause.
Why hormonal signs call for testing: excess hair, male-pattern thinning, or rapid onset suggest genuinely high androgens, which may come from PCOS, adrenal disorders,
or, very rarely, a hormone-secreting tumour. The Endocrine Society guideline therefore recommends testosterone testing in these situations
(Martin 2018).
Written and reviewed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Norawit Raatpiboon
Academic references (E-E-A-T)
- Moorman PG et al. Effect of hysterectomy with ovarian preservation on ovarian function. Obstet Gynecol 2011 (PMID 22067716)
- Farquhar CM et al. The association of hysterectomy and menopause: a prospective cohort study. BJOG 2005 (PMID 15957999)
- Trabuco EC et al. Association of Ovary-Sparing Hysterectomy With Ovarian Reserve. Obstet Gynecol 2016 (PMID 27054925)
- Hsiao YJ et al. The impact of hysterectomy for benign uterine tumors on subsequent ovarian reserve, lower urinary tract symptoms, and sexual function: A prospective multidirectional short-term analysis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2025 (PMID 39846330)
- Reynolds RV et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 2024 (PMID 38300170)
- Dréno B et al. Adult female acne: a new paradigm. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2013 (PMID 23302006)
- Collier CN et al. The prevalence of acne in adults 20 years and older. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008 (PMID 17945383)
- Santer M et al. Effectiveness of spironolactone for women with acne vulgaris (SAFA) in England and Wales: pragmatic, multicentre, phase 3, double blind, randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2023 (PMID 37192767)
- Meixiong J et al. Diet and acne: A systematic review. JAAD Int 2022 (PMID 35373155)
- Martin KA et al. Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018 (PMID 29522147)
- Carmina E et al. Female Adult Acne and Androgen Excess: A Report From the Multidisciplinary Androgen Excess and PCOS Committee. J Endocr Soc 2022 (PMID 35155970)
- NIAMS (NIH) — Acne · MedlinePlus — Acne · MedlinePlus — Hysterectomy
Medical disclaimer
This article provides general education about acne after a hysterectomy with ovaries conserved, ovarian function after surgery, and acne treatment.
It is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personal treatment plan — hormone testing and the use of oral, hormonal, or isotretinoin treatment must follow the doctor who cares for you directly.
Do not stop or start prescribed medicines on your own. Figures come from population studies and are not individual predictions. If you have any red-flag symptom, such as a deepening voice, rapid hair growth, fever after surgery, or vaginal bleeding, see a doctor promptly.