Life update

I have been MIA for about 6 months. My hair has been a struggle. My skin has been a struggle.

After clearing my acne in June of this year, it returned with a vengeance. My dermatologist recommended I consider a course of Accutane as I pretty much have used every acne medication available, both prescription and non-prescription. Accutane to me should be the last resort, after exhausting all other possibilities. I therefore decided to visit an endocrinologist.  Acne is an internal, hormonal problem that is visible externally. Endocrinologists deal with diseases related to hormones and I figured that perhaps one could help me more than a dermatologist.

I did a blood test and it turned out that I have hypothyroidism, which means that I have an underactive thyroid and do not produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid controls so many different processes in your body and can lead to so many issues including acne, dry and brittle hair, dry skin, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. Those were my symptoms.

My diagnosis was a recent one and I am currently on medication. I am hoping that I will now see a change in my hair and my skin. It has been less than a week since I have been taking synthetic thyroid hormones and I am hoping for the best.

Adult acne is increasingly becoming an issue for women and sometimes we struggle for years going to dermatologist after dermatologist without much success. I have now realised that sometimes acne is caused by an underlying medical condition. So to those struggling, don't give up hope. I struggled with adult acne from age 21 until now, age 32.

My hope is that 2015 will be a good skin and hair year for me and that finally I will meet some of my length goals.