Does Endometriosis Cause Skin Problems?

Hormones and Your Skin

Endometriosis is closely tied to hormones, especially oestrogen. When your hormones are not balanced, it can show up on your skin. Women with endometriosis often have what is called “oestrogen dominance,” which means they have too much oestrogen compared to other hormones like progesterone.

This hormone imbalance can trigger skin problems. For example, it can make your skin produce more oil, which is called sebum. Too much sebum can clog your pores and lead to acne breakouts. These breakouts might get worse around your period when your hormones change the most.

Some studies have even found that girls who have severe acne as teenagers may have a higher chance of developing endometriosis later in life. This suggests that the same hormonal issues that cause acne could also be related to endometriosis.

Inflammation and Skin Disorders

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease. This means it causes swelling and irritation inside the body. This ongoing inflammation can affect your immune system, which is your body’s defence against illness. When your immune system is overactive, it can sometimes start to attack healthy tissues, including your skin.

This can lead to a higher risk of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. These conditions cause red, itchy, and sometimes painful patches on the skin. The inflammation from endometriosis can make these skin problems worse or cause them to flare up more often.

Another issue is something called histamine intolerance. Histamine is a chemical your immune system releases. In some women with endometriosis, the body has trouble breaking down histamine. This can lead to allergy-like symptoms, including skin rashes, hives (urticaria), and constant itching. If you notice these symptoms, especially around your period, it could be linked to your endometriosis.

When Endometriosis Appears on the Skin

In rare cases, endometriosis can grow directly on or under the skin. This is called cutaneous endometriosis. The endometrial tissue finds its way to the skin and forms painful lumps or nodules.

This condition most often happens in scars from surgeries, like a C-section or a laparoscopy (a keyhole surgery used to diagnose endometriosis). The tissue can get trapped in the incision during the procedure and start to grow there. It can also appear in other places, like the belly button or abdominal wall, even without a previous surgery.

Symptoms of cutaneous endometriosis include:

• A painful lump that might feel firm or soft.
• The skin over the lump may look blue, black, or reddish-brown.
• The lump may swell and become more painful during your menstrual period.
• It might even bleed slightly in time with your cycle.

To diagnose this, a doctor will usually take a small sample of the tissue (a biopsy) to look at under a microscope. Imaging tests like an MRI or ultrasound can also help. Although rare, it’s important to get any new or painful lumps checked by a doctor.

Other Ways Endometriosis Affects Skin

Beyond acne and rashes, the hormonal changes in endometriosis can cause other skin issues. Some women notice changes in their skin colour, like dark patches known as hyperpigmentation or melasma. These patches often appear on the face and can be made worse by sun exposure.

Many women also report that their skin becomes more sensitive or dry. During a flare-up of endometriosis symptoms, you might find that your skin is more prone to irritation. The stress and fatigue that come with a chronic illness can also take a toll on your skin, making it look dull and tired.

Sometimes, the medications used to treat endometriosis can have side effects that affect the skin. Hormonal therapies can sometimes cause acne or other changes. It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about any new skin problems you notice after starting a treatment.

What Does the Research Say?

The connection between endometriosis and skin problems is an area of growing research. Some studies show a clear link, while others do not find a strong connection. This means that while many women with endometriosis do have skin issues, it’s not a given for everyone. The experience is very individual.

Scientists are still trying to figure out if endometriosis directly causes skin problems or if they are both caused by the same underlying issues, like hormone imbalance and inflammation. More research is needed to fully understand the link. Until then, listening to your body and tracking your symptoms is very important.

How to Manage Your Skin

If you have endometriosis and are struggling with skin problems, a team approach to your care is often best. This might involve working with your gynaecologist, a dermatologist (skin doctor), and maybe even an immunologist.

At Mamata Fertility Hospital in Hyderabad, we believe in looking at your overall health. Your gynaecologist can help manage the underlying endometriosis, which may improve your skin. A dermatologist can offer specific treatments for acne, eczema, or other conditions.

Here are some tips for managing your skin:

• Keep a symptom diary: Track your skin flare-ups and see if they line up with your menstrual cycle.
• Follow a gentle skincare routine: Use mild, fragrance-free products to avoid irritation.
• Try an anti-inflammatory diet: Eating foods rich in omega-3s, like fish and walnuts, and lots of fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation.
• Ask about antihistamines: If you have hives or itching, an antihistamine might provide relief.

Talk to your doctor: Don’t hesitate to bring up your skin concerns. A Fertility Specialist in Hyderabad or gynaecologist can help you find the right path forward.

Final Thoughts: 

Endometriosis may be linked to skin problems in several ways. Hormonal imbalances can lead to acne, while chronic inflammation can trigger rashes and other skin disorders. In rare cases, the condition can even appear directly on the skin.

Every woman’s experience with endometriosis is different, and that includes how it affects her skin. The science is still catching up, but many women find that managing their endometriosis helps their skin too. By paying attention to your symptoms and working with a dedicated medical team, you can take control of your health.

If you are concerned about how endometriosis is affecting your skin or your overall well-being, the team at Mamata Fertility Hospital in Hyderabad is here to help you navigate your journey with expert care and compassion.

If you’re considering surrogacy as part of your family-building journey, we’re here to help. Our Endometriosis Specialist at Mamata Fertility Hospital Hyderabad is experienced in legal and ethical surrogacy care and will walk you through each step with clarity, compassion, and complete transparency.