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Women's Health  /  Skin Health

Skin changes are often hormonal.

Adult acne, unwanted facial hair, dark patches, and dryness often trace back to hormones, from your monthly cycle and PCOS to pregnancy and menopause. We look beneath the surface and treat the cause, not just the symptoms.

Consultations covered by Alberta HealthHormone-aware careMedical treatment options

Covered by Alberta Health

Consultations are covered with a valid Alberta Personal Health Card.

Nurse practitioner-led

NPs assess, diagnose, order tests, and prescribe, with time to talk things through.

In-person or virtual

Many follow-ups can be virtual. Exams and procedures happen in clinic.

Does this sound familiar

Your skin is telling you something

Many skin changes in women are linked to hormones, and that means there are medical options to help.

“I break out along my jaw before every period.”

Cyclical breakouts

Deep, tender spots on the chin and jawline that flare with your cycle.

“I didn't have acne as a teen. Why now?”

Adult-onset acne

Acne in your 20s, 30s, or 40s is common and often hormonal.

“I'm plucking chin hairs every day.”

Unwanted facial hair

Coarse hair on the chin, upper lip, or neck can be a sign of higher androgen levels or PCOS.

“My skin feels thin and dry since menopause.”

Menopause skin changes

Dryness, sensitivity, and loss of firmness as estrogen declines.

Common concerns

What we treat

We look at your skin alongside your cycle, hormones, and overall health.

Hormonal and adult acne

Breakouts linked to androgens and your cycle. Often responds well to a combination of skin treatments and hormonal options.

Unwanted facial and body hair

Called hirsutism. We check for causes like PCOS, which can also cause acne and darker, velvety skin patches, and offer medical treatment to slow growth.

Melasma

Brown or grey-brown patches on the face, often triggered by sun, pregnancy, or hormonal birth control. Daily sun protection is key.

Menopause skin

Collagen declines quickly in the first years after menopause, leading to dryness, thinning, and slower healing.

Treatment options

Treating the cause and the skin

Most plans combine a few approaches. We'll tailor yours to your skin, your hormones, and your plans.

Topical

Prescription creams and gels

Options such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid to clear pores, calm inflammation, and even out skin tone, plus daily SPF 30 or higher to support every treatment.

Hormonal

Birth control and spironolactone

Some combined birth control pills and spironolactone can reduce hormonal acne and unwanted hair. If PCOS is involved, we treat insulin resistance and hormone imbalance too. Neither is used in pregnancy.

Midlife

Menopause support

Moisture-focused care, and for some women, menopausal hormone therapy can help skin along with other symptoms.

Hormone support →
When needed

Specialist referral

Severe, scarring, or stubborn acne and some skin conditions may need a dermatologist. We'll arrange a referral when it's the right step.

Coverage

What's covered, clearly explained

Cost shouldn't stop you from getting answers. Here's what to expect.

Covered By Alberta Health

  • Consultations and follow-up visits
  • Bloodwork such as hormone and PCOS testing

May have a cost Discussed up front

  • Prescription treatments (often covered by private plans)
  • Over-the-counter skin care and sunscreen
  • Cosmetic treatments, which are elective

Bring your Alberta Personal Health Card and a list of the skin products and medications you use.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Why am I getting acne as an adult?

Adult acne is common, especially in women, and is often linked to hormones, stress, or products. PCOS can also be a cause. We'll look for what's driving yours.

Can birth control help my acne?

Some combined birth control pills are effective for hormonal acne. We'll check that it's a safe option for you.

Is spironolactone safe?

Spironolactone is widely used for hormonal acne and unwanted hair in women. It isn't used in pregnancy, and we'll monitor you while you take it.

How long until my skin improves?

Most treatments take 8 to 12 weeks to show results. Skin may get slightly worse before it gets better with some topicals.

Feel at home in your skin.

Bring your questions, your routine, and your frustrations. We'll help you find what works.

Consultations covered by Alberta Health  ·  In-person visits or virtual appointments

Preceptus Health · Women's Health · Skin Health · Calgary, Alberta

This page is for general information and does not replace a medical evaluation. Testing and treatment recommendations are made by a licensed provider after an individual assessment. Individual results vary.