Pimple on the chin, a sign of uterine problems?
Acne can appear on the skin for various reasons such as incompatible cosmetics, greasy foods, and hormones. However, there is a saying that if acne appears particularly on the chin, it may be a sign of poor uterine health. Is this really true? I asked a specialist.
According to traditional Korean medicine specialists, there is a certain correlation between uterine health and acne around the jaw area. In particular, the occurrence of uterine fibroids (benign tumors that develop in the uterus) can increase the likelihood of developing acne around the jaw. Traditional Korean medicine explains that uterine fibroids are caused by poor blood circulation within the uterus, leading to the accumulation of waste products. One of the pathways through which energy circulates in the body, called 'Immaek,' connects the uterus to the lower abdomen, pubic bone, above the navel, chest, and around the jaw or mouth. If the circulation of Immaek is obstructed and waste accumulates, it can lead to the formation of uterine fibroids and also affect the jaw, resulting in acne. Professor Jang Joon-bok of Kyunghee University’s Traditional Korean Medicine Women's Medical Center stated, "Having acne on the jaw does not necessarily mean you have fibroids, nor does having fibroids directly cause acne, but it can be seen as a symptom that appears when waste accumulates in the body, indicating a possible connection."
In addition, women’s hormones (estrogen) stimulation can also worsen uterine fibroids. Professor Jang Jun-bok said, "There are reports that uterine fibroids develop due to excessive accumulation of estrogen," and "Hormonal imbalance can stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to acne around the chin or mouth where sebaceous glands are abundant." Especially when female hormones are imbalanced, acne mainly appears on the T-zone of the face. Dr. Jo Byung-gu, director of Avenue Women's Clinic, also said, "When female hormones become imbalanced, such as increased secretion of male hormones, it can affect the forehead, nose, and the area below the mouth, the T-zone, leading to acne on the chin." Therefore, there are cases where birth control pills are taken to treat acne. However, it is important to consult a specialist when taking birth control pills for acne treatment.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids
Meanwhile, uterine fibroids are a condition found in 25-30% of women of reproductive age. Many cases are asymptomatic, but symptoms such as ▲heavy menstrual bleeding ▲abnormal uterine bleeding ▲irregular menstruation ▲pelvic pain ▲dysmenorrhea ▲pelvic pressure ▲frequent urination ▲dyspareunia ▲abdominal pain ▲infertility and reproductive dysfunction may occur. In such cases, symptom relief can be achieved through medication, and if there is no improvement, surgical removal of the fibroids may be considered.
Prevention of Uterine Fibroids
To prevent uterine fibroids, it is advisable to treat early symptoms such as irregular menstruation or menstrual pain to prevent the formation of stagnated blood (blood stasis that causes waste buildup). Additionally, during menstruation, avoid strenuous exercise, stress, cold beverages, and clothing that makes the body cold.
If you develop uterine fibroids, consuming seaweeds such as seaweed and kelp can be helpful. They assist in cell tissue regeneration and have the effect of inhibiting the growth of uterine fibroids. Additionally, they are effective in relieving blood stasis, which is a cause of menstrual irregularities and menstrual pain related to uterine and ovarian disorders.
Nuts also purify the blood and promote smooth blood circulation in the uterus.
Foods to Avoid with Uterine Fibroids
On the other hand, foods containing caffeine, alcohol, and cholesterol should be avoided. These stimulate the secretion of estrogen, which promotes the growth of uterine fibroids. ▲Pomegranate ▲Kudzu root extract ▲Omega-3 ▲Isoflavones ▲Gamma-linolenic acid are also rich in natural estrogens, so it is advisable to avoid them.