Before & After HRT: Tanya’s Endometriosis Skin Journey
Name: Tanya
Skin concern: Hormonal Skin
Tanya’s Skincare Transformation to Happy, Healthy Skin
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding organs. It affects around 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth, typically during their reproductive years. This tissue responds to hormonal changes each month, just like the womb lining but because it has no way to leave the body, it can cause severe pain, inflammation, internal scarring, and, in some cases, fertility issues.
Despite its prevalence, endometriosis often goes undiagnosed for years, as symptoms are frequently misunderstood or dismissed. The most common signs include intense period pain, chronic pelvic discomfort, pain during or after intercourse and digestive issues.
For many, like Tanya from Northern Ireland, the road to diagnosis is long and emotionally draining. Her story is not only one of navigating a chronic illness but also of reclaiming confidence through skincare during the most challenging moments of her life.
A Painful Beginning: The Early Signs of Endometriosis
Tanya’s journey with endometriosis began in her teenage years.
She was just 14 when she realised something wasn’t right. Each month, she was overwhelmed by excruciating period pain so intense it left her doubled over on the bathroom floor, vomiting. At the time, she had no idea it was only the beginning of a condition that would go on to shape her daily life.
While her friends managed their periods with ease, she endured a relentless cycle of pain that felt anything but normal. She began to question herself: Was I overreacting? Am I just bad at handling pain?
“At the time, nobody really understood what I was going through,” Tanya says. Her symptoms were often dismissed as severe period cramps or irritable bowel syndrome. Doctors prescribed painkillers and laxatives, assuming sluggish bowels were to blame only for it to later be revealed that endometriosis had infiltrated her bowel.
“It was isolating and frustrating not to have the validation or support I desperately needed.”
By the age of 25, after more than a decade of suffering, Tanya took matters into her own hands. Blood tests revealed elevated CA125 levels, a marker that prompted her to seek private medical care. A laparoscopy finally confirmed what she had long suspected: Stage 4 deep infiltrating endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Emergency Surgeries and Physical Toll
What was meant to be a routine laparoscopy quickly turned into a medical nightmare, her bladder was accidentally punctured, allowing toxins to leak into her body.
Tanya spent that Christmas, her birthday, and New Year recovering at home with a catheter. Once she had recovered, she was determined not to let the illness define her, doing everything she could to get back to normal life.
But the pain didn’t stop.
“I started getting constant pain under my ribs. I tried to mask it with painkillers, but eventually I became violently ill. It turned out I had a bowel blockage caused by endometriosis scarring.”
Another emergency surgery followed. Tanya was prescribed medication to stop her periods and eventually began hormone injections to induce temporary menopause - a standard, though aggressive, treatment for endometriosis. While these measures helped manage some physical symptoms, they took a significant toll, particularly on her skin.
Fertility Struggles and an Emotional Turning Point
In her early thirties, Tanya began exploring fertility options, but the process brought more heartbreak. After a series of tests, she was told her ovaries weren’t responding to hormone treatments, news that was devastating and difficult to accept.
To help process the emotional toll, she turned to counselling, which eventually led her to make the difficult decision to have a hysterectomy. The procedure itself was complex, both physically and emotionally, and happened so quickly that she barely had time to come to terms with it.
Despite the surgery, her pain continued - a difficult and all-too-common reality that challenges the widespread belief that a hysterectomy is a cure for endometriosis. Tanya feels strongly about raising awareness around this misconception. Endometriosis can continue to grow on other organs, including the lungs, and major surgery should never be seen as a guaranteed fix or a choice made under pressure.
The Skin Side of Hormone Therapy
Following her hysterectomy, Tanya began Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and soon noticed significant changes in her skin. It became increasingly reactive - overly sensitive, oily, inflamed, and prone to eczema flare-ups.
She tried a wide range of skincare products, from affordable high-street options to premium brands, but nothing offered consistent relief. The flare-ups often caused swelling and discomfort, and the lack of results began to take a toll on her emotional wellbeing. Each failed product added to her frustration and chipped away at her confidence.
A Turning Point: Introducing SKINICIAN
At her lowest point, Tanya reached out to her childhood friend Shelley, co-founder of skincare brand SKINICIAN.
“Shelley gave me hope. She understood what my skin had been through and helped me build a routine that actually worked.”
Together, they created a skincare regimen focused on calming inflammation, supporting skin barrier repair, and protecting against environmental stressors, without overwhelming her already sensitive skin.
For Tanya, this wasn’t just about skincare. It was about healing on a deeper level - reclaiming her confidence and sense of self after years of feeling at war with her body.
Tanya’s Skincare Routine with SKINICIAN
Morning AM Ritual
Cleanse: Revitalising Cleanser
For reactive skin, gentle cleansing is essential. The Revitalising Cleanser is a soothing milk cleanser that thoroughly cleanses without drying the skin.
Formulated with calming chamomile and antioxidant-rich green tea, it helps protect, nourish, and soothe the skin barrier, reducing redness and inflammation for a balanced, comfortable complexion.
For Tanya, it’s a go-to that leaves her skin feeling clean, calm, and balanced.
Treat: Hyaluronic Elixir + Calming Serum
For anyone with hormonal or sensitive skin, finding treatments that hydrate without overwhelming is essential.
The Hyaluronic Elixir is a lightweight, fragrance-free serum that delivers a soothing boost of hydration while helping to strengthen the skin barrier which is ideal for flare-up-prone skin like Tanya’s.
She follows with Calming Serum, SKINICIAN’s hero product for sensitivity, formulated to ease redness, discomfort, and inflammation. It’s a go-to for keeping her skin calm, especially during hormonal shifts.
Protect: Time Delay Day Cream SPF 30
For sensitive skin, a rich yet gentle day moisturiser with sun protection is key.
The Time Delay Day Cream SPF 30 is packed with hydrating Botanical Beta Glucans to soothe, protect, and prevent irritation while delivering a radiant, healthy glow.
Daily use helps Tanya keep her skin protected and glowing.
Evening PM Ritual
Cleanse: Cleansing Balm + Revitalising Cleanser
For sensitive skin, harsh cleansers can disrupt the skin barrier, especially when removing makeup. That’s why Tanya starts her evening routine with SKINICIAN’s gentle Cleansing Balm, a delicately fragranced balm-to-oil that effortlessly dissolves makeup and impurities.
She follows with the Revitalising Cleanser for a deeply refreshing double cleanse that leaves her skin clean and calm.
Treat: Hyaluronic Elixir, Calming Serum, and Overnight Retinol Powerbalm
Tanya includes the Overnight Retinol Powerbalm in her routine - a powerful balm that speeds up cell turnover to smooth texture, reduce breakouts, and prevent post-breakout pigmentation. It also helps strengthen the skin barrier for healthier skin over time.
Combined with the Hyaluronic Elixir and Calming Serum, this trio supports her skin’s hydration, calmness, and renewal.
Protect: Restoring Night Cream
For skin that tends to dry out overnight, a nourishing night cream is essential to lock in moisture and support overnight repair.
Tanya relies on the Restoring Night Cream, enriched with Regenacell™, a powerful complex that boosts skin cell energy to promote regeneration. Combined with antioxidant Vitamin E and hydrating Botanical Beta-Glucans, it deeply nourishes, protects, and helps prevent moisture loss while you sleep.
She loves how it leaves her skin feeling soft, plumped, and replenished by morning.
Tanya’s Hormonal Skin Transformation Before and After
Advice from Tanya to Other Women with Endometriosis
Tanya has learned that persistence and self-advocacy are key.
“Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, push for answers. I spent years doubting myself but I wasn’t imagining it.”
She also encourages women to simplify their skincare routines, especially when dealing with reactive skin, and to look after their overall wellbeing.
“Nutrition, hydration, and mental health are just as important as the products you put on your face.”
Above all, she stresses the power of community and support.
“My mum was my rock. Surround yourself with people who lift you up - you’re not alone.”
Tanya’s journey is one of endurance, heartbreak, healing, and hope. Her experience sheds light on a condition that affects so many, yet remains under-discussed. If you’re living with endometriosis in the UK, Northern Ireland and Ireland, know that there is support available.
“Your voice matters. Speak up, reach out, and take care of yourself. You’re stronger than you think” – SKINICIAN.
Want to talk?
Tanya is always open to connecting with others on their endometriosis journey. You can reach her on Instagram at @Tanya’s Endo in NI.
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For more articles on Hormonal Skin, read:
Kristyn’s Hormonal Journey to Happy, Healthy Skin