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The menstrual cycle and the skin.
R S Raghunath1, Z C Venables, G W M Millington
1Department of Dermatology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|February 17, 2015
Summary
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, particularly progesterone, can worsen skin conditions like acne and eczema. Understanding these effects is key to managing perimenstrual dermatoses.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Perimenstrual exacerbations of dermatoses are common but poorly understood.
- Hormonal influences of estrogen and progesterone on skin physiology are increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the menstrual cycle's effects on skin.
- To explore the pathophysiological mechanisms behind perimenstrual dermatoses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on hormonal effects on skin.
- Analysis of correlations between menstrual cycle phases and dermatoses exacerbations.
Main Results:
- Estrogen is linked to increased skin thickness, hydration, barrier function, and wound healing.
- Progesterone levels correlate with the presence of certain dermatoses, exacerbating conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
- Reduced immune and barrier functions due to hormonal fluctuations are proposed mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Cyclical hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle significantly impact skin health and exacerbate various dermatoses.
- Autoimmune progesterone and estrogen dermatitis are key examples of hormone-induced cutaneous reactions.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between the menstrual cycle and skin disorders.
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