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Related Concept Videos

The Menstrual Cycle01:19

The Menstrual Cycle

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The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a...
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Menses Phase01:18

Menses Phase

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The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
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Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

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The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
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Secretory Phase01:19

Secretory Phase

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The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
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Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

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The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle...
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Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

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The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
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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
PubMed
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.

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  • 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.