Unraveling the connection between skin condition psoriasis and hormonal fluctuations
In the United States, approximately 8 million people live with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to form on the skin [1]. While the exact causes of psoriasis remain unknown, research suggests that hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in the development and management of the condition, particularly during the menstrual cycle.
Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle can affect psoriasis symptoms, with the decline in estrogen levels before menstruation being a key factor. During the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels peak around ovulation and then decline before menstruation. This drop in estrogen can reduce its protective effect on psoriasis, potentially triggering or exacerbating flare-ups [2][5].
Other menstrual hormones may also influence immune system activity, contributing to increased skin inflammation and symptom flares around menstruation [2][4]. These hormonal shifts can explain why psoriasis lesions can worsen cyclically in some cases.
Puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause are also periods of significant hormonal change that can impact psoriasis symptoms. During puberty, the onset of the condition is common, with around one-third of people with psoriasis being under 18 years old when they first experience the condition [1].
Pregnancy can have varying effects on psoriasis, with around half of pregnant people seeing an improvement in their symptoms [1]. However, perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, may cause psoriasis symptoms to flare up due to decreased estrogen levels [2].
In addition to menstrual hormones, certain medications, including some for heart disease and arthritis, are common triggers for psoriasis [1]. The lack of research on the potential benefits of hormonal birth control for managing psoriasis flare-ups means that its use as a treatment option remains unclear [2].
Managing psoriasis symptoms during these hormonally-driven periods may require heightened attention to skincare and stress reduction, given the immune system interplay. Stress management techniques and having a strong support network can help manage psoriasis, especially during times of increased stress or hormonal change.
In summary, hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen levels, can exacerbate psoriasis flare-ups. Women with psoriasis may notice worsening symptoms or flare-ups linked to the hormonal shifts within their menstrual cycle. Understanding these connections can help individuals with psoriasis to better manage their symptoms and maintain their overall health.
References:
- National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Psoriasis statistics. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/statistics
- American Academy of Dermatology. (2019). Hormones and psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/triggers/hormones
- National Institutes of Health. (2020). Psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279316/
- British Journal of Dermatology. (2014). The impact of the menstrual cycle on psoriasis: A systematic review. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bjd.13673
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology. (2014). Menstrual cycle-associated psoriasis flares: A case series. Retrieved from https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(14)00378-0/fulltext
- Women with psoriasis may find their symptoms worsening during menstruation, as hormonal changes can trigger or exacerbate flare-ups.
- Research indicates that hormonal fluctuations, particularly decreasing estrogen levels, can reduce the protective effect on psoriasis, potentially causing flares.
- During puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, people with psoriasis may observe changes in their symptoms due to significant hormonal shifts.
- The onset of psoriasis is common during puberty, with around a third of cases occurring in individuals under the age of 18.
- Pregnancy can have contrasting effects on psoriasis, with around half of affected individuals seeing an improvement in symptoms.
- However, perimenopause may lead to increased psoriasis symptoms due to decreased estrogen levels.
- Other hormones during the menstrual cycle may also impact immune system activity, contributing to skin inflammation and flare-ups.
- Some medications for conditions like heart disease and arthritis are common triggers for psoriasis breakouts.
- The relationship between hormonal birth control and managing psoriasis flare-ups has yet to be established due to a lack of extensive research, making its use uncertain as a treatment option.
