Reference: May 2025 | Issue 5 | Vol 11 | Page 44
An international study has found a link between irregular menstrual cycles and several common skin conditions including acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and melasma. The findings suggest that hormone imbalances are associated with a significantly higher prevalence of these dermatoses. This study was funded by the Women Centricity department of Laboratoires Vichy, Levallois Perret, France, and was published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Between 13 January and 20 February 2023, a large representative sample of women aged between 18 and 55 years were recruited by investigators across 20 countries. Participants were asked to complete a digital questionnaire, which asked them to describe the presence or absence of their menstruation over the past year, and the regularity or irregularity.
In total, 17,009 women were included in the evaluation, with a mean age of 34.49 years. The study excluded participants who were menopausal, peri-menopausal with no period, post-partum, and those who did not wish to answer the entire questionnaire.
All participants were asked about the presence of acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and melasma; in particular, if these were diagnosed by a doctor. Finally, participants were asked some questions about their perceptions of their skin, such as what type of skin they had, how sensitive they felt it was, or whether it presented any markers related to skin disorders by the researchers (12 in total, including symptoms like flaky skin, thin skin, and loss of elasticity).
The prevalence of skin conditions among women with regular menses was compared to those with irregular menses, and statistical analysis revealed that “the rate of physician-diagnosed skin disorders is significantly higher in women with irregular menses” (P<0.001).
The prevalence of acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and melasma increased by approximately 5 per cent for women with irregular menses, while other skin issues like red reactive patches, thin skin, or flaky skin were also higher among participants with irregular menses. This group also reported higher rates of skin sensitivity (57.6%, versus 47.6% in the cases of regular periods).
Dr Carolyn Charman, Clinical Vice President of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “The exact role that hormones play in the development of common, inflammatory skin conditions remains unclear. This study suggests that hormonal imbalances, often indicated by irregular periods, may be linked to a higher prevalence of these conditions. More research is needed to further study the way hormones affect symptoms, prevalence, and flare-ups, and how this may be taken into account in terms of treatment options or management of symptoms.”
A major limitation of the research is that it did not collect or analyse data related to polycystic ovary syndrome. Regardless, the study authors concluded that the results “should prompt dermatologists and researchers to explore the complex interplays of hormonal factors in various skin disorders and self-reported conditions to offer new hormonal and/or topical approaches that would address this aetiological cause, and offer skin solutions to women with irregular menses”.
Dr Charbel Skayem, researcher and dermatologist at Paris University Hospitals, added: “By exploring hormonal and topical approaches, dermatologists may be able to offer a more tailored, effective management plan for patients with hormonally influenced dermatological conditions. These might include hormonal replacement therapy, anti-androgens, topical hormonal treatments, and targeted cosmeceuticals.”
Reference
Zouboulis CC, Deloche C, Skayem C, et al. A global study of 17,009 women reveals significant skin condition changes associated with irregular menstrual cycles. Br J Dermatol. 2025;192(5):935-937.
