But why can this happen in the first place?
and your menstrual cycle, and thebest treatment optionsto consider if you get flares during this time.
People assigned female at birth are about three times more likely to get H.S.
Amanda K Bailey
compared to people assigned male at birth1.
Otherhidradenitis suppurativa symptomsinclude1:
Beyond physical symptoms, hidradenitis suppurativacan affect your mental healthtoo.
Nearly 5% also reported having anxiety.
What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?
In fact, one in three people with H.S.
has other family members with the condition.
All three of these genes code for proteins that are involved in healthy skin processes.
(With that said, its also possible to have H.S.
There is also a significant amount of evidence showing that smoking is a risk factor.
Up to 90% of people with this condition are either current or former smokers4.
Fluctuating hormones are another possible cause, but experts are still researching the exact reasons why.
What is clear, though, is that symptoms can flare before and during menstruation.
What hormones affect hidradenitis suppurativa?
Experts believe hormones play some role, but its not clear why you might have flares around your period.
We do need more research, but we know the link is there.
Recently, Dr. Hsiaos research team surveyed 279 people who menstruate with the condition.
Nearly 77% of them said their symptoms got worse when they were on their period6.
Androgen hormones, such as testosterone, are another possible player here.
Everyone has androgens, and people who menstruate may have varying amounts of them throughout their cycle.
Theyll be able to guide you through the next best steps.
There are also numerous other treatments including anti-inflammatories and antibiotics that can help with your pain and flares.
Keep in mind that your treatment options may change over time based on new research and newly available therapies.
verify you have ongoing conversations with your doctor about which treatment options may be best for you.
Thats why Dr. Onajin recommends using tampons or a menstrual cup instead.
