Hormones affect everything that happens in our bodies. It also increases or decreases the symptoms of certain diseases upon release in the bloodstream. Psoriasis is one such disease.
Typically, psoriasis is a chronic skin disease. It affects your knees, elbows, and scalp and causes itchy rashes and patches.
What’s frustrating is that it has yet to have a proper cure. It might hurt, hinder your sleep schedule, and lower your concentration.
Psoriasis frequently goes through phases when it flares up for a few weeks or months and then subsides.
Infections, cuts, burns, and specific drugs are typical psoriasis triggers. Other than that, people with a hereditary predisposition to the condition are also prone to this disease.
How Can Hormones Affect Psoriasis?
Women’s hormones undergo a significant shift during several checkpoints throughout their life. They overflow during puberty and pregnancy. The tide then changes during menopause.
If you have psoriasis, you might be curious about the implications of these large hormone cycles for your skin and joints.
The severity of psoriasis symptoms tends to increase during adolescence, menstruation, childbirth, and menopause; some experts believe hormones trigger immunological changes in the skin.
Can Psoriasis Flare-Ups Occur During the Menstrual Cycle?
Changing hormone levels is the most likely cause of psoriatic flare-ups during periods. Studies have found that women face increased skin sensitivity and more psoriasis patches during their periods.
However, proper research and evidence are required to conclude the same firm. Despite lacking research, medical professionals have concluded how essential hormones’ activities might affect psoriasis symptoms.
Estrogen and progesterone hormone levels fall the days before your period, which may lead to increased pain, exhaustion, disease activity, or worsening skin patches.
Then, following your period, ovulation causes an increase in estrogen levels. During this time, psoriasis symptoms such as stiffness and patches heal for a few days to a few weeks after their period.
Furthermore, low estrogen levels make you more sensitive to pain. You tend to feel more uncomfortable than you would when estrogen levels are higher in your bloodstream.
Stress Can Also Cause Flare-Ups
One of the primary causes of psoriasis is stress.
Now, stress is directly related to hormones. Mood swings during menstruation are prevalent among women. Besides that, daily stress in work and personal life also causes a surge of hormones.
Any mother will feel overwhelmed when caring for a crying newborn. You may experience stress due to sleep issues and other problems when it comes to physiological changes.
Relaxing is the best solution. Try calming down and practicing stress reduction techniques, including yoga, meditation, and leisurely walks. A time just for yourself can work wonders!
Best Ways for Relief During Psoriasis Flare-Ups
People with Psoriatic arthritis occasionally notice more inflammation, especially before their periods. Fortunately, inflammation is controllable.
If your period contributes to worsened or new flares of psoriasis, increased inflammation, or both, explore the following remedies.
🔶 Get Rest And Proper Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep can significantly reduce inflammation.
Being kind to yourself and paying attention to your body are the keys. Rest if you’re in discomfort or your joints feel bloated.
If you feel up to it, please only push yourself to engage in physical exercise.
A proper sleep schedule is also essential. Sleeping tight at night makes you feel much more lively and jubilant.
🔶 Consult Your Doctor And Get Pain Medications With The Most Negligible Side Effects
Psoriasis patches can be painful and irritating. Ask for pain relief medications from your doctor to deal with these symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory medicines which do not contain steroids can be very beneficial in this case.
Medications are effective at reducing pain, edema, and morning stiffness. They might increase the range of motion in your joints.
🔶 Heat Or Cold Compress And Work Wonders
Last but not least, a hot or cold compress is always bliss.
To relieve joint stiffness during a flare, doctors advise utilizing heating pads or other heat sources, such as a hot bath.
Conversely, psoriatic arthritis flare-ups can be treated with ice or cold to minimize swelling.
Using a combination of heat and cold can effectively treat psoriasis symptoms.
Conclusion
Psoriatic arthritis flare-ups frequently occur right before a period. Don’t be agitated!
You can always manage pain during periods. However, there’s no shame to go and visit your doctor.
Related:- Unveiling The 4 Phases Of The Menstrual Cycle – Explained!
Your doctor can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
You can also manage psoriasis flare-ups by reducing stress, getting proper sleep, and employing the above home remedies.