Eczema and the Menstrual Cycle: Why Your Skin Might Flare Monthly

For many women, the days leading up to their period come with the usual suspects—cramps, mood swings, breakouts. But for those with eczema, another unwelcome guest often shows up: a skin flare.

If your eczema worsens like clockwork every month, you’re not imagining it. The connection between eczema and the menstrual cycle is real, and it has everything to do with hormonal fluctuations, skin barrier function, and inflammatory responses.

This blog breaks down the science behind menstrual-related eczema flare-ups and offers tips on managing your skin through your cycle.

How Hormones Affect Eczema

The menstrual cycle is driven by changes in estrogen and progesterone. These hormones don’t just regulate reproduction—they also influence the immune system and skin barrier, two major players in eczema.

Here’s how they work:

• Estrogen: Promotes skin hydration and supports collagen production. When estrogen is high (mid-cycle), your skin may feel more supple and resilient.
• Progesterone: Peaks during the second half of the cycle and can increase skin sensitivity, water loss, and oil production—bad news for eczema-prone skin.

During the luteal phase (the days between ovulation and menstruation), both estrogen and progesterone drop, leading to:

• Weakened skin barrier
• Increased water loss (transepidermal water loss)
• Heightened inflammatory response

This creates the perfect storm for an eczema flare, especially if your skin is already reactive.

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine confirmed that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle significantly affect eczema symptoms, especially in women with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

When in the Cycle Do Flares Occur?

Most people who experience menstrual-related eczema flares report them:

• 7–10 days before menstruation (late luteal phase)
• During menstruation, when estrogen is at its lowest

Once menstruation ends and estrogen levels start rising again, symptoms often improve. This pattern may repeat monthly and can vary slightly based on individual hormone levels, stress, and environmental triggers.

Common Menstrual-Related Eczema Symptoms

• Red, itchy patches (commonly on the face, neck, chest, or hands)
• Dryness that worsens even with regular moisturizing
• Burning or stinging sensations from previously tolerated products
• Inflammation that feels “deeper” or more resistant to topical treatments

If these symptoms appear consistently in the days leading up to your period, your menstrual cycle could be the trigger.

Managing Eczema Flare-Ups Around Your Period

While you can’t stop hormonal changes, you can prepare your skin and adjust your routine to reduce flare intensity.

1. Track Your Cycle and Symptoms

Use a calendar or app to track:

• Start and end of your period
• Ovulation (mid-cycle)
• Eczema symptoms

This helps identify flare patterns and allows you to proactively support your skin before symptoms begin.

2. Strengthen the Skin Barrier Preemptively

A few days before your typical flare window, ramp up your barrier care:

• Switch to richer moisturizers
• Avoid exfoliants or retinoids
• Layer on ceramides, petrolatum, or glycerin-based creams

Try products like NellaDerm’s Barrier Repair Cream, which is specifically formulated to protect sensitive, compromised skin.

3. Use Anti-Inflammatories Strategically

If prescribed, use topical corticosteroids or non-steroidal creams as directed in the days leading up to your period. This can reduce the inflammatory response before it peaks.

You can also ask your dermatologist about:

• Calcineurin inhibitors (like tacrolimus)
• Topical crisaborole
• Light therapy for recurring hormonal flares

4. Simplify Your Skincare Routine

During flare-prone days:

• Stick to fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers
• Avoid introducing new products
• Don’t over-cleanse—this can further strip your barrier

NellaDerm’s Hydrating Cleanser offers a gentle, non-stripping way to cleanse skin without triggering irritation.

5. Support Skin From the Inside

Nutritional and lifestyle support during this time can also help:

• Hydrate consistently
• Consider supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or evening primrose oil (consult a doctor first)
• Practice stress management, as cortisol spikes can worsen flares

When to Talk to a Dermatologist

If your eczema becomes:

• More severe before or during your period
• Resistant to treatment during specific phases of your cycle
• Emotionally or socially disruptive

…talk to a dermatologist. They may recommend hormonal evaluations, or adjust your treatment to better sync with your cycle.

In some cases, oral contraceptives or hormonal therapy can be considered to help regulate estrogen/progesterone fluctuations that trigger flares—but this should only be done under medical supervision.

A Note on Hormonal Eczema vs. Other Conditions

While menstrual-related eczema is real, not all eczema flares are hormonal. Make sure you’re not confusing it with:

• Perioral dermatitis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis from period products (e.g., scented pads or tampons)

A dermatologist can help differentiate and guide your treatment plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Your skin doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it responds to your internal environment, especially your hormones.

Understanding the connection between eczema and the menstrual cycle can help you take control, reduce flares, and avoid unnecessary trial and error. By tracking your symptoms and adopting proactive skincare, you can stay one step ahead of those monthly flare-ups.

With science-backed care and barrier-friendly products from brands like NellaDerm, it’s possible to balance both your skin and your cycle.