If your skin is changing and your hair is just not behaving around that time of the month, it’s not your imagination. The hormonal changes women experience before, during and after our menstrual cycle can change our outer appearance.
“Hormones do play a huge role in the health of our skin, hair and nails” confirm Chicago-based physicians Dr. Chantale Stephens-Archer and Dr. Gameli Dekayie-Amenu, better known as the BestiesMD. “In addition, our bodies are quite sensitive to the fluctuations in hormones that occur naturally around our cycles.”
The BestiesMD explain that one additional consequence of heavier or longer cycles is anemia from increased blood loss. Anemia can result in unfavorable changes to the health of our skin, hair and nails.
Here are five common effects that you may be facing and what you can do about them:
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1. Your hair and skin are oilier than normal.
Hormonal fluctuations make your skin and skin oilier than normal. Leading up to your period, your body produces more testosterone, that creates an oil called sebum. If you have dry hair and skin, that extra oil may not be a bad thing, but for many women, the extra oil can cause acne and weigh hair down.
Tip: Set aside time to wash your hair more frequently, if needed, and switch to an oil-free moisturizer.