Hormonal triggers and eczema flare-ups: insights from Dr. Mark Kirchhof
Eczema, a condition characterized by persistent skin inflammation, prompts many sufferers to explore potential triggers, and hormones often top the list. Understanding the connection between hormones and eczema, especially during key life stages like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, is crucial. In our recent Life with Eczema webinar series, Ottawa-based dermatologist Dr. Mark Kirchhof shared invaluable insights on the connection between hormones and eczema flares.
According to Dr. Kirchhof, “hormones indeed influence inflammation, and scientific evidence suggests that sex hormones may exacerbate atopic dermatitis (AD) in some people.” The impact of sex hormones on atopic dermatitis varies between males and females. Research indicates that females are more likely to develop AD after puberty, compared with males who have a higher rate of AD before puberty. Testosterone appears to suppress the T helper 2 cells (Th2) linked to AD, while female sex hormones enhance their activity. This dynamic might explain why some women notice changes in their eczema during their menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy, often a concern for many eczema sufferers, introduces a unique dimension. Dr. Kirchhof explains, “Pregnancy is an immunosuppressive state that generally lowers the immune system – meaning the overactive immune response that contributes to eczema flares can be calmed down and suppressed in some patients. During pregnancy, your body has a fetus that it’s trying not to reject. Once you deliver the baby, and you’re no longer pregnant, the immune system rebounds, sometimes resulting in significant flares. There are of course other factors, like hormones, that can cause the development of dermatitis during pregnancy in susceptible patients.”
Menopause, with its fluctuating hormone levels, can also impact the skin. As estrogen levels decrease, skin elastin diminishes, and the epidermis and dermis layers thin, resulting in eczema’s dry, sensitive skin characteristics. Dr. Kirchhof tells ESC, “Some patients may have increased flares during times of sex hormone changes, like during puberty and menopause. The good news is there are ways to manage these flares when they happen.”
The Eczema Society of Canada thanks Dr. Mark Kirchhof, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FAAD, for his volunteer contribution to this educational content.
References:
- Nall R. Medical News Today. What causes eczema to flare up? Medically reviewed by Caldwell A, April 25, 2023.
- Medical News Today. What’s the link between menopause and eczema? Medically reviewed by Brito J, March 31, 2022.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this resource does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The information is up-to-date at time of publication. All medications, interventions, and treatment plans have risks and benefits, and it is important that individuals discuss their or their child’s specific health care needs with a qualified health care professional.
December 2023
