Physiological Changes Associated with the Menstrual Cycle A Review (original) (raw)

The cyclic hormonal changes that regulate the menstrual cycle are a significant biological influence on the female body, one with both physical and emotional ramifications. Menstruation is governed by tightly orchestrated changes in the levels of ovarian estrogen and progesterone, which produce varying responses in diverse tissues and organs. The skin, the largest organ in the body, is replete with estrogen receptors (in both dermis and epidermis) and to a lesser extent, progesterone receptors. Cyclically fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone influence numerous characteristics of the epidermis, including skin surface lipid secretion and sebum production, skin thickness, fat deposition, skin hydration, and barrier function. Dermal collagen content, which contributes to skin elasticity and resistance to wrinkling, is also influenced. Interestingly, estrogen levels also influence skin pigmentation and UV susceptibility, as well as resident microflora. In addition, changing hormone levels across the menstrual cycle produce measurable variations in immune function and disease susceptibility. An understanding of the profound influence that fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels have on the biological responses of the premenopausal adult woman is critical to optimizing the efficacy of medical therapies in this population. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Leaning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to produce anticipatory guidance to patients regarding skin changes in pregnancy, predict clinical skin changes common in post menopausal women, and recall the physiology of the menstrual cycle. THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE Menarche is a significant milestone in a woman's life. Women of all ages tend to remember their first menstruation vividly and are generally able to relate the circumstances surrounding it in great detail (1). It is undeniable that the cyclic hormonal changes that regulate the menstrual cycle are an important biological influence on the female body, with numerous physical and emotional effects (2).