Does the hormone change in perimenopause affect psoriasis?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 45-year-old woman who has been living with plaque psoriasis since college, primarily managed with topical treatments. However, over the past year, my flare-ups have become more frequent and severe, particularly on my scalp, elbows, and lower back. I have also started experiencing irregular menstrual periods, night sweats, and mood swings. My doctor believes I may be entering perimenopause. Could hormonal changes be contributing to the worsening of my psoriasis? Would hormone replacement therapy help improve both my skin symptoms and emotional well-being, or is there a possibility it could make my condition worse?

Please help me.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

One of the important functions of estrogen is maintaining skin health. As women enter menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly, which can negatively impact the skin. In individuals with pre-existing skin conditions, such as in your case, this hormonal decline can lead to more frequent and severe flare-ups that become harder to manage.

Hormone replacement therapy can help replenish the estrogen your body needs to function optimally. It may reduce the severity of psoriasis flare-ups and also alleviate other symptoms you are currently experiencing, such as mood swings, irregular periods, and night sweats. In addition, hormone replacement therapy may help lower the risk of complications associated with menopause, such as osteoporosis and increased cardiovascular risk. It would be advisable to undergo a thorough evaluation and consider starting hormone replacement therapy at a dosage tailored to your needs.

I hope this answer helps you.

Thank you.