---
title: Does acne get worse around women's periods? | Niyora
description: About two-thirds of adult women with acne reported that their acne gets worse around their period, with more than half saying it worsens in the week before th
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/perimenstrual-flare-of-adult-acne-2014/
---

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- Does acne get worse around women's periods?

Interview study, 2014

# Does acne get worse around women's periods?

About two-thirds of adult women with acne reported that their acne gets worse around their period, with more than half saying it worsens in the week before their period starts.

 Early or limited evidence

18 women aged 18 to 49 with acne at a dermatology clinic in New York

## What they did

Researchers surveyed women aged 18 and over at a dermatology clinic in New York who had acne in the last 30 days. They asked when their acne got worse and when it started.

## What they found

Of the 18 women surveyed, 65 percent reported that their acne was worse with their period. Of those with perimenstrual acne, 56 percent said it got worse in the week before their period, 17 percent during their period, 3 percent after their period, and 24 percent throughout their whole cycle. Most had acne starting between ages 12 and 18. Thirty-five percent were using birth control pills.

## What it means for you

Acne that worsens around the period is common in adult women and tends to happen at a consistent time in the cycle. This was a small survey from one hospital, so these findings may not apply to all women.

65%

reported acne worse with period

56%

reported worsening week before period

35%

using birth control pills

## About the study

Original title Perimenstrual flare of adult acne Authors Geller L, Rosen J, Frankel A et al. Journal The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology Year 2014 Study design Interview study Participants 18 Open access Yes Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25161758/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25161758/)

## Topics

[Bloating, breast tenderness and physical symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-physical-symptoms/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/)

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