---
title: Does atopic dermatitis get worse before your period? | Niyora
description: Yes, about one in three women report their atopic dermatitis worsens before their period, especially if they have PMS. During pregnancy, half worsened but som
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-influence-of-the-menstrual-cycle-and-pregnancy-on-atopic-dermatitis-1991/
---

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- Does atopic dermatitis get worse before your period?

Survey study, 1991

# Does atopic dermatitis get worse before your period?

Yes, about one in three women report their atopic dermatitis worsens before their period, especially if they have PMS. During pregnancy, half worsened but some improved.

 Early or limited evidence

150 women with atopic dermatitis

## What they did

150 women completed a postal questionnaire about whether their atopic dermatitis got worse before their period and during pregnancy.

## What they found

33% had premenstrual worsening of atopic dermatitis, with a significant association to PMS symptoms. During pregnancy, 52% experienced worsening (usually in first 20 weeks), but 24% improved.

## What it means for you

If you have atopic dermatitis and PMS, your skin may flare before your period. The study relied on women's memory of symptoms, which can be unreliable. We do not know what causes this connection.

33%

premenstrual worsening

52%

worsened during pregnancy

24%

improved during pregnancy

## About the study

Original title The influence of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy on atopic dermatitis Authors Kemmett D, Tidman MJ Journal The British journal of dermatology Year 1991 Study design Survey study Participants 150 What was tested None (observational study) Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1991.tb06041.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1991.tb06041.x)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual exacerbation (PME)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pme/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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