How does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) affect hidradenitis suppurativa during perimenopause? This is a great question, and the relationship between hormones and HS is a complex one.
Hormones are thought to play a role in HS flare-ups, and many women notice their symptoms shift during perimenopause. Some myHSteam Show Full Answer
How does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) affect hidradenitis suppurativa during perimenopause? This is a great question, and the relationship between hormones and HS is a complex one.
Hormones are thought to play a role in HS flare-ups, and many women notice their symptoms shift during perimenopause. Some myHSteam members report fewer flare-ups as they transition through menopause, while others find their symptoms continue or even worsen. Hormonal therapy is considered one of the most underutilized treatment options for HS, particularly for women with mild to moderate disease. Options that doctors may discuss include:
- Oral contraceptives – Can help rebalance hormones and reduce flare-ups in some women
- Spironolactone – An anti-androgen medication that may reduce inflammation and pain
- Finasteride – Another anti-androgen option that has shown symptom relief in some studies
It's worth noting that progesterone-only hormonal options can actually trigger flares in some people, so the type of hormone therapy matters a lot. The best approach is to have an open conversation with both a dermatologist and a gynecologist together. Dermatologists need information from gynecological care to make the safest, most effective hormonal treatment decisions for HS. A doctor will also want to review personal health history — things like clotting disorders, migraines, or smoking — before recommending any hormonal therapy.
June 29
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