Acne and Regular Menstrual Cycles: A Study of 100 Libyan Females

Background: Acne and menstrual cycles are highly prevalent among young females. The hormones and their fluctuations play an important part in the menstrual cycle and its regularity, as well as acne pathogenesis.

Aims: To look into the relationship between acne and the menstrual cycle and determine whether perimenstrual acne flares occur even with a regular menstrual cycle.

Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study that took place between August 2021 and April 2022. It included 100 Libyan females who had visited outpatient dermatological clinics at the National Cancer Institute (Misurata, Libya) with clinically diagnosed acne and had normal menstrual cycles.

Results: A total of 100 Libyan females with clinically diagnosed acne and regular menstrual cycles were studied. The females in this study ranged in age from 17 to 26 years, with a mean of (20 ±1 years). 20% of females experienced perimenstrual acne flares, and 12% of them reported worsening symptoms in the week preceding their menstruation. Most females reported a perimestrual acne flare that was diagnosed as moderate acne. All females (20%) with a perimenstrual acne flare have an onset of acne that was accompanied by or shortly before the first menstrual cycle (menarche).

Conclusion: A perimenstrual acne flare may occur, even in women who have regular menstrual cycles. Females who develop acne during or shortly before menarche are more prone to perimenstrual acne flares.