Study, 2018
Does glutathione change during the menstrual cycle and affect premenstrual acne?
Yes. A protective substance in the blood called glutathione decreased by day 21 of the menstrual cycle. This decrease was linked to worse acne before menstruation.
What they did
Small study of 8 women aged 18-21 with mild acne (4 with and 4 without acne worsening before menstruation). Blood glutathione levels were measured on day 1 and day 21 of the menstrual cycle.
What they found
Glutathione levels decreased by day 21 of the menstrual cycle. There was a difference in levels between women with and without premenstrual acne flare on days 1 and 21. While glutathione still protected against some damage, by day 21 it became overwhelmed, allowing damaging inflammation.
What it means for you
A key protective substance in the body declines in the second half of the menstrual cycle, which may explain why acne worsens before menstruation. The main limit is the very small sample of only 8 women.
8
women studied
18-21
age range
2
times measured in cycle (day 1 and day 21)
About the study
- Original title
- Perbandingan kadar glutation (GSH) pada kasus akne vulgaris derajat ringan: Kajian terhadap premenstrual acne flare
- Authors
- Annisaa Nurrahma Ardyati, Linda Julianti Wijayadi, Frans Ferdinal et al.
- Journal
- Tarumanagara Medical Journal
- Year
- 2018
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 8
- What was tested
- None (blood glutathione measured but not prescribed)
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.24912/tmj.v1i1.2508
Topics
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