Period pimples hurt due to a combination of hormonal shifts, increased oil production, inflammation, and stress, all converging during your menstrual cycle. Let's break it down:
The Hormonal Culprit
The primary reason period pimples cause pain stems from the fluctuating hormones associated with your menstrual cycle.
- Sebum Overproduction: According to research, "the hormone shifts trigger your sebaceous glands to release more sebum (oil)." This excess oil clogs pores, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Inflammation: PMS hormones don't just increase oil production; they also ramp up skin inflammation. This inflammation contributes significantly to the pain and tenderness associated with period pimples.
- Bacterial Growth: The hormonal changes promote "the production of acne-causing bacteria," further exacerbating inflammation and pain.
Stress: The Unwelcome Guest
As if hormonal fluctuations weren't enough, PMS also brings stress into the mix. According to studies, "PMS can make you more stressed out, which wreaks havoc on your skin." Stress hormones can worsen acne and increase sensitivity to pain.
Putting it All Together
| Factor | Effect | Contributes to Pain? |
|---|---|---|
| Hormone Shifts | Increased sebum, inflammation, bacteria | Yes |
| Excess Sebum | Clogged pores | Yes |
| Inflammation | Swelling, redness, tenderness | Yes |
| Bacteria | Infection, inflammation | Yes |
| Stress | Worsened acne, increased pain sensitivity | Yes |
In summary, period pimples hurt because hormonal shifts cause increased oil production, inflammation, and bacterial growth, compounded by PMS-related stress, leading to painful, inflamed blemishes.
