‘Luteal uglies’ explained by GP after hundreds of women complain about it
As women, we’re unfortunately all too familiar with the dreaded luteal phase and how it can make us feel.
From mood swings and irritability to bloating and breaking out, some people even find it worse than their actual period, but one symptom is popping up more and more - the ‘luteal uglies’.
Essentially, it’s what it says on the tin and refers to how women feel more ugly during this two-week period, which takes place from the day after ovulation until the day before your period starts.
It’s a phenomenon that hundreds of women can relate to, with experiences being shared all over social media.
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One TikToker wrote: “Luteal phase, uglymaxxing so hard not even a full beat could fix it,” while a second brutally added: “When you look in the mirror a week before your period and have genuinely never seen anything uglier.”
And a third wrote: “POV: “You’re in your luteal phase, you’ve been ugly for 10 days straight, your hair is greasy, you have eye bags darker than night, you have 80 more pimples than usual, you feel insecure, you’re tired, you’re starving, you’re anxious.”
What is the science behind the ‘luteal uglies?’
As explained by Cleveland Clinic, the luteal phase starts when an egg begins its journey to your uterus, and it ends when you get your period.
Right after the egg is released, progesterone is pumped out to thicken the uterus lining to prepare for a potential pregnancy.
When pregnancy doesn’t happen, hormone levels drop sharply, and you get your period.
GP and women’s hormones specialist Dr Louise Newson explained to the BBC that the sudden drop means women can experience sudden shifts in multiple areas of life, whether it’s their appearance, mood, or sleep.
She told the publication: "Our hormones affect our skin, they affect our collagen, so a lot of people find their skin becomes drier, their complexion not so bright, they might have acne and spots. They might get bloating, and breasts can change shape."
The expert explained that when oestrogen falls in the days before a period, progesterone rises, which increases oil production in your skin and your body keeps more fluids.
This can lead to symptoms like bloating, a puffy face and tender breasts.
But, as reported by Glamour Magazine, another reason we may feel uglier during the luteal phase, is because we’re focusing on our flaws more.
The publication consulted Dr Birgit Derntl, Professor for Women's Mental Health and Brain Function at the University of Tübingen, and post-doctoral researcher Ann-Christin Kimmig, who revealed the interesting findings.
They said: “An eye-tracking study has shown that females during the luteal phase spend more time looking at their least favourite body parts as in other cycle phases, suggesting a cognitive negativity bias.”
Speaking to Marie Claire, dermatologist Dr Maya Thosani added: “This phase of the cycle is associated with bloating, acne, discomfort, and appetite changes. And understandably, these hormonal patterns also tend to affect how we feel when we look in the mirror, creating a divide between reality and perception.”
So, next time you’re dealing with the luteal phase, remember that just because you feel ‘ugly,’ doesn’t mean that it's a reality.
Topics: Women's Health, Health, Life, Real Life, Skincare
Madison Burgess