The Relation Between Hormonal Changes and Oral Health in Females
Hormones refer to chemical messengers involved in regulating various functions of the body. They regulate metabolism, reproductive processes, mood, and whatnot.

Hormones refer to chemical messengers involved in regulating various functions of the body. They regulate metabolism, reproductive processes, mood, and whatnot.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shares that over 50 different hormones have been identified in humans and other vertebrates. Naturally, some play a key role in maintaining oral health.
Any changes or imbalances can lead to oral health issues. In this article, we will discuss the connection between hormones and oral health in the female body. Towards the end, we will also talk about ways to prevent oral health problems.
A Woman’s Hormonally Charged Body and Oral Health
If we must compare between the genders, a female’s body is said to be more hormonally sensitive than her male counterparts. This is mainly due to the significant fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels that take place throughout the menstrual cycle.
In males, hormonal levels remain relatively stable. This is why women tend to experience considerable ups and downs in their mood, physical sensations, and overall well-being. The connection between such vast hormonal changes and oral health is unmistakable.
According to WebMD, women tend to be more susceptible to oral health issues due to the unique hormonal changes they experience. This happens because hormones not only affect the blood supply to gum tissues but also the body’s response to plaque buildup.
Such changes can easily and quickly lead to sensitivity issues and periodontal disease. The risk of oral health issues due to hormonal changes is the highest during the following five stages of a woman’s life:
- At the time of puberty
- During certain points of the menstrual cycle
- While using birth control
- At the time of pregnancy
- While drawing close to menopause
Unnatural Causes of Hormonal Imbalance and Their Impact on Oral Health
First, let's discuss the natural causes of hormonal changes within a woman’s body and their oral health impact. From what we've listed above, it is clear that hormonal fluctuations are a part and parcel of being a woman.
At the time of puberty, a girl’s body suddenly increases the production of estrogen and progesterone. This surge, in turn, increases blood flow to the gums which may lead to inflammation and sensitivity issues.
Even during the monthly cycle, a rise in progesterone levels tends to cause swollen salivary glands, bleeding gums, and canker sores. Even menstruation gingivitis is not unheard of a day or two before the start of one’s period. This usually clears up shortly after.
At the time of pregnancy, hormone levels change significantly. Between the second and eighth month, an expectant mother is at risk of developing what is known as pregnancy gingivitis. Doctors may recommend regular professional cleaning during the second or early third trimester.
Finally, menopause is also a unique period in a woman’s life when her body undergoes several hormonal changes. They can alter the taste in one’s mouth, increase sensitivity, and lead to dry mouth due to a decrease in salivary flow. Now, let's look at three unnatural causes of hormonal imbalance and how they affect oral health.
Birth Control
Since we saw how hormonal changes can affect oral health, it is natural that birth control methods will have similar effects. Keep in mind that we are referring to hormonal birth control methods here.
They tend to involve injecting hormones like progestin to prevent pregnancy. These birth control methods may also help regulate the menstrual cycle and manage cramps.
However, their oral health effects can be disastrous. Let's take the example of hormonal birth control that has been popular among young women, Depo Provera. Manufactured by Pfizer, it is an injectable contraceptive administered every 12 or 14 weeks.
This contraceptive has recently received a lot of backlash for causing unforeseen complications. According to TorHoerman Law, it has been alleged that Depo Provera can cause a brain tumor called meningioma.
It is a tumor that usually forms in the membranes surrounding the brain. Symptoms of the condition include headaches, seizures, and vision problems. Injured women have filed a Depo Provera lawsuit to get fair compensation for their damages.
With such side effects, this contraceptive will impact oral health. Some of the effects include gum inflammation, periodontal disease, and bleeding gums.
Certain Medications
This is another unnatural cause for a hormonal imbalance in the body. Under this may come birth control pills that carry the added risk of dry socket over and above the complications associated with injectable contraceptives.
Then, steroids can also interfere with the production of estrogen and progesterone. They may potentially make things as bad as tooth decay and oral yeast infections.
Another category of drugs that impact hormonal balance is antipsychotic medication. This is used to treat mental health conditions by altering brain chemistry. These medicines affect hormonal balance by increasing the levels of prolactin.
As a result, a woman may experience menstrual irregularities and sexual dysfunction. These drugs carry the risk of tooth decay and gum disease because it leads to dry mouth.
Stress
Let's clarify here that stress is not always an unnatural thing. It is a natural bodily response to difficult life circumstances. However, chronic stress becomes unnatural and may overburden the body.
An individual is said to suffer from chronic stress when it interferes with their daily life. That's when someone is at risk of developing depression or an anxiety disorder.
As the World Economic Forum states, stress is so bad that it can affect every organ in the body. It will impact hormone levels as well. If the body’s stress system gets activated too often or for too long, hormone levels fluctuate rapidly and considerably.
Can stress affect oral health? Absolutely, it increases the risk of developing canker sores, dry mouth, and gum disease.
How Women Can Prevent Oral Health Problems
In light of how serious hormone-related oral health risks can be, women need to adopt some key strategies. Here are ways to prevent oral health problems:
Regular dental checkups, at least twice a year, are important. Periodic cleaning and examination will ensure any problems are addressed on time.
Prioritizing oral hygiene is a must. This is a general rule but those with hormonal imbalances cannot afford to neglect brushing twice a day and flossing once.
It's equally important to be aware of oral health changes that occur throughout one’s menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Extra care must be taken around such times.
Safer, non-hormonal birth control options should be sought after. These include abstinence, cervical caps, contraceptive sponges, and diaphragms.
Stress management is equally important, especially around the time of one’s menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. Women may find techniques like mindfulness and meditation beneficial.
A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is another must-have. Women should reduce their intake of starchy and sugary foods.
Regular exercise will also help in regulating hormonal levels. However, there is a thin line that should not be crossed. In other words, excessive exercise may end up worsening the problem.
If a woman suffers from unexplained oral health issues (as those mentioned above) frequently, checking hormone levels is important. Even in general, one must be aware of common signs of hormonal imbalance.
According to UCLA Health, symptoms include menstrual changes, hair loss, skin problems, and digestive distress. Addressing them at the earliest is vital in light of how hormones regulate various bodily functions.
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