Do Psoriasis and Tinea Creams Affect Menstrual Cycle or Birth Control?

Will the ointments for tinea cruris and psoriasis affect the menstrual cycle?

Hello Dr.
Huang: I have three questions I would like to ask you, and I would appreciate your help in answering them.
Thank you.
1.
Can the topical ointment for psoriasis cause an early onset of menstruation or increase menstrual flow?
2.
Can the topical ointment for tinea cruris (jock itch) cause an early onset of menstruation or increase menstrual flow?
3.
If I plan to start taking my first pack of birth control pills (Yaz, 21 tablets), and I apply the ointments for tinea cruris and psoriasis both morning and night while taking the pills daily, will the topical ointments affect the efficacy of Yaz? (For example, could it cause an early menstruation or increase the likelihood of spotting?) For the first two questions, I am only using the topical ointments and have not previously taken Yaz.

Gou Gou Mie, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/10

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Will the topical medication for psoriasis cause an early onset of menstruation or increased menstrual flow? Answer: No.

2.
Will the topical medication for tinea cruris cause an early onset of menstruation or increased menstrual flow? Answer: No.

3.
If I start taking my first pack of oral contraceptives (Yaz, 21 pills) and apply topical medications for tinea cruris and psoriasis in the morning and evening, will the topical medications affect the efficacy of Yaz? (For example, will it cause an early onset of menstruation or increase the likelihood of spotting?) Answer: No.

PS: The first and second questions refer solely to the use of topical medications without prior use of Yaz.

Reply Date: 2019/01/10

More Info

When it comes to the use of creams for psoriasis (such as Tinea or other antifungal creams) and their potential effects on the menstrual cycle or birth control, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, regarding the question of whether psoriasis creams can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, it is essential to note that topical medications, including those used for skin conditions like psoriasis and tinea, generally have localized effects and are not absorbed systemically in significant amounts. Therefore, they are unlikely to directly influence hormonal levels or menstrual cycles. However, individual responses to medications can vary, and some patients may experience stress or anxiety related to their skin conditions, which could indirectly affect their menstrual cycle. Stress is known to influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, potentially leading to changes in menstrual regularity.

Secondly, the use of antifungal creams for conditions like tinea (ringworm) is also not expected to have a direct impact on menstrual cycles. Similar to psoriasis treatments, these creams are designed to target localized infections and should not affect hormonal balance. However, if a patient experiences skin irritation or allergic reactions to the cream, this could lead to stress or discomfort, which might indirectly influence menstrual patterns.

Now, regarding the use of birth control pills, such as the one you mentioned (Yueji, which contains 21 pills), it is crucial to understand how topical medications might interact with hormonal contraceptives. Most topical treatments, including those for psoriasis and tinea, do not have any known interactions with oral contraceptives. Therefore, using these creams while taking birth control pills should not reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive method. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider regarding any concerns about potential interactions, especially if you are using multiple medications.

As for the concern about whether the creams could cause breakthrough bleeding or affect the timing of your menstrual cycle while on birth control, this is generally unlikely. Breakthrough bleeding can occur for various reasons, including hormonal fluctuations, missed doses of birth control, or the body adjusting to the contraceptive method. If you notice any significant changes in your menstrual cycle after starting the birth control pill, it is advisable to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

In summary, topical creams for psoriasis and tinea are not expected to have a significant impact on menstrual cycles or the effectiveness of birth control pills. However, individual responses can vary, and it is essential to monitor your body’s reactions and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. If you experience unusual symptoms or changes in your menstrual cycle after starting any new medication, including birth control, it is always best to seek medical advice for personalized guidance.

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