Sex Hormones in Psoriatic Disease: A Systematic Review.

What was studied

This review looked at sex hormones in psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). It asked how the hormones link to the disease. The team searched several databases up to 10 December 2025. It covered estrogen, progesterone, androgens and prolactin. 72 studies were included.

What they found

High-estrogen states, such as pregnancy, went with improvement or low PsO activity. The time after birth and menopause were high-risk times for relapse. Data for PsA were limited and mixed. The time after birth may carry more risk of worsening. Data on menopausal hormone therapy did not settle the question. In men, testosterone levels were often low. This may link to severity, metabolic problems and reproductive dysfunction. Prolactin may also add to inflammation.

What it means for patients

The paper says estrogen and progesterone shifts in female life stages may influence disease activity. It says lower androgen levels in men may do the same. It says PsO often improves in pregnancy. It says PsO may worsen after birth or near menopause.

Why it is not certain yet

Data for PsA and hormone-based treatments are limited and mixed. The paper says more checks in labs and clinics are needed. A review can only be as good as the studies in it.

Source

Sex Hormones in Psoriatic Disease: A Systematic Review.

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