"The True Nature of 'Luteal Uglies' Spreading on Social Media: 'I Only See Myself as Ugly Before My Period'"

"Is it just me? Or am I the ugliest person in the world right now?"

A video posted on TikTok with such self-deprecating words has sparked significant reactions. The poster expressed a phenomenon where they feel that their skin, facial features, body shape, and even self-evaluation change suddenly before menstruation.

On social media, more people are calling this "Luteal Uglies." Literally translated, it means "ugliness during the luteal phase," but it is not a medically recognized condition. It is merely an internet expression born from women sharing their experiences.

However, the claims are so specific that they cannot be dismissed as mere jokes.

"My face looks puffy and my contours appear different," "My skin suddenly breaks out," "Clothes that were fine until yesterday don't suit me," "I don't want to see myself in photos," "I lose confidence to meet people."

Moreover, beyond changes in appearance, there are voices complaining of mental and physical changes such as "my brain doesn't work," "I feel sad for no reason," "I get angry at my partner," "I don't want to talk to anyone."

The "pre-menstrual self" visualized on social media is not just a beauty concern. It is beginning to be noticed as an issue affecting women's work, friendships, partnerships, and self-esteem.

A video viewed 2.4 million times: "This is me"

One of the TikTok videos introduced by the BBC was viewed about 2.4 million times and gathered hundreds of comments.

In the comments section, there were voices of empathy like "This is exactly me" and "It's so accurate it's frustrating." Many people who had similar experiences did not realize it was related to their menstrual cycle.

In another video, the poster asked, "What does everyone do to make the luteal phase a little easier?" Various coping strategies were shared, such as wearing loose clothing and avoiding mirrors, eating sweets, watching TV, and keeping distance from husbands or partners.

The abundance of reactions indicates that more people than imagined feel like they become someone else for just a few days before their period.

On the other hand, caution is needed with advice on social media. Distracting oneself with alcohol, extreme dietary restrictions, or taking large amounts of supplements without clear evidence can worsen symptoms rather than improve them.

Gaining empathy and obtaining medically appropriate coping methods are not necessarily the same.

"Luteal" refers to the luteal phase

"Luteal" is derived from the English word "luteal," which means "luteal phase" in Japanese.

The menstrual cycle is generally divided into the period from the start of menstruation to ovulation and the period from after ovulation to the start of the next menstruation. The latter half is the luteal phase.

The luteal phase begins after ovulation and ends with the start of menstruation if pregnancy does not occur. Although there are individual differences in the cycle, it is generally considered to range from about 10 to 17 days, with many people experiencing it around 12 to 14 days.

After ovulation, the follicle that released the egg transforms into a structure called the "corpus luteum." The corpus luteum mainly secretes progesterone, preparing the uterine lining to receive a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum shrinks, and the levels of progesterone and estrogen decrease, leading to menstruation.

Reactions to these hormonal fluctuations vary greatly among individuals. Some people feel little change, while others experience strong discomfort at a fixed time each month.

In other words, not everyone becomes ugly during the luteal phase. Nor can it be definitively stated that one's objective appearance suddenly changes significantly.

What may actually be happening is that physical changes like swelling and skin issues, combined with mood declines and lowered self-esteem, lead to a more negative perception of one's appearance than usual.

Why the skin and facial features appear different

A female hormone specialist interviewed by the BBC explained that hormonal changes can affect the skin, collagen, sleep, and mood.

Common physical changes reported before menstruation include dry or dull skin, breakouts, increased oiliness, facial and body swelling, abdominal bloating, and breast tenderness or pain.

If the body tends to retain water, eyelids and cheeks may feel puffy upon waking. Even at the same body weight, the lower abdomen might feel bloated, and clothes might feel tighter.

Changes in sebum production can lead to acne or breakouts. Poor sleep quality can result in dark circles under the eyes or a tired appearance.

When these small changes accumulate, one might feel that the reflection in the mirror is "completely different from usual."

However, not all skin issues or swelling can be explained solely by the luteal phase. Diet, lack of sleep, stress, skin conditions, medications, and other health issues like thyroid problems may also be involved.

To confirm a connection with the cycle, it can be helpful to record symptoms and menstrual days over several months.

"It's like my brain is in slow motion"

Changes during the luteal phase are not limited to appearance.

A 25-year-old woman interviewed by the BBC said she experiences severe bloating, dull skin, and a rough texture during the latter half of her cycle. She also feels her breasts become heavy and painful.

More serious is the impact on cognitive function and mood.

She explained that her brain feels like it's moving in slow motion, she becomes clumsier than usual, and forgetfulness increases. She loses motivation, avoids social interactions, and feels depressed.

In premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, symptoms like decreased concentration, fatigue, sleep problems, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression can occur. If physical and mental symptoms occur simultaneously, work efficiency may decrease, and mistakes that wouldn't normally happen might increase.

However, in the workplace, schedules cannot always be paused in accordance with the menstrual cycle.

Meetings with clients, customer service, presentations, filming, exams, and childcare continue regardless of physical condition. If the person does not understand the cause of their discomfort, they may unnecessarily blame themselves, thinking, "I'm not capable at work" or "I'm not trying hard enough."

A self-employed woman told the BBC that skin issues, bloating, and decreased concentration significantly undermine her confidence when dealing with clients. At the same time, she pointed out that a self-employed person's schedule cannot be stopped due to hormonal changes.

These words indicate that luteal phase issues are related not only to individual moods but also to work styles and societal structures.

Impact on relationships with partners and friends

If irritability and anxiety increase during the luteal phase, changes in relationships can occur.

One might get upset over a partner's behavior that would normally be laughed off. They might overshare with friends and regret it later. Conversely, they might fail to respond to messages and distance themselves from relationships.

A 30-year-old woman interviewed by the BBC said she tends to either overshare with friends and regret it or isolate herself and regret it during the luteal phase.

For the individual, it's not just "bad mood." They may feel despair and pain, and suddenly recall embarrassing or painful past experiences.

Symptoms like difficulty finding words, blurred vision, and inability to concentrate on conversations can occur, and having to hide these at work can feel embarrassing.

And when menstruation begins, the distress suddenly eases.

When symptoms repeat according to the cycle, it is significant for both the individual and those around them to know the pattern. Even if they cannot completely resolve "why am I so angry now?" or "why have I suddenly lost confidence?" understanding that it is a predictable, temporary change can help avoid impulsive decisions.

Considerations could include postponing important decisions or serious discussions, not overloading the schedule, and informing family or partners about one's condition in advance.

However, it is not appropriate to think, "It's okay to say anything because it's the luteal phase." Understanding the hormonal influence is not to abandon responsibility but to find ways to protect oneself and those around them.

The pain of being dismissed as "just PMS"

For a long time, premenstrual symptoms have been treated as "something everyone has," "something to endure," or "overthinking."

Some have experienced being told by others, "Just take a little rest," "Eating sweets will cure it," or "You're just being emotional because it's before your period."

Of course, mild symptoms may be alleviated by rest or lifestyle improvements. However, lumping together conditions where concentration drops to the point of being unable to work, self-loathing becomes so strong that one cannot go out, or relationships are at risk of breaking every month is dangerous.

PMS refers to a state where physical and mental symptoms that appear before menstruation are repeated and affect daily life. If symptoms are more severe, with strong depression, anxiety, anger, or despair significantly impairing daily life, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may also be considered.

The social media term "Luteal Uglies" does not directly mean PMS or PMDD.

Dissatisfaction with appearance alone cannot be judged as a disease. On the other hand, there may be symptoms requiring treatment or professional support hidden behind light words.

While taking an interest in one's cycle due to a trending social media term can be beneficial, one should not rely solely on social media for a diagnosis.

What can be done to protect oneself

One method commonly recommended by specialized institutions is keeping a record of symptoms.

In addition to noting the start date of menstruation, briefly record daily occurrences of swelling, skin issues, appetite, sleep duration, concentration, mood, irritability, anxiety, etc. Reviewing at least two to three cycles can make it easier to confirm whether symptoms are concentrated before menstruation or continue throughout the month.

Conditions similar to luteal phase symptoms can also occur in depression, anxiety disorders, thyroid disease, chronic fatigue, migraines, etc. If mood declines continue after menstruation or symptoms do not align with the cycle, it is advisable to consult a medical institution, considering other causes.

In terms of lifestyle, adequate sleep, moderate exercise, a balanced diet, and ensuring time to reduce stress are fundamental.

Avoiding a diet high in salt may help reduce swelling. Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect sleep and mood, so those who feel worse before their period may find it worthwhile to reassess their intake.

On the other hand, supplements and health foods are not proven effective for everyone. They may interact with medications being taken, so it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before continuing their use.

If symptoms affect daily life, options may include hormone therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or antidepressants. Which treatment is appropriate depends on the type and severity of symptoms, pregnancy intentions, chronic conditions, and current medications.

The "name" and relief provided by social media

The term "Luteal Uglies" carries the risk of excessively negative self-perception of appearance.

If more people start associating women's worth with appearance and think "I shouldn't show myself before my period," it could create new appearance complexes. It is necessary to question the culture of describing puffiness or acne as "ugly."

On the other hand, some people have been saved by this term.

People who lost confidence at the same time each month realize through videos that "they are not alone." Unexplained discomfort is given a name, leading them to record their menstrual cycle. If necessary, they consult medical institutions.

Social media can be a place that trivializes discomfort or a place that visualizes previously unspoken experiences.

The important thing is not to use the term "Luteal Uglies" as a new standard of beauty or a tool for self-denial.

Even if you look worse in the mirror than usual before your period, that moment's evaluation is not necessarily an objective fact. In addition to swelling and skin changes, mood declines may lead to a harsher self-view.

The symptoms are not imaginary. However, the conclusion that "I am ugly" is not necessarily a fact.

Understanding that the body changes cyclically, taking necessary rest, and seeking support when needed are crucial. The question is whether a trending term born on social media can be transformed into an entry point for reassessing one's health rather than self-loathing.

※This article provides general health information and is not intended for individual diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms affect work, studies, household chores, or relationships, or if there are strong feelings of depression, despair, or thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please consult a medical institution or local emergency consultation service promptly.

Source URL

BBC News: An article reporting on the spread of "Luteal Uglies" on TikTok, the experiences of those involved, comments on social media, and expert opinions
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0jk6wjkn0o

Cleveland Clinic: Explanation of the duration of the luteal phase, hormonal changes after ovulation, and possible symptoms during the luteal phase
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24417-luteal-phase
The luteal phase is from after ovulation to the start of menstruation, and mood changes, breast tenderness, bloating, acne, and changes in appetite can occur.

NHS: Explanation of typical PMS symptoms, self-care, guidelines for consulting medical institutions, and PMDD
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/
Symptoms include mood swings, irritability, fatigue, sleep problems, bloating, breast tenderness, and skin issues, and consultation is recommended if they affect daily life.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Explanation of