Are you really 'ugly' before your period?

A person holds a hot water compress to her lower abdomen while lying in bed. (Getty Images)

Social media is flooded with wellness trends, and when it comes to content pushed on the feeds of women, menstruation is one of the largest topics. Lately, one idea has been gaining traction online, the notion that the luteal phase — the part of the menstrual cycle just before one's period — makes you look and feel "ugly."

On TikTok and X, users describe this phase as turning them into "the ugliest person alive," pointing to bloating, breakouts, mood swings and cravings. While recognizing the pattern can itself feel validating, many wonder why their bodies betray them each month.

So, what’s happening during this phase, and does it truly affect how you look?

The menstrual cycle has two main phases. The follicular phase starts on the first day of the period and ends with ovulation. The luteal phase follows ovulation and prepares the body for a possible pregnancy. This is when progesterone levels rise, often leading to emotional and physical changes: mood shifts, acne, appetite changes, bloating and breast tenderness.

Doctors say it is this hormone surge — particularly the spike in progesterone — that can make people feel "off." But it is important to remember that these reactions are part of a normal, healthy cycle.

Typically, one's skin responds differently depending on where you are in your cycle. Dermatologists point out that during the follicular phase, especially the week after the period, estrogen levels are higher, which leads to clearer skin, tighter pores and a natural glow. This is often dubbed the “radiant” phase.

In contrast, during the luteal phase, progesterone can stimulate oil glands, especially around the chin and jawline. This can lead to clogged pores and inflammation. Skin also becomes more sensitive to external irritants. But again, this is not a flaw. It’s a temporary, biological rhythm.

What is often ignored is that certain phases of the menstrual cycle may enhance spatial awareness and emotional intelligence or even increase brain volume. A period is not just about breakouts and bloating; it’s part of a dynamic system with strengths and struggles.

Doctors say that what many young women are exposed to on social media leads them to miss the context.

“Unfortunately, social media tends to exaggerate the lows,” says Dr. Kim Ji-yeon, an OB-GYN at Y-Queen Clinic in Seoul. “People might genuinely feel worse during their luteal phase. And if symptoms feel unmanageable, it’s worth speaking to a mental health specialist.”

So, does your looming period make you ugly?

The answer is no. You are not ugly right before your period. Yes, hormonal fluctuations can affect your skin and mood, but that does not diminish your worth or beauty. Instead of internalizing toxic messages, it is time to embrace a more holistic, informed view of menstrual health. After all, the problem is not your body — it is the culture telling you to fix what was never broken.

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This article is part of a series that delves into the health and well-being of people in South Korea, highlighting the latest developments in health care needs and the services available to meet them. — Ed.