What are the 'luteal uglies'? And how they're affecting women

A phenomenon dubbed the "luteal uglies" is gaining traction on social media, with thousands of women sharing experiences of perceived changes in appearance and mood during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. Videos on platforms like TikTok show women lamenting feelings of unattractiveness and low mood, with millions of views and widespread resonance among users.

“

Our hormones affect our skin, they affect our collagen, so a lot of people find their skin becomes drier, their complexion not so bright, they might have acne and spots. They might get bloating and breasts can change shape.

Dr. Louise Newson, a GP and women's hormones specialist, explains that the significant drop in estrogen during the luteal phase can indeed affect women's bodies. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to drier skin, acne breakouts, changes in breast shape, bloating, and shifts in mood, including lethargy and reduced motivation. Some women report feeling their cognitive functions slow down, becoming more forgetful or clumsy.

“

I feel like my brain is working in slow motion, I tend to become clumsy and way more forgetful. I don't want to socialise as much and I feel low.

Women like Elena, who works in hospitality and as an actress, describe feeling "completely unmotivated" and less inclined to socialize during this phase. Freelance journalist Henrietta notes that irritability towards her partner or isolating herself from friends can be indicators of her luteal phase, alongside needing coffee or a meal. She also mentions a tendency to overshare or withdraw from friends.

“

If I find myself wanting to get irritated with my wonderful, hilarious, chilled out partner there's an extremely high chance I haven't had my coffee, haven't eaten or that I am in my luteal phase.

Despite the growing online discussion, Newson points out that many women still lack adequate knowledge or support. She criticizes the dismissive responses some women receive, comparing it unfavorably to how men's hormonal changes are treated. Both Elena and another woman, O'Neill, emphasize the need for greater education about fundamental bodily functions, with many turning to social media for information they didn't receive earlier in life. The shared experiences highlight a significant gap in understanding and addressing the physical and emotional impacts of the menstrual cycle.

“

Would you say to a man 'Oh your testosterone is down, just don't go to the gym, have a duvet day?' It's unacceptable that women have to put up with it.