Where the menstrual cycle brings us

My face is an oil refinery.

An excess of ‘androgens’ — male hormones — such as testosterone in the second half of your cycle can lead to oilier skin and random pimples, says Dr Nicholas Lowe, a consultant dermatologist. “Some women also find that being on a low estrogen Pill can cause breakouts,” he says.

“If you’ve also got thinning or excess hair or weight that won’t shift (see below) you might be one of the 30% of women with some form of polycystic ovarian syndrome, caused by an excess of male hormones,” says gynaecologist Dr Gabrielle Downey.