Influence of female sex hormones on periodontium - a review

Hormones are specific regulatory molecules that have potent effects on the major determinants of the development and the integrity of the skeleton and oral cavity including periodontal tissues. It is clear that periodontal manifestations occur when an imbalance of these steroid hormones take place. This review article focuses on how these hormones influence the periodontium at different life stages such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and postmenopause. Hormonal influences may appear in oral tissues before other systemic manifestations are apparent. Therefore, it is the clinician's responsibility to recognize, customize and vary periodontal therapy based on the individual female and the stage of her life cycle.