Effect of Female Sex Hormones on Periodontium

Bacterial plaque has been established as the primary etiologic factor for the initiation of periodontal disease. However it has been shown that without a susceptible host the periodontal pathogens are butnot sufficient for disease to occur. Hence systemic conditions of the host must be understood as they may affect disease prevalence progression and severity. These hormones have been suggested as important modifying factors that may influence the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. The homeostasis of the periodontium involves complex multifactorial relationships in which the endocrine system plays an important role. Fluctuating levels of sex hormones during puberty menses pregnancy and menopause have direct and indirect effects on oral health and they also influence their susceptibility to periodontal disease. Steroid sex hormones show effects on cellular growth proliferation and differentiation in target tissues including keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the gingiva. Systemic endocrine imbalances may have an important impact on periodontal pathogenesis. Researches have shown that changes in periodontal conditions might be associated with variations in sex hormone level.