Hormones and Dry Eye: Why Women are More Prone and What They Can Do About It

Ladies, Did you know that women are WAY more likely to suffer from dry eye than men?

Yep. Hormones play a huge role in eye health, and fluctuations—whether from puberty, pregnancy, birth control, or menopause—can turn your tear film into an emotional rollercoaster.

So, if your eyes feel extra dry, irritated, or like they’re betraying you for no reason, your hormones might be the culprit. Let’s break it down.

Why Do Hormones Affect Dry Eye?

Your tear production is influenced by estrogen, progesterone, and androgens (aka the hormonal trio running the show). When these levels fluctuate, your eyes can’t keep up.

🌀 Estrogen – Can destabilize the tear film and make dry eye worse.
🌀 Progesterone – May decrease tear production, leading to more dryness.
🌀 Androgens (like testosterone) – Help keep the oil glands in your eyelids working properly. Lower androgens = drier eyes.

Basically, when hormone levels shift, your eyes feel it.

When Do Hormones Make Dry Eye Worse?

1. Pregnancy & Postpartum

Your body is busy growing a human, and tear production often takes a hit. Postpartum, estrogen levels drop suddenly, making dryness even worse.

2. Birth Control

Some birth control pills decrease androgen levels, which means less oil production in the tear film. If you started a new pill and suddenly feel like your contacts are made of sandpaper, this could be why.

3. Menopause & Perimenopause

Menopause is prime time for dry eye because estrogen and androgen levels drop significantly. This messes with the meibomian glands (the ones that help keep your tears from evaporating too fast).

4. Hormonal Imbalances (PCOS, Thyroid Issues, etc.)

Conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or thyroid disorders can throw hormones out of balance and lead to dry eye symptoms.

What Can You Do About It?

👁 Use Preservative-Free Artificial Tears – The fewer chemicals, the better for sensitive eyes.

💧 Omega-3 Supplements – Studies show that Omega-3s improve tear quality by helping the oil glands function better.

🌿 Consider Hormone-Friendly Eye Drops – Some prescription drops help restore balance to the tear film.

🍣 Eat Foods That Support Hormonal Health – Salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and leafy greens can help regulate hormone levels naturally.

🔥 Warm Compresses & Lid Hygiene – If your oil glands aren’t doing their job, a warm compress can help unclog them and get the tears flowing again.

👩‍⚕️ Talk to Your Doctor About Hormone Therapy – If menopause is hitting hard, HRT (hormone replacement therapy) might help, but it can also worsen dry eye in some women.

Final Thoughts: Dry Eye Isn’t Just an Age Thing—It’s a Hormone Thing

If your eyes have become drier than ever, it might not be so random after all. Hormones play a huge role in tear production, and understanding the connection is the first step to finding relief.

If you’re struggling, let’s figure out a plan that works for YOU. Because dry eye shouldn’t be another thing we just “deal with.” Book an appointment, and let’s get those eyes feeling better!

Call (859) 787-0936 or visit our office, 2020 Eyemax, in Lexington, Kentucky to book an appointment today.