Hormonal Changes that Affect Skin
During menopause, hormonal changes that affect skin include:
- Estrogen: Declining estrogen during menopause correlates with reduced collagen types I and IV in the dermis and basement membrane. This leads to thinning of the skin, wrinkles, and reduced structural integrity. Estradiol therapy can increase transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), which promotes collagen production and skin elasticity Estrogen also increases tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), reducing deleterious matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Overall, estrogen replacement increases collagen types I and III content, skin thickness, elasticity, and moisture content. Topical estrogen treatments may help improve skin thickness and hydration
- Progesterone: Decreased progesterone during menopause is associated with reduced production of skin surface lipids such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. This leads to a compromised lipid barrier and dry skin on the face. When combined with estrogen therapy, progesterone stimulates sebaceous gland activity and leads to increased oil production
- Testosterone: Low testosterone leads to impaired stimulation of collagen production. Testosterone is converted to estradiol via aromatase to activate estrogen receptors which then increases collagen production
- Human Growth Hormone: Low HGH levels during menopause leads to thinning of the skin as cell proliferation and extracellular matrix is reduced. Supplementing with growth hormone can help increase skin thickness and collagen
- Thyroid Hormone: The active thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) increase mitochondrial activity, ATP production, and antioxidant enzymes in dermal fibroblasts. They upregulate collagen types I and III gene transcription, helping to thicken aged skin. Decreased thyroid hormones during menopause reduce mitochondrial activity and collagen production in fibroblasts
After menopause, you are at higher risk of osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) and heart disease. cells, requiring significant cellular energy to repair. Early intervention with the right skincare can help mitigate these effects.
