Author: Schmidt, Jolanta B

Source: Experimental Dermatology, Volume 14, Number 2, February 2005 , pp. 156-156(1)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Clinical evidence of correlations between menopause and endogenous skin aging gave input to various studies investigating the relevance of estrogens for skin functions that are associated with skin aging and their possible therapeutic effects. Skin thickness and bone density are significantly decreased already six months after menopause and are increased after the same period of hormone replacement (HRT). Fibroblast and keratinocyte function is stimulated by estrogen application, and among other effects significant increases of collagen fibres have been demonstrated six months after the onset of HRT ( <link rid="b1">1). Topical use of estrogen compounds was found to diminish skin aging symptoms. The effects of conjugated estrogens (0,625% Premarin) were studied in 60 postmenopausal women ( <link rid="b2">2). In another study the effects of estradiol 0,01% and estriol 0,3% were compared ( <link rid="b3">3). Both studies documented significant reductions of wrinkles without any systemic side effects of the treatments. Recently significant increases of epidermal thickness during estradiol have been described ( <link rid="b4">4). For cosmetic purposes phytoestrogens seem a promising alternative to the medical treatment. Isoflavone containing cosmetical creams were shown to improve skin dryness and wrinkles ( <link rid="b5">5). In various studies mainly beneficial effects of systemic HRT on skin aging parameters have been documented. Although skin aging is certainly no indication for systemic hormone supplementation the beneficial action of such treatment on aging symptoms of the skin are a positive side aspect of such treatment.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.0906-6705.2005.0266k.x

Affiliations: 1: Division of Special and Environmental Dermatology, University of Vienna Medical School, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria

Publication date: 2005-02-01

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