Topical oestrogen creams can help with ageing skin, but they are not necessarily the right choice for everyone. — dpa
Menopause brings with it a number of major changes for women, including changes to skin health and appearance.
As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, many women notice increased wrinkles or sagging skin due to decreased collagen.
Topical oestrogen creams have been touted as a solution to skin ageing due to menopause for decades, but are they the right choice for you?
Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.
It promotes the production of collagen, a key protein that helps keep the skin firm and youthful.
As oestrogen levels drop during menopause, collagen production decreases, contributing to the development of lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
Topical oestrogen cream can reach the deeper layer of skin where it can help to counteract these effects by replenishing oestrogen levels in the skin.
The result is smoother, younger-looking skin with a firmer and more even texture.
While oestrogen creams can be safe and effective when used in the proper dosage as directed by your doctor, they are not right for everyone.
Women with a history of breast cancer, blood-clotting disorders or heart problems may not be good candidates for oestrogen creams.
Additionally, it is difficult to control the amount of oestrogen that is absorbed by your body when you use it topically, and fluctuating hormone levels can affect how your body responds to the cream.
For this reason, I prefer an oestrogen patch.
If you are considering using oestrogen cream, talk to your doctor about the best options for you based on your medical history.
Oestrogen patches work by releasing a steady amount of oestrogen into the bloodstream through the skin.
This method provides more consistent hormone levels compared to topical creams, making their results easier to predict.
Still, your doctor will help you decide if topical oestrogen cream or patches could be right for you, and which might be better. – By Dr Leslie Baumann/tca/dpa
