How to Use Topical Estrogen Cream For Aging Skin | Menopause + Skin | Dr. Sam Ellis

Summary

In this video, Dr. Sam Ellis, a board-certified dermatologist, discusses the impact of estrogen depletion on women's skin during perimenopause and menopause. He explains how topical estrogen application can potentially reverse skin aging effects, such as sagging and dryness, by improving collagen synthesis and skin hydration. However, he also addresses the potential side effects, including irritation and pigmentation issues, and emphasizes the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals, especially for those with a history of breast cancer or blood clots, before using topical estrogen for anti-aging purposes.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Topical estrogen is a subject of interest for anti-aging, especially for women experiencing skin changes during perimenopause and menopause.
• 🔬 Dr. Sam Ellis, a board-certified dermatologist, discusses the effects of estrogen depletion on women's skin and the potential benefits of topical estrogen application.
• ⚕️ Estrogen is a hormone primarily produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells, playing a role in sexual and reproductive health, as well as cardiovascular, bone, and cognitive functions.
• 📉 Women experience fluctuating estrogen levels throughout their menstrual cycle, with a significant drop during menopause, which can lead to skin issues like sagging, dryness, and dullness.
• 🧬 Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstrual periods for 12 months, indicating complete loss of ovarian function and a sharp decrease in estrogen levels.
• 📉 Collagen loss in the skin can be drastic after menopause, with statistics showing a 30% loss within the first five years post-menopause, contributing to the perception of sudden skin aging.
• 💊 Topical estrogen application has been studied for its potential to improve skin quality, including collagen synthesis, skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity.
• 🚫 Topical estrogen is not recommended for everyone; it's more beneficial for those in perimenopause or menopause experiencing estrogen deficiency.
• 📍 Common areas for topical estrogen application include the face, neck, and hands, where aging signs are most noticeable.
• ⚠️ Side effects of topical estrogen can include skin irritation, increased vascularity, and potential worsening of pigmentation problems like melasma.
• 🏥 The safety and potential risks of topical estrogen, including links to breast and uterine cancer, require careful consideration and discussion with healthcare professionals.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the relationship between topical estrogen and anti-aging, specifically how it affects women's skin during perimenopause and menopause.

Who is Dr. Sam Ellis?

Dr. Sam Ellis is a board-certified dermatologist based in Northern California who discusses skin health and products in the video.

What is the typical age range for women to start experiencing perimenopause?

Most women start experiencing perimenopause in their 40s, but some may begin in their late 30s.

What are some of the skin-related symptoms women may experience during perimenopause and menopause?

During perimenopause and menopause, women may experience sagging skin, increased sensitivity, dryness, dullness, and decreased wound healing ability.

How does estrogen affect the skin's collagen and hyaluronic acid levels?

As estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause, the skin loses collagen, leading to sagging, and hyaluronic acid, resulting in dry, less plump, and less healthy-looking skin.

What is the current definition of menopause?

Menopause is currently defined as the cessation of menstrual periods for 12 months, indicating complete loss of ovarian function and a sharp drop in estrogen levels.

What are some of the potential benefits of topical estrogen for the skin?

Topical estrogen may help with collagen synthesis, skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity, potentially reversing some signs of aging in the skin.

What are some possible side effects of using topical estrogen on the skin?

Possible side effects include skin dryness, irritation, increased vascularity leading to angiomas, and potentially worsening of pigmentation problems like melasma.

How does the use of topical estrogen relate to the risk of breast and uterine cancer?

The risk of breast and uterine cancer with topical estrogen is not fully studied, but systemic absorption from local application seems to be low, and it is generally not considered to increase these risks significantly.

What is the general recommendation for applying topical estrogen to the skin?

A pea-sized amount of topical estrogen is recommended for application to specific areas of the face, neck, or hands, rather than applying it broadly across the entire skin.

How does Dr. Ellis suggest obtaining a prescription for topical estrogen?

Dr. Ellis suggests obtaining prescriptions for topical estrogen from a healthcare provider, such as an OBGYN or oncologist, who can ensure proper health screenings and consider the patient's overall health.

What is Dr. Ellis's personal view on the use of topical estrogen for skin health?

Dr. Ellis finds the use of topical estrogen for skin health to be exciting and personally interesting, and she would consider it for herself when she reaches perimenopause, despite having a strong family history of breast cancer.