From the Research
Estrogen does not shrink your lips, and in fact, it can have the opposite effect, potentially making lips appear slightly fuller due to increased collagen production, skin elasticity, and hydration. This is supported by the most recent study from 2024, which highlights the importance of estrogen in maintaining skin health, including the lips 1. Estrogen promotes collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration throughout the body, including the lips. During times of increased estrogen levels, such as pregnancy or when taking estrogen-containing medications, some people may notice their lips appearing somewhat fuller due to increased blood flow and fluid retention.
Some key points to consider:
- Estrogen deficiency, such as during menopause, can lead to decreased collagen production and skin elasticity, resulting in thinner lips 2, 3.
- Topical estrogen therapy may help reverse these changes and improve skin health, including lip fullness 2, 4.
- Other options, such as lip fillers or topical products containing hyaluronic acid, can temporarily increase lip fullness, but these are unrelated to hormonal effects.
- The effects of estrogen on the skin, including the lips, are complex and influenced by various factors, including age, hormone levels, and individual characteristics 5, 4.
Overall, the current evidence suggests that estrogen has a positive effect on lip fullness and skin health, and estrogen therapy may be a viable option for improving lip appearance and overall skin health 1, 4.