From the Guidelines
Topical estrogen is a highly effective treatment for vaginal dryness and can improve skin health in postmenopausal women, as evidenced by a study published in 2024 1. When considering topical estrogen for better skin, it's essential to note that the most recent and highest quality study, published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, highlights the effectiveness of vaginal estrogen in treating vaginal dryness, itching, discomfort, and painful intercourse in postmenopausal individuals 1. Key points to consider when using topical estrogen for skin health include:
- Vaginal estrogen is the most effective treatment for vaginal dryness leading to sexual dysfunction 1
- Topical estrogen can improve vaginal atrophy and sexual function, as shown in a study of 76 postmenopausal survivors of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy 1
- A large cohort study of almost 50,000 patients with breast cancer found no evidence of a higher risk of breast cancer-specific mortality in those using vaginal estrogen 1
- Topical estrogen works by binding to receptors in skin cells, stimulating collagen and elastin production, improving moisture retention, and enhancing skin barrier function
- Prescription estrogen products should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially for those with a history of hormone-sensitive conditions 1
From the Research
Topical Estrogen for Better Skin
- There is evidence to suggest that topical estrogen can improve skin health and reduce the signs of aging [ 2 ].
- A study published in 1996 found that topical treatment with 0.01% estradiol and 0.3% estriol improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced wrinkle depth and pore size in preclimacteric women [ 2 ].
- Another study published in 2021 discussed the decline of 17β-estradiol levels after menopause and its association with a dramatic reduction in skin health, and suggested that topical estrogen may reverse these changes [ 3 ].
Mechanisms of Topical Estrogen
- Topical estrogen has been shown to increase skin moisture, improve skin hydration, and enhance collagen production [ 2 ].
- Estrogen deficiency has been linked to a range of skin changes, including loss of collagen, elastin, and fibroblast function, as well as increased matrix metalloproteinase activity [ 3 ].
- Topical estrogen therapy may help to mitigate these changes and improve skin health [ 4 ].
Current Research and Future Perspectives
- Despite the potential benefits of topical estrogen, there is currently a lack of approved effective treatments for menopausal skin changes [ 5 ].
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of topical estrogen on skin health and to develop safe and effective treatments for menopausal skin changes [ 5 ].
- Alternative approaches, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators and phytoestrogens, may also hold promise for the treatment of menopausal skin changes [ 3 ].