The hormones in our body are biochemical messengers that influence metabolism, mental focus, memory, cognition, sleep, and libido. But that is not all they do. Hormones also play a role in cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation, and bone density. Even a small imbalance in the hormonal system can produce symptoms connected to these functions. Hormones affect your skin, too. Concerns such as acne, dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles are often connected to shifts in hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
As we age, estrogen levels decline and skin tends to become drier and less elastic. Women over 40 in particular often notice a difference in their skin. Dryness, sagging, and dullness are commonly associated with declining estrogen. On the other side of the equation, elevated estrogen is associated with different skin concerns. Hyperpigmentation, often called melasma, appears as grayish or dark patches on the skin, and many patients explore aesthetic treatments to address it. Estrogen that is not properly metabolized has also been studied in connection with certain health risks, which is one more reason maintaining hormonal balance is discussed as part of aging well.
Even the foods we eat and the environmental toxins we are exposed to can affect estrogen levels. Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in some household plastics, can mimic estrogen in the body. For this reason, hormonal balance is often discussed alongside the body’s natural detoxification processes. Glutathione, sometimes called the “master antioxidant,” is one of the compounds most often studied in that context and is a component of our REGENERATE antioxidant treatment.
Another hormone that affects your skin is testosterone. We usually think of testosterone as the hormone that gives men vigor, but it plays an important role in women’s hormonal systems as well. Testosterone stimulates the oil-producing glands that keep skin moisturized. Too much testosterone can mean too much oil, which is associated with acne and other blemishes. When the hormonal system is balanced, it generally regulates itself — estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone work together. During periods of hormonal change such as puberty and menopause, those hormones can shift substantially, and breakouts and other skin changes often follow.
Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone, released by the adrenal glands in response to physical or mental stress. Surges of cortisol may also increase oil production in the skin, and that excess oil is associated with acne breakouts. Excess cortisol is a significant disruptor within the hormonal system. It is associated with increased inflammation, which can aggravate existing skin conditions, and it also tends to drive sugar cravings. Excess sugar is not great for your waistline, and it is not great for your skin either. Ever notice a breakout during a particularly stressful stretch? Elevated cortisol is often part of the picture, and the inflammation it contributes to is also associated with conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
An overactive or underactive thyroid can affect skin health as well. An overactive thyroid is associated with red, sweaty, flushed skin. An underactive thyroid is more often associated with dry, flaky, cold skin. This is why a thyroid test is typically performed in conjunction with estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone testing.
There are many things you can do to support your body’s natural hormone balance. Managing stress, eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly are all commonly recommended. As we age, however, our bodies naturally produce less of these hormones. Bioidentical hormone therapy supplements those deficits with hormones that are structurally identical to the ones our bodies produce. You can read more about our approach for women and for men.
If you are in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Juno Beach, or North Palm Beach and are noticing skin changes you suspect may be hormone-related, a consultation is a good place to start.
RevitalIV is located at 1317 W Indiantown Rd, Suite 100, Jupiter, FL 33458, serving patients from Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County. Call (561) 406-2202 or book a consultation.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a licensed healthcare provider about your individual health situation.
