Does HRT Help with Wrinkles?

Does HRT help with wrinkles? Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) helps to balance estrogen and progesterone levels in the body, near and during menopause. As estrogen and progesterone play an important role in skin hydration, suppleness, and thickness, HRT can help with wrinkles.

An Introduction to Wrinkles

If you’ve ever wondered how exactly wrinkles form, we’ll explain the process here. There are several factors that play a role in the formation of wrinkles, one of them being collagen. As skin ages, the collagen levels in the tissue drops. Collagen is the natural protein found in our skin which helps keep it elastic, hydrated, and thick. When collagen declines, our skin gets thinner and loses its suppleness, which can lead to wrinkling.

As such, the main factors that cause the skin to wrinkle are the loss of elasticity and thinning over time. When the skin becomes thinner and dehydrated, it loses its ability to protect itself from damage. Additionally, prolonged sun exposure can accelerate the aging process of the skin. Beyond the reduction in collagen, and sun damage, reduced levels of the primary female sex hormones are the other leading facrots in the development of wrinkles. 

How Menopause Affects Your Skin

Levels of estrogen and progesterone start to fall when women reach their forties. The perimenopause phase generally lasts about 7 years, but can at times extend up to 14 years. This phase is followed by the menopause phase which occurs 12 months after a woman has her  last period. Lastly, there is the postmenopause phase which typically lasts four to five years. 

Menopause is the natural transition of the female body when it changes from the reproduction stage to the next phase of life. Estrogen is mainly produced by the ovaries until menopause. 

After menopause, the adrenal glands take over the production of estrogen, though at much lower levels than the ovaries previously produced.

Consequently, numerous women have reported experiencing a sudden acceleration of skin aging just a few months after the start of their menopause. This is because menopause accelerates age-related skin deterioration. The result being, thinner skin which in turn causes wrinkles, skin dryness, along with decreased elasticity and firmness. 

The Effects of HRT on Your Skin

While no treatment is required for menopause, some women may wish to seek relief from the uncomfortable symptoms that come paired with the transition. These symptoms can include hot flashes, mood changes, night sweats, reduced libido, and vaginal dryness. There are various types of HRT, some which contain only estrogen, while others are a combination of estrogen and progesterone. There are also therapies which contain testosterone. Reduced estrogen is the main hormone and largest contributor for dry skin, fine lines and thinning of the overall skin. During HRT, you will increase your intake of estrogen, as a way to relieve the symptoms of menopause. The treatment can help to increase your skin’s hydration, elasticity, and thickness. Furthermore, estrogen produces hyaluronic acid, an important ingredient in maintaining the plumpness of the skin. Hence, if you are considering HRT, you will be pleased to know that HRT has been shown to boost epidermal hydration, reduce wrinkles, and increase skin elasticity. 

Feel Good, Look Good

To wrap up, it’s good to keep in mind that getting wrinkles is a completely natural part of being human and affects everyone as they age. HRT can help tighten and thicken aging skin, but the benefits extend further than just the face. Undergoing HRT may help you sleep better and experience a better overall mood. Aside from looking more refreshed, additional benefits include increased energy levels, an elevated mood and a boosted sex drive, all of which can also help you feel more youthful. In turn, these physical changes can help improve how you see yourself, leading to increased self esteem and higher confidence. 

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