Hormones, The Skin & Body

Hormonal effects on the skin and body

I wanted to talk a little bit about women and hormones. When our hormones are out of balance, we are more likely to develop dry skin, fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and rosacea. At puberty and around pregnancy, women have hormone surges that can lead to acne. As we age, the hormones that help keep our skin looking firm and vibrant, decline and lead to sagging and wrinkles.
With age, the estrogen-androgen ratio becomes unbalanced, and changes can take place before/during/following menopause. Since androgens, and in particular testosterone, are involved in skin sebum production, females may experience increased oiliness or even adult acne.

A few ways hormone imbalances can affect the skin:

Too much stress: Ongoing stress and poor sleep, dietary and exercise habits can disturb the delicate balance of our hormones. Stress also increases cortisol, which leads to more sebum production, inflammation, and acne breakouts.
Eating too much sugar: High insulin (often from eating too much sugar or high glycemic index foods) levels have been shown to stimulate sebum production and androgen activity, which leads to acne.
Low thyroid or hypothyroidism: You’ll notice an imbalance in your thyroid activity if all of a sudden you’re experiencing dryness in your skin like never before. Other symptoms of this hormone imbalance are fatigue, weight gain, low sex drive, PMS, or irregular cycles. (Talk with a hormone specialist to see if you may have thyroid, adrenal or sex hormone—estrogen, progesterone, testosterone—imbalance, the symptoms of which can be similar.)

Low estrogen: Having an imbalance of the female sex hormone leads to fine lines and wrinkles. But being proactive now can help prolong the effects of lower estrogen as you age. Protect your skin from sun damage, keep your skin hydrated and nourish your body with nutrient-dense foods.
High androgen (testosterone): An excess of this hormone causes an increase in sebum production which can lead to acne. While most of us think of testosterone as the male sex hormone, women have it and need it too. Most women experience a surge if they take high-androgen birth control pills, have polycystic ovary syndrome and sometimes naturally during pre-menopause.

Hormones not only affect the skin but the entire body as a whole, including our mental health. These symptoms include:

Weight Gain
Hair Loss
Fatigue
Loss Of Libido
Depression
Mood Swings
Insomnia
Lack Of Focus
Memory Loss
Poor Sleep
All of these things can and should be addressed. We do not have to suffer. We can age gracefully with proper treatment and professional help. Several of my clients have expressed how Hormone Replacement Therapy has significantly changed their life for the better. They have been working with a specialist who has been able to regulate their hormones to normal levels, and they feel amazing!
Here are the specialist recommended (in the Raleigh/Durham NC area):
Sheila G. Allison, MD
Medical Director
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Allison UNC Healthcare
William H. Grant MD
Medical Director
Physicians Age Management Centers
Dr. Grant PAGEMC.com
If you do not live in the Raleigh Durham area of NC, I suggest talking to your gynecologist or primary care doctor for a referral. Also, double check with Google reviews to see what others are saying.
Our lifestyle also plays a major role in our health and hormones. It is important to exercise daily, drink plenty of water and get rest. Keep your energy clear and stay away from negativity. This will help keep your vibration high and your mood more stabilized.
Stay away from things that cause inflammatory and stimulation like, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol. Do you have any healthy tips to help during these changes? Let me know!
Elle