Systemic estrogens have no conclusive beneficial effect on human skin connective tissue

Aging of the skin is affected by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Especially important extrinsic factor is ultraviolet radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin. Intrinsic aging is influenced by genetic factors, and changes in hormones. In menopause, changes in hormonal balance have been suggested to enhance aging of the skin.

Accordingly, several studies have been accomplished, in which hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used in order to prevent skin aging at or after the menopause. In this overview the results of previous studies, and a study done recently, are critically reviewed.

One year systemic replacement therapy has no beneficial effect on the skin thickness, collagen synthesis, or elastin. Topical estrogens might have some beneficial effects. However, since the number of patients treated with topical estrogens is relatively small, further studies are needed.