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When applied to facial skin, does estrogen ointment have systemic effects?
12nd Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Vienna, School of Medicine, Austria.
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Dermal estrogen applied to the face did not affect vaginal cytology or hormone levels in postmenopausal women. This study found no significant changes in serum hormones or vaginal smears after three months of topical estradiol or estriol treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Topical estrogen therapy is used for various dermatological conditions.
- The systemic absorption and effects of dermal estrogen on vaginal health are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of facial dermal estrogen application on vaginal cytology and serum hormone levels in postmenopausal women.
Main Methods:
- 17 women (mean age 57.1 years) applied either 0.01% estradiol or 0.3% estriol ointment to their face daily for three months.
- Vaginal smears, cervical smears, and serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and estradiol were assessed before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- No significant changes were observed in vaginal smear characteristics (superficial cell percentage) after three months of treatment.
- Serum hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, estradiol) remained unchanged throughout the study period.
Conclusions:
- Facial application of dermal estrogen (estradiol or estriol) does not appear to cause significant systemic absorption or alter vaginal cytology in postmenopausal women.
- Topical estrogen applied to the face for dermatological reasons is unlikely to impact gynecological health or endocrine balance.