Effects of hormone replacement on skin

I’ve been keeping my menopause symptoms at bay but buying and taking a hormone replacement drug but find myself suffering from dark spots and acne. What should I do?

It all sounds so simple in theory: your body produces lower levels of hormones so you opt for a hormone replacement. In reality, hormone replacement therapy is not that simple, and you definitely should not be buying any over-the-counter hormone pills without consulting a doctor. Some hormones come with undesirable side effects. Oestrogen, for example, is known to cause spotting or darkening of the skin, particularly on the face.
Acne in adults is sometimes caused by hormonal imbalances, usually occurring when the body produces too much androgen (the male sex hormone). It can also be indirectly caused by hormonal change, which influences the emotions with the emotions, in turn, affecting the skin.
Anti-ageing hormones can cause acne too, as do any drugs that affect hormone levels. A medicine-related reaction could also be the cause.
You need to take all your hormone pills, as well as a list of any other medications you are taking, to a consultation with a doctor and ask him/her whether you are taking the correct hormones and in the appropriate way. As each person responds differently to the various hormone replacement therapies, it is imperative that any treatment should be advised and monitored by your doctor. Purchasing hormone pills over the counter can actually be harmful to your health, so why take the risk?
Regarding your skin problems, first you need to get your hormone level checked in order to determine which hormones you need. Your doctor will prescribe the right solution for you. You should tell him/her about any hormone replacement pills you’ve taken in the past and describe the reactions you might have experienced. Apart from that, you should have your biochemical level and your overall balance checked.
Menopause isn’t just about hormones – it takes a holistic, integrated approach to stay happy and healthy during this transitional period. Clinics and hospitals with reliable anti-ageing department should be able to give you some advice. If your skin problem is bothering you, stop taking the pills and observe how your skin changes. If it doesn’t improve, then you might want to consult a dermatologist. Your skin concerns might not even be caused by the pills you’ve been taking.
Dark spots and acne are not uncommon among adults. With or without the hormone replacement, your skin will display changes over the years. The best way to deal with it is to try to stay as healthy as possible, and if there is a problem, treat it as early as possible. Getting regular treatments to strengthen your skin is also a good idea to ward off the ageing process and skin concerns.

Thanisorn Thamlikitkul MD is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her to |[email protected]