A powerful hormone that modulates critical risk factors for cardiovascular
disease, osteoporosis, and cancer in women, estrogen also appears to
exert strong influence on slowing the aging mechanisms in the skin as well.

Experimental studies show that estrogen receptors are located in the skin,
and that estrogen increases activity of skin fibroblasts--rod-like cells that
produce collagen.1

One study found that the collagen content of skin in
postmenopausal women who underwent estrogen replacement therapy
was 48% greater than in those who didn't--suggesting that, in aging
women, estrogen protects skin similar to the way it protects bones.2

Declining levels of estrogen associated with age are linked to damage to
skin integrity and function.3 Maintaining optimal levels of estrogen,
however, appear to safeguard against many of these effects.
One trial conducted at the University of Vienna Medical School found that
estradiol replacement decreased wrinkle depth and pore size from 61 to
100% in perimenopausal women, while at the same time improving skin
moisture.4

At a meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in Orlando in
spring of 1998, Dr. Tania Phillips of Boston University concluded that
estrogen replacement therapy significantly reduces dryness and wrinkling,
by increasing the collagen content of a woman's skin. Her study of over
3000 women examined the results of both systemic and topical
administration of estrogen.

Because excess estrogen can result in serious side effects such as mood
changes, vaginal bleeding and increased cancer risk, Phillips stressed the
importance of establishing optimal doses of estrogen before embarking on
a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) program.

Great Smokies' Female Hormone Profile and Menopause Profile both
incorporate multiple assays of estrogen (along with progesterone and
testosterone) to help ensure optimal hormonal balance.

References:

1 Vaillant L, Callens A. Hormone replacement treatment
and skin aging. [French] Therapie 1996;51(1):67-70.

2 Brincat M, Moniz CF, Studd JW, Darby AJ, Magos A,
Cooper D. Sex hormones and skin collagen content in
postmenopausal women. Br Med J
1983;287(6402):1337-8.

3 Bolognia JL. Dermatologic and cosmetic concernts of
the older woman. Clin Geriatr Med 1993;9(1):209-29.

4 Schmidt JB, Binder M, Demschik G, Bieglmayer C,
Reiner A. Treatment of skin aging with topical
estrogens. Int J Dermatol 1996;35(9):669-74.