Hormonal Skin Disorders
It's mostly hormones that cause skin problems as we age. Because hormones make the growth of oil glands in the skin more unstable, skin is affected, sometimes resulting in challenging skin disorders. Rather than be surprised by normal hormonal adjustments, expect them. A few common hormonal changes occur during adolescence, and in women, during pregnancy and menopause. Just do what you can to improve your skin, knowing that each stage will pass.
-
Identification
-
Hormones are chemical substances in the body that regulate and balance the workings of organs and cells. Produced in glands like the ovaries, adrenal and thyroid glands, hormones are chemical messengers, transporting information from one cell to the next.
Types
-
Hormonal changes are one of the main causes of acne. Contrary to popular belief, poor diet and hygiene are not the cause. Acne comes from a hormonal imbalance, coupled with certain toxins building up in the body. Because hormones are chemical messengers, androgenic hormones (male sex hormones, which increase in both sexes) tell your skin's oil gland the limit of sebum (skin oil) to be ejected, or spilled over. An excess of androgenic hormones leads to an overproduction, producing too much sebum. The mixture of excess skin oil and sebum, besides blood toxins, produces an environment favorable to growing acne bacteria.
Psoriasis and eczema are associated with the stress hormone glucocorticoid. When glucocorticold is blocked, scientists find there is an improvement in the skin. Eczema (dermatitis) is an inflammation of the skin, causing the skin to swell, itch and redden. Psoriasis (which causes red, silvery, scaly skin) had previously been linked to other causes, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. However, a recent study (see Resources) showed that people with psoriasis have more of the hormone leptin, which controls food intake and body weight, in addition to other functions. This condition may lead to obesity or diabetes and other diseases.
Pregnancy hormones also affect the skin. Because hormones influence the fluid level in skin cell membranes, elasticity is reduced, lowering elastin fiber and collagen production. This leads to weight gain, as well as stretch marks. Menopausal women may experience skin changes because of a drop in the estrogen hormone. As a result, skin is usually dry and wrinkled. Skin grows more fragile and sensitive because of lessened synthesis, losing its elasticity. The skin also appears paler because of a loss of estrogen, which causes a decrease in blood vessels, making the skin duller.
The hormone thyroxin causes dry skin. When this hormone becomes overactive, skin can become sweaty, warm and smooth. On the other hand, the hormone's underactivity makes skin dry and coarse, denying it the ability to perspire.
-
Misconceptions
-
You don't always outgrow acne. Just as in adolescence, adult acne is the result of hormonal imbalance. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is also linked with acne, and is a hormonal condition that causes irregular and even absent periods tied to ovulation irregularities. Women can even battle acne in their forties, just before menopause. In fact, when Texas great-grandmother Mary Correll was in her early eighties, she had a small outbreak of acne.
Warning
-
Although some women argue that acne improves with sun exposure, this is not a safe way to get rid of it. Overexposure to the sun can mean a greater risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Also, acne may come back later, even though it may dry up at first. When sunbathing, use a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
Considerations
-
You can't stop the changes caused by hormones, but you can lessen the impact of those changes on your skin. One approach is to drink enough water each day. At least six 8-oz.glasses of water are recommended to stay properly hydrated.
Exercise regularly. This keeps the blood flow and oxygen delivery in order.
Also, some birth-control pills can improve acne, as they block testosterone skin reactors.
Theories/Speculation
-
The issue of whether or not to go on hormone pills continues to divide women. While some menopausal women contend that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a life-saver, others are wary to try it. The theory behind giving menopausal women hormones is that when women have low levels of hormones, such as estrogen, it's logical to replace them. However, different studies have produced conflicting results on the benefits and dangers of taking hormones for menopausal problems.
-
