Article — Sator, Schmidt, Rabe, Zouboulis: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/136971...

What the researchers found

Skin is a hormone-responsive organ. It contains receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and androgens, which means these hormones directly influence how skin cells function. Estrogen plays the biggest role — it's involved in regulating collagen production, which is the protein that keeps skin firm and structured. It's also associated with hydration support, through substances like hyaluronic acid that hold water in the skin.

What happens in menopause

As estrogen levels decline, several structural changes occur in the skin. Collagen production drops. Skin becomes thinner. Elasticity decreases. Hydration is reduced. Sebum production also declines, which contributes to dryness. These changes are not just cosmetic — they reflect measurable biological shifts in the skin's structure. Some studies cited in this review suggest that women may lose up to 30 percent of their skin collagen in the first few years after menopause.

What they found about hormone therapy

The authors reviewed studies where women used systemic hormone therapy or topical estrogen. Across many of these studies, hormone therapy was associated with:

Increased collagen content
Improved skin thickness
Better elasticity
Increased hydration

Some studies also showed a reduction in wrinkle depth, although results were not consistent across all trials. These findings came from objective measurements such as skin biopsies, ultrasound imaging, and mechanical testing of skin elasticity.

The role of other hormones

Androgens may also play a role in skin health, particularly in oil production and possibly collagen support, although their effects are less clearly defined. Progesterone's role is not well established in this context. The paper also discusses phytoestrogens — plant-derived compounds that can weakly mimic estrogen — though their effects are considerably more modest.

What this means in menopause

The decline in estrogen during menopause is a key driver of skin aging in women. This is not just about time or sun exposure. It is a hormonally driven process that affects the structure and appearance of the skin at a cellular level. Research has associated hormone therapy with improvements in several of these measures — particularly collagen content and skin thickness — though results vary and are not universal.

This article is for educational and general wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are noticing changes in your body or have questions about your health, please consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider.