I went pof at age 35. I have been on hrt( vivel 0.1mg and prometrium) for years but always felt awful. I am only 41 and have always looked 10 years younger. Two years ago I had a partial hysterectomy ( ovaries in). My skin looks saggy, thin dark circles and I have developed rosacea and yellow discoloration. I thought hrt was suppose to protect your skin. Now my doc wants to put me on bcp's because she says I am having hormones fluctations and it might help my skin.
which hormnoes are good for skin.
Help! Feeling very depressed.
Kayla

Hi Kayla,
HRT does help your skin (estrogen especially). You are young to be having hormonal issues, however I think by 41 most of us notice skin changes as part of the natural aging process. Skin aging is also affected by genetics, past and current sun exposure, stress levels, and diet. If think it's important to use broad spectrum sun screen every day. I don't think oral contraceptives would necessarily improve your skin. They usually have more estrogen (synthetic) but it is somewhat blocked by the progestin. I think I'd try another form of bioidentical estrogen before the birth control pills. How are you feeling otherwise on your Vivelle? If you are not having any symptoms of low estrogen maybe you could try seeing a dermatologist for your skin issues--especially the rosacea. Have you had a blood test to find out what your estrogen levels are? That might help you to figure out if the patch is working for you. Hope you are feeling better.

Hi skiergirl!
I haven't been on this site in a while.
I am now on bcp and feel terrible. I no longer get not flashes and nausea but I have very bad anxiety along with other symptoms.
Can you ever feel good and look good on hrt?

I use a small amount (lima bean size) of Ovestin Vaginal Cream..... ON MY FACE! I've noticed a big difference in the texture of my skin. I love the results!

I use estrogel and prometrium and find that my skin looks pretty good for a woman of my age, however there is no doubt I am not a young woman anymore. I never get ID'd!!!

I actually squirt one pump of the estrogel into my face cream and mix it together. My only issue doing this is the estrogel is in an alcohol based gel, and I don't imagine alcohol is that good for the skin....but it is well diluted.

Leanne, did you have to get that cream by Rx??

I was suppose to but I found a pharmacy that didn't require one, and has much lower prices. The pharmacy is in the UK, and it costs about 75% less than here in the US. PM, Facebook, or email me (LOL) and I'll give you the info.

I did tell my Dr. I was doing this, and she said "I DO TOO!"

Leanne......YOU are a goldmine....

( so.....how can I get my hands on that cream)

I get my estriol cream from the U.K also. I apply it to my face 2-3 times week at bedtime.

Topical use of estrogen compounds was found to diminish skin aging symptoms. The effects of conjugated estrogens (0,625% Premarin) were studied in 60 postmenopausal women. In another study the effects of estradiol 0,01% and estriol 0,3% were compared.

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/mksg...000002/art00027

Notice how CEEs as well as estradiol and estriol are mentioned as being effective. CEEs can apparently act like real estradiol in certain situations.

I read somewhere else, sorry can't find it right now, that topical estriol can mitigate wrinkling but only in skin that isn't sun-damaged. I guess sun damage is so devastating it's almost impossible for the body to repair it.

dear'SandraSmith'
To be fair I am the fortunate heiress to the lovely Irish complexion from my grandmother and have very few lines.However,I alsohave been using HRT for many years,albeit Synthetic,and an very good about staying out of sun as I live in a hot,dry climate.
on the other hand have a couple of friend with very good skin for their age and know they have never used Hormonal supplements so can't be exactly sure
All the Best
Elizabeth