Women’s Hormone Therapy

If you are navigating the complex changes of perimenopause or menopause and experiencing symptoms that diminish your well-being, such as persistent fatigue, mood fluctuations, or visible changes in your skin health, personalized hormone therapy may be your path forward.

Hormone Therapy (HT) is a medical treatment designed to address hormone imbalances or deficiencies in women. This therapy often focuses on replacing hormones that decrease naturally, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which decline during perimenopause and menopause.

What is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormone imbalance in women can manifest in a variety of symptoms due to the fluctuating levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone.

Common symptoms of hormone imbalance may include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression
• Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, or “brain fog”
• Changes in body composition, including weight gain
• Decreased libido and sexual dysfunction
• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Joint pain and loss of muscle strength
• Sleep disturbances and insomnia
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort

Common changes in skin health:

• Dryness and Itching: Decreased estrogen reduces the skins natural oil (sebum) and hyaluronic acid production, leading to moisture loss, dryness, and itchiness.
• Thinning and Fragility: Skin becomes thinner and more delicate due to a significant loss of collagen – up to 30% in the first five years after menopause, followed by a steady annual decline.
• Wrinkles and Sagging: The loss of collagen and elastin, which provide stricture and elasticity, results in increased fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, particularly around the jawline.
• Increased sensitivity and Redness: Hormonal fluctuations can heighten skin sensitivity and make it more reactive to irritants and environmental factors. Hot flashes can also cause temporary flushing and redness.
• Acne breakouts: Despite overall dryness, some women experience acne, especially around the chin and jawline. This is linked to an imbalance where androgen (male) hormones become relatively more prominent as estrogen drops, potentially increasing sebum production and clogging pores.
• Pigmentation changes: age spots, sun spots, or melasma (dark patches) may become more noticeable due to hormonal shifts and the cumulative effects of sun exposure.
• Changes in Hair growth: A decline in estrogen can lead to hair thinning on the scalp, while a relative increase in androgens may cause unwanted, thickened hair growth in the face (ex: chin, upper lip, etc.)
• Alerted texture: the skin may appear duller, less radiant, and lose its former “glow” due to slower skin cell turnover.

Approaches to Hormone Therapy:

Hormone Therapy can be administered in various forms and customized to an individuals specific needs and health profile.

Common Therapy Treatments:

• Sivora Cream: Estriol 3% with hyaluronic acid 0.5%, ascorbic acid 1.1%, aloe vera 0.6%
• PhytoEstro Cream: plant-based cream with Soy Isoflavones that helps to restore vitality and luminosity to estrogen-deficient skin
• Estradiol Vaginal 0.01% cream
• Hormone Therapy Patch

At Turner Dermatology, we merge the science of endocrinology with dermatological expertise to provide a sophisticated, comprehensive approach to female hormonal wellness. Our mission is to restore harmony to your body, alleviate disruptive symptoms, and unveil your inner radiance through bespoke treatment plans and exceptional compassionate care.

Meet Our Hormone Specialist, Julie Halpin PA-C

Our certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) provides personalized, evidence-based hormone therapy to help patients navigate the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause with confidence. She obtained specialized training in hormonal health with a certification through The Menopause Society.  Julie takes the time to understand each patient’s unique needs, reviews comprehensive lab results, and crafts individualized treatment plans designed to restore balance and improve overall well-being. Her compassionate, patient-centered approach ensures you receive safe, effective care every step of the way. See more about Julie here.

Hormonal changes, such as the natural decline in certain hormones that occurs with age, can affect the skin’s appearance and health. This can include effects on collagen, hydration, and overall resilience. Our Aesthetician is certified in perimenopausal and menopausal skin care. She completed CPD accredited course approved by the NCEA (National Coalition of Esthetics Association) in “Understanding the Menopausal Skin”. This certification course allowed Michela to acquire the necessary knowledge of skin physiology and biology which helps her apply best practices to skin treatments and interventions.

Michela can help you to cultivate a targeted skin care routine, addressing the common concerns associated with the natural aging process. She will design a customized at-home care routine as well as discuss in-office cosmetic treatments that may help you to attain a brighter, tighter, and more youthful appearance. See more information about Michela here.