The third reproductive hormone, testosterone, generally considered the male dominant hormone, also can have significant actions on the skin; these actions however affect both men and women. Testosterone increases the production of sebum, the oil that moisturizes the skin, promotes hair growth, and protects the skin from injury. In both men and women, excessive levels therefore can significantly contribute to acne, even more than the previously discussed estrogen and progesterone. In women specifically however, high levels such as seen with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can cause male pattern hair production such as on the face. In men, low levels tend to be more of a problem, with dermatologic studies tying low serum testosterone levels to higher disease severity in conditions such as psoriasis (3). Again, from an integrative standpoint the goal is to bring testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone into balance with each other to improve any skin concerns.

Now, reproductive hormones aren’t the only hormones that can have secondary actions on the skin. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can have a wide range of effects on the skin, especially when in excess. It is common knowledge that stress (and therefore higher cortisol levels) can contribute to acne, but it can also increase inflammation leading to redness, rashes, or worsening inflammatory conditions as seen with psoriasis, eczema, etc. This increase in inflammation over the long term, can also contribute to premature aging, as cortisol tends to break down structural molecules such as collagen, and proteins in the skin, resulting in thinner, less vascularized, and weaker tissue. Integrative practitioners can focus in this case on inflammation and stress management techniques, promoting body-wide vitality that is seen on the skin.

Finally, and somewhat more obviously clinical, abnormalities in thyroid hormones and growth hormone can also present in the skin. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones), for example, can cause coarse, thin, scaly skin, edema (referred to as myxedema), and paleness; hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone) on the other hand can cause smooth, thin skin, brittle nails, and hair loss (4). Low growth hormone levels would result in an issue with collagen production, therefore leading to frail, easily damaged skin; high levels would lead to excess collagen production leading to thick, oily skin. Though some will find ways to apply growth hormone for potential beauty benefits, these benefits have not been supported in research. Abnormalities in growth hormone tend to be a more clinical issue, and therefore not generally the focus of integrative practitioners.

Overall, it is obvious how important the health of the body’s endocrine system is to the health of the skin. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, though mainly working on reproductive organs, can have widespread and sometimes obvious effects on the skin especially if imbalanced. Thyroid hormone does as well, with hypothyroidism relatively common in our society. At AYUMETRIX, we hope to support both the patient and practitioner understanding of everyone’s hormone levels so that both feel confident in their treatment plans to bring the body back into balance. Please visit www.ayumetrix.com for information regarding hormone testing or contact us with any additional questions.