An older study published in the British Journal of Dermatology reported that progesterone cream led to firmer and more elastic skin. 10 The study looked at 40 women who were perimenopausal (transitioning into menopause) or postmenopausal (after menopause).
Progesterone: Increases elasticity and firmness of the skin. Maintains skin hydration.
Moy says there are a number of hormones that tighten and thicken skin. As one ages, collagen is lost in the skin, which affects skin thickness, texture and hydration. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, estradiol (estrogen) and the thyroid all affect the integrity and health of skin.
Above all, the study showed the progesterone cream significantly increased the elastic properties of the skin, basically meaning how well the skin can stay tight and hold its shape. It found those who used progesterone cream had less wrinkles, the wrinkles they did have were less deep, and their skin was firmer.
Each one plays a very different role. Estrogen helps to stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production that helps the skin to stay plump and firm. Progesterone stimulates the production of sebum or the oil glands in the skin. It can cause the skin to swell, and compress the look of pores.
Progesterone also decreases your body's reliance on the hormone cortisol, which ages the skin. There are many benefits to balanced progesterone that affect aging. It is a natural antidepressant and anti-anxiety hormone and a sleep aid – all of which affect how your body ages.
In clinical practice, micronized progesterone (MP) is frequently recommended to treat signs and symptoms of skin and hair aging in menopausal women.
Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that topical 2% progesterone acts primarily in increasing elasticity and firmness in the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women.
Conclusion. Estradiol increased overall collagen production by stimulating protein secretion and polymerization while inhibiting the production of collagenases. Collagen content was maintained by progesterone by balancing production and degradation.
It works by stimulating sebum production and releasing natural oil into the skin, making it plump and smooth. However, a glut of progesterone leads to blocked pores, acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Progesterone isn't just for pregnancy. This hormone is crucial during all stages of life. Skin that is dewy, youthful, and glowing is largely thanks to progesterone, which regulates sebum production and reduces inflammation.
Less estrogen makes you prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging by taking care of your specific skin care needs.
Estrogen deficiency following menopause results in atrophic skin changes and acceleration of skin aging. Estrogens significantly modulate skin physiology, targeting keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes, hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and improve angiogenesis, wound healing and immune responses.
At puberty, oestrogen and progesterone are responsible for the development of typically 'female' characteristics, such as wider hips and larger breasts, largely by changing the way fat is distributed. The hormones are also often given to transsexuals for the same reason.
Hormones such as TSH, adrenaline, ACTH, thyroid, glucagon, progesterone, and glucocorticoids help diminish the tendency to form cellulite.
One of the primary symptoms of this is weight gain. In all these effects note that progesterone does not directly cause weight loss. Instead it reduces the effect of other hormones in the body which are causing the weight gain. Think of it as allowing rather than causing the body to lose weight.
Wrinkles are inevitable as you age, but premature fine lines can develop when you're exposed to things like too much sun, excess sugar, and hormone imbalances. High stress and low estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA are the main hormonal culprits of wrinkles.
The hormone estrogen is responsible for making skin look younger due to the hyaluronic acid it produces. Estrogen not only affects your skin but also your muscle mass, metabolism, and energy levels. Women have more estrogen than men do; men have more testosterone than women do.
Studies have shown that estrogen supports collagen production by binding to receptors in the skin known as fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are responsible for producing collagen—the protein which gives skin its strength and flexibility—and elastin—the protein which allows stretched skin to return to its original shape.
Low progesterone levels can stop your body burning its fat stores for energy, instead, it can put glucose into your bloodstream. This can lead to the breakdown of muscle tissue and the production of cellulite.
Estrogen and Progesterone
These hormones also help with hair growth. Estrogen and progesterone can help keep your hair in the growing (anagen) phase.
In contrast, a randomised, double-blind trial with oral conjugated oestrogen therapy, detected a 30% increase in dermal thickness after only 12 months. An increase in skin hydration has been demonstrated after 6 months use of topical 0.01% estradiol and 0.3% estriol for six months.
Speaking hormones, PMS may also be to blame. That's because “hormone surges during different parts of your menstrual cycle can lead to you to retain fluids,” Shainhouse says. “Progesterone plays a role in this, which is why you tend to feel bloated the week before your period.”
Progesterone side effects likely do not include weight gain. However, changes in hormone levels throughout your cycle can affect your appetite and make it feel as though you may be gaining weight. During the first half of your cycle, estrogen inhibits food intake and your hunger levels may be lower than normal.