Author: Jiang Zhuangliang, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital
Source｜Medical World Obstetrics and Gynecology Channel
When winter arrives
The women around me
Everyone put in their best effort and started
Skin Protection Battle
Do you know what secret ingredient is in face masks that makes your skin white and smooth?
Who exactly is the "mastermind" behind this transformation?
In 2018, relevant departments issued notices regarding substandard facial masks produced by several companies. Multiple companies' facial masks failed to meet total bacterial count standards. One sample's total bacterial count exceeded the standard limit by 7200 times. China has the world's highest per capita consumption of facial masks. On major e-commerce platforms, facial mask sales have repeatedly reached new highs.
This is incredible!
Putting aside the serious bacterial contamination and unsanitary conditions that lead to skin damage from unsafe face masks, let's first talk about the fact that "some face masks even contain glucocorticoids." Glucocorticoids are a type of steroid hormone, and their short-term effect is to constrict capillaries, making the skin of people with red faces or sensitive skin suddenly appear white and tender, creating a "false impression" of exceptionally good skin after use.
However, frequent use of glucocorticoid products can lead to skin dependence, irritate the dermis or basal layer, and cause cells to become damaged and fragile. In addition, due to severe skin dehydration and clogged pores, some people may experience redness, swelling, darkening, yellowing, or even a burning and stinging sensation.
Now you know, are you scared? So does that mean skin doesn't need hormones?
Wrong! Of course not, because for women, not only are hormones closely related to the skin, but some hormones do have benefits for the skin. However, this is not the glucocorticoids mentioned earlier, but estrogen.
What exactly is estrogen, which we often see?
Estrogen is one of the famous "three male hormones of the ovum" in the reproductive system, the other two being androgens and progesterone. Theca cells are the main source of estrogen before ovulation, while luteal cells secrete large amounts of progesterone and estrogen, and even small amounts of androgens, after ovulation.
Some say that the source of a woman's charm is estrogen. Indeed, this is true, because the skin has many estrogen receptors. Estrogen and these receptors work together to create a youthful glow, making the skin plump, moisturized, and radiant. Therefore, smooth, creamy skin and beautiful hair have become symbols of youthful vitality.
In addition, estrogen is an essential hormone for normal physiological development in women. It plays an indispensable role in a girl's maturation process. Therefore, the saying "a girl changes drastically at eighteen, becoming more and more beautiful" has a medical basis.
For women aged 18-25, estrogen and progesterone levels are at their most balanced. Higher estrogen levels generally result in a more feminine appearance, better skin, and overall better health. However, some women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have higher androgen levels, leading to acne. Regular use of oral contraceptives can not only improve skin symptoms but also make the skin more radiant and beautiful. This is all thanks to estrogen.
Why do people experience a series of symptoms as they reach middle age?
After age 30, a woman's estrogen levels gradually decrease. Upon entering menopause, estrogen levels plummet, much like a stock market crash, especially after menopause when ovarian function declines further, leading to a further drop in estrogen levels and significant changes in multiple organs and overall health.
As estrogen levels decrease, the vaginal walls atrophy, the mucous membrane thins, and vaginal elasticity, secretions, and resistance all decline significantly, making them more susceptible to injury. The vagina changes from its normal acidic state to a neutral one, its self-cleaning function disappears, and vaginitis ensues. A dry vagina can also cause painful intercourse and even slight bleeding.
Therefore, estrogen supplementation is often used in clinical practice to treat atrophic vaginitis, such as topical application of estriol ointment or continuous combined use of hormone replacement therapy.
That's not all. You might think getting old is fine, but estrogen is merciless, making life difficult for perimenopausal women. Low estrogen levels can easily lead to dry, dull, rough skin, wrinkles, age spots, and a whole host of other symptoms. So, isn't estrogen important? It's all about appearance!
Okay, okay!
Stop talking!
Can I take estrogen supplements?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a clinical medical intervention for women whose health problems are caused by ovarian dysfunction and insufficient sex hormones. It should be used only when there is an indication (necessary use, without contraindications).
Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. Inappropriate dosages and treatment courses can disrupt a woman's endocrine system and increase the risk of cancers such as ovarian and endometrial cancer. Therefore, menopausal treatment must be conducted under the guidance of a professional physician to be truly effective in helping you resolve menopausal concerns.
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