Climacteric skin ageing of the face--a prospective longitudinal comparative trial on the effect of oral hormone replacement therapy.

Background: It is still a matter of debate whether HRT improves the physical quality of sun damaged skin.

Objectives: To compare in a prospective longitudinal study the effects of climacteric aging controlled or not by HRT upon the tensile properties of facial skin.

Method: A total of 140 women aged 40-52 years were enrolled in the study. The HRT group comprised 90 volunteers and a control group encompassed 50 non recipient volunteers. Yearly measurements of tensile functions of facial skin were performed for 5 years. A computerized suction device equipped with a 2-mm diameter hollow probe derived tensile variables quantifying skin distensibility, viscosity and elasticity.

Results: Climacteric aging was characterized by increased skin distensibility (1.1% per year) and viscosity (1.3% per year) mirrored by a decrease in elasticity (1.5% per year). HRT helped mitigate such changes. However, the HRT efficacy was not similar in all volunteers. Groups of good and poor responders were clearly identified as far as benefit on skin elasticity was concerned.

Conclusion: The beneficial effect of HRT upon climacteric skin aging of the face is confirmed, at least in a subgroup of menopausal women.