Long-term use of estrogens: benefit or risk

Estrogens are widely used in hormone replacement therapy, gynecology, urogynecology and rarely in dermatology. Non-therapeutic use of estrogens is very widespread. Estrogens are used as contraceptives, which cause a lot of serious side effects. A common clinical problem is skin hyperpigmentation (me...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bogusława Pietrzak, Ewelina Wlaźlak, Ewa Zwierzyńska
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Index Copernicus International S.A. 2015-03-01
Series:Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej
Subjects:
Online Access:http://phmd.pl/gicid/01.3001.0009.6502
Description
Summary:Estrogens are widely used in hormone replacement therapy, gynecology, urogynecology and rarely in dermatology. Non-therapeutic use of estrogens is very widespread. Estrogens are used as contraceptives, which cause a lot of serious side effects. A common clinical problem is skin hyperpigmentation (melasma), occurring mainly in women who take contraceptives with high doses of estrogens. But low doses of estrogens may also cause skin side effects. The mechanism of melasma development is very complicated and not fully understood. It is very likely that UV radiation and genetic background can affect melasma development. Effective therapy should lead to prevention or alleviation of relapses. Treatment should also reduce the area of lesions and improve the appearance of skin. There is no effective and universal pattern of treatment, in which only one substance or method is used. A combination of different methods is used to optimize the therapy. An important role is attributed to prevention, especially protection from UV radiation.
ISSN:0032-5449
1732-2693