Thin, dry skin

I feel as though I'm getting enough estrogen and using testosterone also but my skin (especially my arms) is paper thin and so dry! Any suggestions?

Carol, I can't remember if you have already told us this, but have you had thyroid function tests? The symptoms can often be confused with, or run at the same time as, menopausal ones. Apologies if you have already mentioned this.... and sorry that you are still not feeling balanced.

Hi scriv! Yes. I have had my thyroid tested several times, last one just a few months ago, and they were always normal. I just started noticing that the slightest bump can tear the skin off my arms. I look like I've been in a brawl all the time. lol

Oh dear... what does the doctor say about that? I would have thought oestrogen is needed, but you are already doing that!

Even though I feel like I am getting the proper amount of hormones, I too have noticed a big change in my skin overall. Some of the things you mentioned, and others - like if I do get a cut or a tear, it is more likely to leave a mark on my skin when it heals than ever before.

A couple of things that I've found made a postive difference in my skin: fish oil capsules, a good multivitamin, drinks LOTS of water, and I use a good moisturizer daily, everywhere. I have found that almost anything made by Burt's Bees is very nourishing to my skin and is very mild. I particularly like their Baby Buttermilk lotion.

Katrina,

I took fish oil capsules for a while and I felt worse. I then read somewhere that fish oil contains xetroestrogen (sp?) and can raise your estrogen levels. I quit taking them after that. Just thought I would throw that in there.

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Originally Posted by bmsteach Katrina, I took fish oil capsules for a while and I felt worse. I then read somewhere that fish oil contains xetroestrogen (sp?) and can raise your estrogen levels. I quit taking them after that. Just thought I would throw that in there.

That's interesting - I've never heard that. I take fish oil for the omega-3 fatty acids in them. They seem to support my skin and hair, and the claim that they support mood seems true for me, as well. It's been used for quite some time as a complementary supplement to medications for bi-polar disorder.

I'd be very interested to know any information you have about fish oil containing some form of estrogen (was it phytoestrogens you were referring to?).

I have read that lignans like those in flaxseed can raise estrogen levels because they contain phytoestrogens. I do use ground flaxseed on my food but not every day. I took fish oil capsules for a while but they bothered my stomach so I quit taking them.

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Originally Posted by Carolinachick I have read that lignans like those in flaxseed can raise estrogen levels because they contain phytoestrogens. I do use ground flaxseed on my food but not every day. I took fish oil capsules for a while but they bothered my stomach so I quit taking them.

That makes sense. Phytoestrogens are plant based.

Yeah - once in a while I get "fish burps" but they've improved the process for making these capsules and it's better now. For me, the occasional fish taste is worth the benefit I feel. We've come a long way since spoonfuls of cod-liver oil!

Katrina,

The word I was looking for is xenoestrogens. I don't know if that's the same as photoestrogens. Although I am 2 years out, I am just learning about a lot things. I read an article that someone on this site recommended.

womentowomen.com/menopause/estrogendominance.

There was another article on msnbc about fish turning from male to female because of excess estrogen.

Anyway, I am glad they are working for you! I was just afraid to keep taking them.