| Most of what we hear about the effects of estrogen is in reference to the two principle estrogens produced by the female body, estradiol and estrone, or horse-derived estrogens used in formulas like Premarin. Estriol is a third natrural human estrogen that hasn't received the attention it deserves. This estrogen is produced in high levels during pregnancy by the placenta. When a woman is not pregnant, estriol is naturally produced in small amounts in the body. Considered the friendly estrogen, research shows estriol may turn out to be the estrogen that is an alternative for a wide array of anti-aging and hormone therapy applications, including vaginal dryness, urinary frequency, and facial wrinkles. Potency Isn't Everything Although used widely in Europe for over 20 years, estriol has been largely ignored by U.S. pharmaceutical companies, most likely because it is a natural hormone that cannot be patented. Natural estriol is not commercially available in the U.S. Estriol is the ''weakest'' of the estrogens, but studies (Altern Med Rev. 1998 Apr;3(2):101-13.) show that estriol's weakness may also be its strength. In numerous clinical trials, estriol has been used as an alternative to the more potent estradiol and estrone for managing menopausal symptoms. As a topical treatment for the skin, estriol has been used to manage the effects of aging and menopause. This includes not only anti-aging benefits like decreasing facial wrinkles and smoothing skin, but also an assortment of benefits that stem from helping to maintain healthy skin in the vagina, cervix, vulva, and urethra. Estriol does this with little or no side-effects when used in lower doses. Because it is less stimulating than estrone and estradiol, it also does not exhibit the strong estrogenic effects they do such as endometrial tissue growth. Estriol for Management of Menopausal Symptoms and Osteoporosis Concerns over conventional hormone therapy protocols and the potential for increased risk of certain cancers have increased interest in estriol as a friendlier alternative for managing menopausal symptoms. Decades of use in Europe and clinical studies (Altern Med Rev. 1998 Apr;3(2):101-13.) are supporting estriol as an option in reaching treatment goals for patients. A two-year study by Yang et al reported estriol to be effective in relieving symptoms, especially hot flashes and insomnia, in 86 percent of patients within three months. No participants complained of side-effects. With regard to osteoporosis, results have been mixed in several international studies on estriol's influence in preventing bone loss. Estriol Helps Maintain Healthy Vaginal Tissue Vaginal dryness and atrophy, urinary frequency, and repeat urinary tract infections are problems that many women experience during perimenopause, menopause, and other periods of estrogen decline. These symptoms occur because falling estrogen levels can lead to thinning of the vaginal and urethral tissue. Estriol has a very robust local effect on the many estrogen receptors in these tissues and can be useful in reducing vaginal dryness and thickening skin and mucosa in a matter of a few days or weeks. Studies show estriol can also help lower vaginal pH, which promotes a healthy environment for the growth of protective flora, that may then help prevent urinary tract infections. Empty the Hope Chest When estriol is approved for prescription use, it may allow us to finally empty out our ''hope chests'' full of half-used potions for erasing the ever-increasing lines in our faces. Anti-aging skin creams touting exotic ingredients like caviar sell at cosmetic counters for up to $300 an ounce. Though sales clerks are hard-pressed to produce clinical studies showing their effectiveness, we keep buying and hoping one of them will work. You won't find estriol at the cosmetic counter yet, but there are clinical studies indicating estriol cream applied regularly to the face and neck will actually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Reference: 1. Int J Dermatol 1996; 35:669-674. Estriol May Be the Real Key to Reversing Skin Aging Scientific studies validate that diminishing hormone levels play a significant factor in aging of facial skin and that estriol represents a new and promising therapeutic approach. These studies show that estrogen's effects on the skin may include: - Greater skin thickness due to increased collagen production
- Disappearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Better skin structure and elasticity
- Greater vascularization (oxygen and nutrient carrying blood vessels)
- Increased moisture content
- Inhibition of excessive sebum (oil) production
In one such study reported in the International Journal of Dermatology, 59 women, average age 53, applied an estriol cream to their faces and necks. Most experienced positive results in just eight weeks, showing a significant reversal in the signs of aging within six months. - In 96%, skin elasticity and firmness improvement was significant
- In 96%, skin moisture increase was significant
- In 89%, wrinkle depth decrease was highly significant
Learn More About Estriol Talk with your healthcare provider or give us a call at 800.558.7046. | 
Health Library 
