6 | CFHN
centralfloridahealthnews.com
Is It Your  
Skin, or 
Is It Your 
Hormones?
H
ormones are chemical mes-
sengers that move through 
the bloodstream to direct 
bodily functions like metabo-
lism, growth, and reproduction. 
They play a huge role in every 
stage of life for both men and 
women. Oftentimes, hormones 
also have a substantial impact 
on skin, the body’s largest or-
gan. Take our quiz to test your 
knowledge on the effects hor-
mone changes have and what 
you can do to stay comfortable 
in your own skin.
1.  True or false? Hormones affect your skin’s oil production, 
collagen levels, pigmentation, hair growth, and hydration.
2. During puberty, the adrenal glands produce hormones 
that stimulate the skin’s oil glands. Which of the 
following are changes in the skin that are a result of 
these hormones?
    A. Acne	
    B. Increased sweating
    C. Stretch marks from rapid growth
    D. All of the above
3. True or false? A consistent, gentle skincare routine and 
acne treatment, if needed, are the best ways to manage 
puberty-related hormonal acne.
4. Estrogen and progesterone control a woman’s 
menstrual cycle. Which of the following side effects 
can they cause in the skin?
    A. Skin oiliness	
    B. Acne breakouts
    C. Inflammation
    D. All of the above
5.  True or false? It can be helpful to track skin changes during 
the menstrual cycle and use targeted treatments before 
problems arise.
6.  Which of the following is a common skin change 
experienced during pregnancy?
    A. Stretch marks on the abdomen or legs
    B. Permanent skin discoloration
    C. Decreased skin sensitivity. 
    D. Increased scalp hair thickness
7.   During menopause, women lose estrogen and their 
skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first 
five years and 2% every year after that. Which of the 
following changes in the skin are caused by the lack 
of collagen?
    A. Skin loses its firmness and begins to sag and/or form 
jowls.
    B. Wrinkles around the eyes and mouth become visible 
all the time.
    C. Pores get larger.
    D. Pouches and/or discoloration appear under the eyes.
    E. All of the above.
8.  Which of the following are ways to combat the effects 
of the loss of collagen that occurs during menopause?
    A. Protect your skin from the sun using sunblock and 
wearing hats.
    B. Use a skin care product that contains retinol or peptides.
    C. Drink enough water every day. 
    D. All of the above
9. Which of the following is a recommended practice to 
reduce the effects of dry skin in menopause?
    A. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydrating 
beverages like coffee and alcohol.
    B. Washing with a harsh, foaming cleanser.
    C. Taking long, hot showers daily. 
    D. Using skincare products with strong fragrances.
10.  True or false? During menopause, skin becomes thin-
ner. This means exfoliation or microdermabrasion at 
home without a dermatologist’s advice may cause 
more harm than good.
11.  The changes in hormones that occur during meno-
pause can lead to pimples and other types of acne. 
Which of the following is NOT a good way to deal 
with acne during menopause?
    A. Wash acne-prone skin with a cleanser that contains 
salicylic acid to help unclog pores.
    B. Use the same treatments formulated for teenage acne.
    C. Avoid acne products that dry your skin.
    D. See a board-certified dermatologist for uncontrollable 
acne.
12.  Which of the following are things women can do to 
protect their skin during menopause?
    A. Consult a board-certified dermatologist.
    B. Ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy 
(HRT) as a way to slow skin aging. 
    C. Use a sunblock with a high SPF value daily.
    D. Lead a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a 
good diet and avoids alcohol, smoking, and stress.
    E. All of the above.
Compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH 
/ Information provided by the 
American Academy of Dermatology 
Association, the National Library of 
Medicine, and Atlantic Health
POP 
QUIZ!
PREVENTION
FEATURE
ANSWERS:
1. True. 
2. D. All of the above
3. True.
4. D. All of the above
5. True. 
6. A. Stretch marks on the abdomen or legs. 
7.  E. All of the above
8. D. All of the above
9. A. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding 
dehydrating beverages like coffee and 
alcohol.
10. True. 
11. B. Using the same treatments formulated 
for teenage acne; they can be too harsh 
for mature skin.
12.  E. All of the above

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.