Estrogen Therapy in Chicago

Estrogen is a vital hormone that regulates reproductive health, bone density, and skin elasticity. Estrogen therapy helps restore hormonal balance, alleviating menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and dryness.

Look and Feel Your Best with Bioidentical Estrogen at Fulcrum Aesthetics

At Fulcrum Aesthetics, we offer personalized bioidentical estrogen therapy to support skin rejuvenation, vaginal health, and overall well-being under expert medical supervision. By utilizing bioidentical hormones, we provide personalized, scientifically backed solutions designed to alleviate symptoms, enhance skin health, and improve quality of life. Book your consultation with us today to learn more!

Understanding the Three Forms of Estrogen

The following bioidentical hormones play distinct roles in the body and are carefully selected based on a patient’s symptoms, goals, and overall health profile:

Estrone (E1) is the least potent and is primarily present after menopause
Estradiol (E2) is the most active and commonly prescribed for managing menopausal symptoms, bone health, and cognitive function or vaginal inserts
Estriol (E3) is a gentler, weaker estrogen often used for external vaginal health and skin rejuvenation

Each estrogen formulation serves a specific purpose in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For example:

Estradiol is typically prescribed for systemic relief of hot flashes, mood swings, and osteoporosis prevention, whereas Estriol is often used in topical or vaginal applications to support genitourinary health and collagen production
Bi-est and Tri-est formulations combine these estrogens in customized ratios to balance hormonal function while minimizing risks

Our providers carefully assess each patient’s needs, considering lifestyle, medical history, and symptom severity to determine the best treatment plan.

Differentiating Estriol and Estradiol

As women age, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen levels can significantly impact skin health, increasing dryness, fine lines, and reduced elasticity. To address these concerns, topical estrogen creams containing estriol or estradiol are sometimes used off-label for facial application.

Estriol and estradiol are both naturally occurring estrogens in the body, but they differ in potency and primary functions:

Estradiol

Recognized as the most potent form of estrogen, estradiol plays a vital role in reproductive health
It’s commonly used in hormone replacement therapy to alleviate menopausal symptoms
Its strength makes it highly effective but also increases the potential for side effects

Estriol

Considered a weaker estrogen, estriol is predominantly produced during pregnancy
Its milder potency often results in fewer side effects, making it a preferable option for individuals sensitive to stronger estrogens

Topical Applications

Both estriol and estradiol creams are primarily prescribed to treat vaginal dryness associated with menopause. However, their off-label use for facial skin rejuvenation has gained attention due to their proven benefits in improving skin hydration, elasticity, and overall texture. For example:

A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology examined the effects of topical estrogen treatment on skin aging in perimenopausal women. Over six months, fifty-nine participants applied 0.01% estradiol or 0.3% estriol, with clinical assessments monitoring hormone levels, skin hydration, wrinkle depth, and collagen production.
The study found that topical estrogen significantly increased skin firmness, reduced wrinkles by up to 100%, and enhanced skin moisture, with a notable boost in type III collagen, a key component for maintaining skin structure. Importantly, no systemic hormonal side effects were observed, aside from a slight increase in prolactin (PRL) levels, confirming the safety and efficacy of topical estrogen in treating skin aging.
Due to its higher potency, estradiol cream can effectively enhance skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration, leading to a visible reduction in fine lines and improved overall skin texture. However, because of its strength, medical supervision is essential to ensure appropriate application and to monitor potential side effects. Those seeking a stronger, more immediate effect may benefit from estradiol under the guidance of an experienced provider.
With its gentler estrogenic activity, estriol cream offers a subtler yet effective approach to skin improvement. Users may experience enhanced hydration, improved elasticity, and reduced fine lines, but with a lower risk of adverse effects than estradiol. Its milder potency makes it ideal for those seeking a safer, more gradual rejuvenation option.

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The Fulcrum Aesthetics Approach

At Fulcrum Aesthetics, our expertly formulated combination of estriol, copper peptide GHK, and hyaluronic acid provides a holistic approach to combating skin aging, helping you achieve optimal results.

This unique blend synergistically enhances skin hydration, boosts collagen production, and improves skin elasticity, leading to a youthful and revitalized appearance.

We offer a customized skincare solution that supports long-term skin health and radiance by integrating these powerful ingredients.

Safety and Considerations

Topical estriol and estradiol creams offer promising avenues for addressing age-related skin concerns through off-label facial applications. Estradiol provides a more robust effect due to its potency, while estriol offers a gentler alternative with a potentially better safety profile.

While topical application of these creams can provide skin benefits, it's essential to approach their use with caution:

Medical Supervision

Both estriol and estradiol creams require a prescription from our providers at Fulcrum Aesthetics and Surgery. They should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider to ensure appropriate usage and monitoring. Our NAMS-certified provider, Lisa Hurley, MS, FNP-BC, APRN, will discuss whether this option is right for you.

Potential Side Effects

Users should be aware of possible side effects, which may include skin irritation or more systemic hormonal effects, especially consulting with a healthcare professional is imperative to determine the most appropriate treatment tailored to individual needs and to ensure safe usage.

Why Choose Fulcrum Aesthetics for Estrogen Therapy?

Fulcrum Aesthetics delivers patient-centered hormone therapy that prioritizes safety, efficacy, and individualized care. Our expert-led team, including our NAMS-certified Nurse Practitioner, Lisa Hurley, MS, FNP-BC, APRN, ensures that every estrogen therapy plan is tailored to your unique hormonal needs.

Unlike conventional HRT options, our therapies are designed to mimic your body's natural hormones, leading to enhanced benefits with minimized risks. We stay at the forefront of hormone science, ensuring our patients receive the highest quality care.

Choosing Fulcrum Aesthetics means entrusting your hormone health to a team that values expertise, transparency, and long-term patient success. Our goal is not just to alleviate symptoms but to restore confidence, energy, and overall quality of life. Book your consultation today to take the first step toward a personalized, physician-led hormone therapy plan designed just for you.