TYPE-III COLLAGEN CONTENT IN THE SKIN OF POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN RECEIVING ESTRADIOL AND TESTOSTERONE IMPLANTS

Objective To investigate the effect of subcutaneous oestradiol and testosterone on the proportion of type III collagen in the skin of postmenopausal women. Design A cross sectional comparison. Setting Dulwich Hospital menopause clinic. Subjects Fourteen untreated women and 11 women who had received subcutaneous oestradiol and testosterone for a median 8.0 years (range 3-14). Ten of the untreated women received subcutaneous hormone implants and the effect on skin collagen was studied prospectively. Measurements The proportion of type III collagen in skin biopsies taken from the lateral aspect of the thigh. Results The median type III collagen content in the skin of the women who had received hormone replacement therapy (25.4%, range 21.4-30.2) was significantly higher (P<0.01) than in the untreated women (19.6%, range 18.2-28.8). The proportion of type III collagen in the skin of 10 untreated women increased significantly (P<0.01) from a median of 19.9% (range 18.2-23.9) to 22.4% (range 20.5-31.5) following 6 months of treatment with hormone implants. Conclusion This study indicates an increase in the proportion of type III collagen in women receiving hormone replacement therapy.