Testosterone, Topical Estrogen, and Perimenopause: The Questions You Keep Asking

In this episode, Dr. Mary Alice Mina answers the internet's most asked questions about testosterone, topical estrogen, and perimenopause. Pulled straight from the comments section, she covers who can actually prescribe testosterone, whether estradiol and estriol can be used together on the face, what swollen eyelids might really mean, what lab work matters before starting testosterone therapy, how topical estrogen interacts with birth control pills, the correct way to apply topical estrogen, whether birth control suppresses testosterone, and whether estrogen levels need to be monitored while using topical treatments. She closes with a detailed answer on facial estradiol, hair thinning, and dry skin, and the collagen and elastin benefits the research does show.

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In this episode:

0:00 Intro and Disclaimer 3:17 Perimenopause and Hormone Confusion Explained 4:21 Can Any Endocrinologist Prescribe Testosterone? 5:59 Using Estradiol and Estriol on Your Face 7:33 Swollen Eyelids: Eczema or Low Testosterone? 8:51 Lab Work You Need Before Starting Testosterone 10:16 5-Day Perimenopause Challenge 11:03 Topical Estrogen and Birth Control Pills 12:37 How to Properly Apply Topical Estrogen 14:59 Do Birth Control Pills Block Testosterone? 16:37 Do You Need to Monitor Estrogen Levels on Topical Treatment? 18:28 Facial Estradiol for Hair Loss and Dry Skin 19:54 Final Thoughts

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!

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Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.