Meet Dr. Erin Adams: A Career Rooted in Women’s Health

Before founding Midlothian Dermatology, Dr. Erin Adams nearly became an OBGYN. Early in her medical training, she delivered babies and developed a deep interest in women’s health—an interest that stayed with her as she pursued a different path.

During her time as a Navy flight surgeon, Dr. Adams was often the only female physician on base. She ran women’s health clinics for active-duty service members and their families, gaining firsthand insight into the unique gaps women face in accessing compassionate, comprehensive care. That experience sparked a passion she would carry into civilian life.

Later, Dr. Adams trained under Dr. Libby Edwards, a nationally recognized expert in vulvar dermatology. She went on to co-lead a dedicated vulvar dermatology clinic alongside an OBGYN in Bethesda, Maryland, where she helped women navigate complex skin and hormonal concerns with dignity and clarity.

But her journey didn’t end there. When Dr. Adams began experiencing the symptoms of perimenopause herself, she realized how little guidance women often receive—especially from providers who truly understand both the science and the lived experience of hormonal change.

Today, she brings all of that expertise—and empathy—to her work with women in Midlothian, VA. Her mission is to provide hormone health care that is ethical, personalized, and grounded in the most current medical research, not fear-based legacy thinking.

Her approach is clear: listen closely, treat the whole person, and never underestimate the power of honest, evidence-based conversations.

Why Hormone Health Matters in Your 30s, 40s, and 50s

Hormonal shifts don’t happen all at once. They often begin subtly in your 30s, intensify during your 40s, and evolve into more persistent symptoms in your 50s and beyond. Yet far too many women are told their symptoms are just “stress” or “part of getting older.”

In reality, hormone changes affect multiple areas of your life—and recognizing the signs can be the first step toward feeling better.

Hormonal changes may impact:

• Energy and motivation

• Sleep quality and restfulness

• Skin texture, tone, and hydration

• Weight regulation and metabolism

• Mood, anxiety, and emotional balance

• Libido and sexual comfort

At Midlothian Dermatology, Dr. Erin Adams helps women connect these symptoms to the hormonal shifts driving them—so they can make informed choices and feel more like themselves again.

Common Signs of Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal changes affect every woman differently—and they often show up in ways you might not expect. If you're in your 30s, 40s, or 50s and something feels “off,” it may be your hormones.

Common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes or night sweats

• Irregular or heavy periods

• Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability

• Fatigue or low energy

• Trouble sleeping

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort

• Decreased libido

• Weight gain or bloating

• Adult acne or skin sensitivity

• Thinning hair or hair loss

If you’ve been told “everything looks normal,” but you still don’t feel like yourself, you’re not alone—and there are real solutions. At Midlothian Dermatology, Dr. Erin Adams takes your symptoms seriously. She listens, investigates, and creates a care plan that addresses the root of what you're experiencing.

What Happens to Your Skin in Perimenopause & Menopause

As estrogen levels decline, your skin begins to change—often in ways that feel unfamiliar and frustrating. You may notice more dryness, increased sensitivity, or the return of breakouts you thought were long gone. Fine lines may appear more quickly, and the skin can start to look dull or uneven. That’s because estrogen plays a key role in maintaining skin thickness, hydration, collagen production, and elasticity. When hormone levels drop, collagen loss accelerates, pores can become more visible, and the skin becomes thinner and more prone to irritation.

The good news? With the right skincare strategy, you can restore vibrancy and resilience at any age. Dr. Adams helps women in midlife choose ingredients that work—without the hype. These include:

• Retinoids to stimulate collagen

• Vitamin C to brighten and protect

• Niacinamide to calm inflammation

• Peptides to support firmness and repair

Whether you're building a new routine or adjusting one you've used for years, we’ll help you find solutions that restore your skin’s strength and support your confidence.

The Truth About Estrogen: What Every Woman Deserves to Know

For more than two decades, fear and misinformation have shaped the conversation around hormone therapy—especially estrogen. Much of that confusion began in 2002 when the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study made headlines claiming that estrogen increases the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

But the headlines didn’t tell the full story.

The WHI study wasn’t designed for women in their 40s or 50s who were beginning hormone therapy to relieve perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms. The average participant was 63 years old. Many had preexisting risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, or obesity. Despite this, the results were broadly applied to all women—leading to widespread fear and unnecessary discontinuation of treatment.

In the years since, nearly every major conclusion from that study has been corrected or clarified:

• Estrogen, when started within 10 years of menopause, reduces the risk of heart disease

• Estrogen lowers all-cause mortality in early users

• For women with a uterus using estrogen plus modern progesterone, large re-analyses show no increased risk—and in some cases, a reduced risk—of breast cancer

• Estrogen remains the most effective treatment for hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness

Unfortunately, the fear has lingered—leaving many women to suffer in silence.

Dr. Erin Adams believes in changing that narrative. Her approach to hormone therapy is built on transparency, shared decision-making, and real data—not outdated headlines or blanket warnings. In November 2025, the FDA announced plans to remove the black box warning from estrogen—a long-overdue correction that reflects decades of evolving evidence. At Midlothian Dermatology, we believe you deserve the full picture—so you can make informed choices with confidence and clarity.

Treatment Options for Hormonal Imbalance

Every woman’s experience with perimenopause and menopause is different. That’s why Dr. Erin Adams offers a wide range of personalized treatment options to address your symptoms, preferences, and lifestyle—whether you’re exploring hormone therapy or looking for alternatives.

Lifestyle & Nutritional Counseling

Your sleep, diet, activity level, and stress response all influence hormonal health. We’ll work with you to identify supportive lifestyle changes that can reduce symptoms, support your metabolism, and improve energy.

Non-Hormonal Therapies

If you’re not ready for hormone therapy—or can’t use it due to medical reasons—Dr. Adams offers non-hormonal options tailored to your needs. These may include evidence-based supplements, topical treatments, or medications that target specific concerns like mood swings, vaginal dryness, or hot flashes.

Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)

Also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), MHT is the most effective treatment for symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, sleep disturbances, and genitourinary changes. Dr. Adams offers FDA-approved options in multiple forms, including pills, patches, gels, and vaginal preparations. When started within 10 years of menopause, MHT is both safe and protective for most women.

Vulvar Dermatology & Genitourinary Care

Hormonal shifts can impact the skin and tissue of the vulva, leading to discomfort, irritation, or conditions like lichen sclerosus. With specialized training in vulvar dermatology, Dr. Adams offers accurate diagnosis and effective, respectful treatment—especially for women who’ve struggled to find answers elsewhere.

In-Office PEMF Therapy for Pelvic Floor Health

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate pelvic floor muscles, improve circulation, and support tissue repair. It’s FDA-approved for urinary incontinence and ideal for women experiencing bladder changes, pelvic heaviness, or post-childbirth weakness. Most women notice improvement in bladder control and pelvic comfort after 6–8 sessions.

Targeted Skincare for Midlife Skin Changes

Hormonal shifts can bring on dryness, sensitivity, acne, or visible aging. Dr. Adams, and especially Midlothian Dermatology’s in office registered nurse, Lisa, help you build a skin regimen that actually works—featuring medical-grade ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, and niacinamide—to restore balance and protect your skin’s natural barrier. Schedule a skin care consultation with Lisa to create the right regimen for you!

Why Choose Midlothian Dermatology for Hormone Health

When it comes to hormone-related care, you need more than a one-size-fits-all solution—you need a provider who understands the complexity of women’s health and takes the time to truly listen.

Dr. Erin Adams brings together decades of experience in both medical dermatology and women’s health, with specialized training in vulvar dermatology and a deep understanding of the hormonal transitions that affect skin, mood, pelvic health, and quality of life.

At Midlothian Dermatology, you’ll find:

• Evidence-based care rooted in the most current medical research

• A whole-body approach to hormone-related skin, sexual, and pelvic health

• Continuity of care with a low-turnover, all-female team who knows you by name

• A private, supportive environment where your concerns are never dismissed

• A trusted provider serving women across Midlothian, Chesterfield, Richmond, Powhatan and surrounding communities

We’re not here to push trends or quick fixes. We’re here to offer clarity, compassion, and clinically sound care that helps you feel like yourself again.

Take the First Step Toward Feeling Like Yourself Again

If you’ve been wondering whether what you’re feeling is “just stress” or something more, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. The brain fog, sleep disruption, irritability, and physical changes you’re experiencing may all be connected to shifting hormones.

You don’t have to wait until things get worse to get help. Support is available now—and it starts with a conversation.

At Midlothian Dermatology, Dr. Erin Adams provides personalized hormone therapy, vulvar dermatology care, and in-office PEMF therapy to support your whole-body health during this phase of life. Whether you're looking for answers, symptom relief, or someone who will truly listen—you’re in the right place. Call (804) 378-3048 to book your consultation today.