Spider telangiectasia is commonly associated with which hormonal state?

• A. Progesterone
• B. Estrogen
• C. Testosterone
• D. Growth hormone

Answer: (B)

Estrogen is the state most closely linked to spider telangiectasia. These tiny, dilated superficial blood vessels blanch with pressure and form a central feeding arteriole with radiating capillaries, often on the face, neck, or upper chest. They commonly appear in conditions with elevated estrogen levels or impaired estrogen clearance—most classically during pregnancy, in liver disease, or with estrogen-containing therapies such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement. The excess estrogen promotes vasodilation of cutaneous vessels, leading to these spider-like lesions.

Other hormones listed aren’t typically associated with spider telangiectasia, making estrogen the best fit for this association.