Skin Changes During Menopause

Embarking on the menopausal journey brings about a myriad of changes, and one aspect that often takes center stage is the transformation of the skin. As hormones fluctuate, the complexion undergoes a series of shifts, prompting us to explore the dynamic relationship between menopause and skin health in this insightful blog.

What is Menopause?

The term Menopause refers to the final menstrual period which typically occurs as women reach their early to mid 50’s. Of course, it can happen much earlier than this with early menopause occurring to women as young as 40 years of age. Menopause happens due to a decline in Oestrogen and Progesterone levels, which affects the body's ability to ovulate. Leading into Menopause, the levels of these hormones fluctuate causing various changes within the body.

Hormone Effects On The Skin

When the production of Oestrogen and Progesterone rapidly drop off with Menopause, most women see the effects in their skin. Before and during this time, the skin feels dry and thin, with fine lines and wrinkles becoming more apparent. In some cases, women may experience acne during Menopause as a result of hormonal fluctuations.

Oestrogen affects every organ system of the body. Oestrogen receptors are most abundant around the genital area, face and lower limbs. Therefore, these areas are especially vulnerable to reduced amounts of circulating Oestrogen, and where the common side effects of Menopause are first seen.

Possible Skin Conditions
Slight changes to the health and condition of the skin is normal during this period, however, some women experience extreme adjustments and the development of abnormal skin conditions. 

These conditions may include:

Atrophic Vulvovaginitis 

• A condition where the lining of the vagina gets drier and thinner from a lack of estrogen.
• Symptoms include itchiness, tenderness and painful urination.
  

Hirsutism

• A condition where females grow dark, thick, and dense hair in the growth pattern similar to a male. 
• Commonly affects the face, chest and back.
• Facial Hirsutism is very common in post-menopausal women who are not on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy).
• Treatment options we offer include Waxing, IPL or Electrolysis

Alopecia

• The medical term for hair loss
• As Progesterone and Estrogen levels decrease, an increase is seen in the male hormone, Androgen. These hormones cause the hair follicles on the head to shrink resulting in hair loss. 
• Approx. a third of post-menopausal women may develop hair loss, usually at the front and the top of the scalp.
  

Menopausal Flushing

• Lower levels of Estrogen may affect how the body regulates temperature.
• 'Hot Flushes' occur in 70-80% of women before and during Menopause.
• Symptoms include reddening of the face, neck and upper chest that lasts for 3-5mins.
  
• May be associated with sweating, palpitations, anxiety and sleep problems.
  

So how can we help you address the symptoms of Menopause? Firstly, let me share a little fact with you. Collagen drops 30% in the first 5 years of Menopause, then approximately another 2% each year after that for the next 20 or so years. That's a huge decline in your Collagen levels, especially if you haven't actively been caring for your skin.

Although you can't stop Menopause, you can certainly help your skin at home to look and feel its best. The goal is to have your skin in its best condition leading into pre-menopause. Here's what I suggest.. 

What Products Can Help?
Topical hydration will be your best friend as the skin lacks the capability to hold onto moisture. Moisturisers with Hyaluronic Acid are best to draw the moisture into the skin. Ceramides in moisturisers can also help the moisture from escaping. Incorporating pro-ageing ingredients like Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C and Glycolic and Lactic Acids. We stock a great range of skincare products loaded with these essentials. See our product ranges.

What Treatments Can Help?

• If you notice an increase in facial hair, IPL Hair Removal may be a good option to thin out the growth.
• To assist with Collagen production and help strength the skin, the following skin treatments should be considered:  LED light therapy, Skin Needling, Radio Frequency and Plasma Fibroblast.

If you are experiencing symptoms of Menopause, or want to get a head start on preparing your skin, book in for a complimentary Skin Consultation to find out more information.