Skin
As the body’s largest organ, the skin acts as a protective barrier against a variety of harmful external agents that are present in our environments every day. Its condition can reveal a lot about us, from how we identify as people to how old we really are. During the menopause, the skin undergoes a series of significant changes, some of which can lead to considerable issues with our confidence, health and overall wellbeing.
How can the skin change during the menopause?
Viewed by many as a momentous event, the menopause is associated with it a huge decline in a woman’s oestrogen levels. Perhaps best known as the hormone responsible for the management of the reproductive cycle, oestrogen’s now much more limited presence in the female body can also have a real bearing on the condition and function of the skin. As oestrogen is related to the production of collagen and elastin – the proteins that keep our skin healthy and supple – its slow disappearance can lead to saggy skin, the appearance of jowls and the emergence of wrinkles and fine lines on certain areas of the face. Skin can also appear thinner as the collagen component diminishes, leaving women increasingly vulnerable to injury, soreness and irritation across several parts of the body.
Crucially, oestrogen is also linked to the production of the skin’s natural oils and its loss can result in skin that is dry, itchy and uncomfortable. In fact, this itchiness is so commonplace that it can form the basis of a recognised medical condition known as pruritus. Such a drop in hormone levels can also lead to the development of acne, worsen the effects of previously existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea and result in the emergence of unwanted facial hair around the lips, cheeks and chin.
How can this be managed?
Throughout life, sticking to a strict skincare regime is encouraged and this is something that should continue during the menopause. Additionally, as there are many lifestyle factors, such as smoking, drinking and excessive sunlight exposure, that have a negative effect on the condition and age of the skin, it may be a good idea to avoid these vices altogether as you enter middle age. If you’re still unhappy with how your skin looks and feels after trying out these suggestions, you may be able to benefit from medical treatments such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
During an initial consultation or One Stop See and Treat clinic with Mr Gardner, you’ll be given the opportunity to discuss your symptoms with one of the country’s experts in women’s health and find a suitable solution to your skin concerns. Get in touch today.
FAQ's
As with everything to do with the reproductive system, a woman’s experience of the menopause is unique to them. With around 80% of women said to have symptoms of some kind, it’s important to remember that you aren’t alone.
This is dependent on you as an individual. As some women experience more severe symptoms of the menopause, any effort to stave off its effects on the skin can either be very successful or completely fruitless.
HRT is a form of treatment that comes in many different forms, which means that there’s a good chance that this could be a suitable solution for you. During consultation with Mr Gardner, these options will be discussed with you in detail and you will be prescribed HRT if the doctor feels this would be an effective treatment for your concerns.