MENOPAUSE AWARENESS MONTH: SKIN CHANGES DURING MENOPAUSE BY DR. SHAHZADI HARPER

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It usually occurs in a woman's 40s or 50s and involves a decline in estrogen production, which can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and insomnia. There are a variety of internal and external changes that women may experience when they hit their 40s, as the body begins to undergo a natural process of aging.

Specifically as women age, they may experience a variety of changes to their skin, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles: As the skin loses collagen and elastin, it becomes less firm and supple, which can lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
• Dryness: Aging skin may produce less oil, leading to dryness and flakiness. This can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as cold weather or low humidity.
• Thinning: The skin may become thinner and more fragile as women age, which can make it more prone to bruising and tearing.
• Uneven tone and texture: Aging skin may develop uneven texture or tone, with areas of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots).
• Sagging and laxity: As the skin loses elasticity, it may become looser and less taut, leading to sagging and laxity in the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
• Increased visibility of blood vessels and pores: Aging skin may become thinner, which can make blood vessels and pores more visible.

These skin changes can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, sun exposure, smoking, and diet. While some of these changes are a natural part of the aging process and may not be preventable, there are steps that women can take to help maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. I offer useful tips for navigating the aging especially in your 30's and beyond in this blog.

WHAT IS THE REALITY OF COLLAGEN DECREASING IN THE BODY FOR WOMEN OVER 30 YEARS? 

The rate at which collagen decreases varies from person to person and is influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Studies have shown that women can lose up to 30% of their collagen in the first 5 years after menopause, and up to 2% per year thereafter.

A woman's hormones play a crucial role in her collagen levels and synthesis. During perimenopause, which is the stage before menopause and typically begins in a woman's late 30s to early 40s, estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and decline, leading to a more significant reduction in collagen production. Studies suggest that during perimenopause, collagen production can decrease by as much as 30%.

This means that by the age of 50, women may have lost around 50% of the collagen in their skin. This decline in collagen causes the skin to lose its elasticity and firmness, leading to the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin.

Did you know? Collagen can be powerful in supporting women's health during perimenopause and menopause. As women go through these transitional phases, their estrogen levels decline, leading to a reduction in collagen production and increased collagen breakdown. This can contribute to a range of symptoms, including skin aging, joint pain, and reduced bone density.

Supplementing with collagen during perimenopause and menopause can help support the body's collagen levels and promote healthy aging. Research suggests that collagen supplementation can improve skin elasticity and moisture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increase skin density.