During the menopause, there are many alterations in the body due to the drastic changes of hormones. It is commonly know to affect our mood and fertility, but it also changes our skin.
During all the stages of reproductive age the hormones undergo changes, however not to the same extent as during the menopause. In this blog we will be discussing the aesthetic changes during the menopause.
UNDERSTANING MENOPAUSE
We all have some perception of what the menopause is; it is diagnosed when the menstrual cycle ceases and is related to different changes in the hormones and therefore the body. The sex hormones oestrogens and progesterone are important to this process. The reason why we understand the effect of these hormones during different stages of life is due to the extensive research that has been dedicated to this area.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING MENOPAUSE?
Did you know that the ovaries of a 20-week foetus have about 7.5 million immature ova (eggs) enclosed in the follicles? This follicular pool depletes steadily and by the time of puberty there are only 300.000. At the age of 37 a woman will only have about 25,000 healthy ova left in her ovaries. At this age follicle depletion accelerates, which then leads up to the menopause. This can happen sooner based on environmental factors such as smoking and chemotherapy. In the early stages of the menopause, the menstrual cycles become shorter and more irregular. When the follicles are depleted of their ova, the level of oestrogen and progesterone fall and the menopause commences.
AGEING AND MENOPAUSE
Like discussed earlier, we know that during the menopause the oestrogen levels are low in comparison to earlier in life. These lower levels of oestrogen can influence the appearance of facial contours as this hormone affects the bone structure to a degree. Along with these changes, the skin around the eyes and lips change as well. The menopause also has an implication on sleep, which is quite commonly known, and as we are well aware sleep deprivation has a negative impact on skin health.
TREATING THE AESTHETIC EFFECTS OF THE MENOPAUSE
It may not be one of the top priorities, however managing the aesthetic effects can be essential as these changes in our bodies can lead to feeling self conscious, with a potential impact on our confidence. There is also a risk of more skin damage with reducing levels of oestrogen as this hormone protects the skin against oxidative stress. Other consequences of this are a susceptibility of the skin to infection and inflammation.
Lack of oestrogen also makes the skin thinner with a reduced elasticity, due to lower amounts of collagen. These consequences will lead to an increased amount of wrinkles and dry skin.
Sun protection is always important regardless of age and stage in life. The menopause leads to a higher risk of pigmentation caused by inflammation in the skin.
TAKEWAY
Women going through the menopause might not be aware of its effects on their skin. We hope that we have shed some clarity on this subject and created awareness around this topic and what precautions to take as well as aiding in planning any treatments with your practitioner.