Effects of Menopause on the Aging Skin

As women, we are all destined for menopause. This inevitable stage in life is accompanied by hormonal changes that affect us both physically and emotionally. While these changes are not always welcomed, there are holistic measures we can take to ease the symptoms when it comes to skin health.

What Happens: In short, estrogen levels drop during menopause and this has a big impact on the quality of the skin.Estrogen is essential for the skin’s hydration. It increases the production of glycosaminoglycans (which helps support elastin and collagen maintenance), promotes increased production of sebum, increases water retention, and improves the barrier function of the inner layers of the skin. A decrease in estrogen results in reduced elastin, a reduction in the microvasculature system, and thinning of the epidermis. These lower estrogen levels make your skin prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling and a decrease in androgens (male hormones) is partially responsible for dry skin, skin thinning or atrophy, and the reduction in sebum secretion. This is accompanied by a reduction in blood vessels, oxygenation, and nutrition of the skin, as well as increased transepidermal water loss. Moreover, vellus hair--the fine hair, or peach fuzz, that covers the body--may be replaced by thicker hair. In addition, research shows that the skin of menopausal women with osteoporosis showed considerably more skin atrophy than those without osteoporosis. Reference: WebMD and Mayo Clinic. 

The Solution: Taking action as soon as you notice symptoms is the key to preserving your skin and hair quality. There are things we can do every day to retain our skin’s moisture and health. I recommend drinking an adequate amount of water daily; keeping skin hydrated starts with what you’re putting into your body. It’s also important to focus on your food intake and the types of food you are choosing. Are you eating plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins C and D? Are you eating food with the right kind of fats, such as avocados and wild-caught salmon? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, now is an excellent time to start incorporating healthier food options into your meals.
In the early stages of menopause, it will be beneficial to address your symptoms with a holistic provider to help balance your hormones. Holistic providers aim to promote self-healing in the body by using a whole-body approach. These homeopathic solutions use effective, nature-based remedies to treat your ailments, such as skin dryness due to menopause, thus minimizing your exposure to unnecessary toxins. Look for a provider who works alongside skilled medical professionals to put you on the path to overall wellness.

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