Menopause and Your Skin

 
Women Health Marietta GA

Menopause is a time in a woman’s life that is often dreaded like the plague. The list of unwanted symptoms seems daunting, and no one wants to go through them. Yet, it is a natural part of life for all women.

As women age, they experience a drastic decline in both estrogen and testosterone. Both of these hormones affect the skin, but it is the deficiency in estrogen that produces most of the skin changes that women experience during menopause. Many women feel like they age in appearance much more quickly once they hit menopause. With the decline of estrogen impacting skin’s thickness, elasticity, and moisture, it is no surprise that women feel displeased with their appearance during this time.

Hormones play a huge role in many areas of the body. Considering that your skin is the body’s largest organ, it should come as no surprise that your skin will suffer consequences when hormone levels suddenly drop. Let’s look at how the skin will be affected:

Less elasticity. Estrogen helps skin retain its firmness because it supports collagen production. As collagen decreases with a decline in estrogen, you will notice that your skin sags more than usual in the face and neck.

Less moisture. Even those who have experienced oily skin for most of their lives will notice that their skin becomes drier once they hit menopause. As estrogen is depleted in the body, the skin will look duller and more wrinkled.

Less protection. As the layers of skin become thinner during menopause, they offer less protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. With the thinning of the skin layers, wounds may take longer to heal, and you may bruise more easily.

While menopause will bring with it some unwanted side effects, this is not a time to fear or dread. Menopause symptoms can be reduced and managed with hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes. You can regain a healthy, youthful appearance. Contact Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates today for a consultation.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.