Menopause & Skin Treatments

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Menopause & Skin Treatments

Menopause……

is a process that will happen to all women at some point in their life. It is the time when you stop experiencing your monthly period, and it is most often the end of the reproductive lifecycle. Menopause symptoms are caused by a hormonal imbalance; these hormones being oestrogen and progesterone.

No two women are the same, and they will experience menopause symptoms during the three main stages of menopause at different times and with different intensities. A key indicator that you are reaching menopause is when you have not had your period in 12 consecutive months.

So, as anyone who has experienced menopause will attest to, the process is quite complicated, stressful, and can be very exhausting. There can be a number of health complications.

On top of that, every woman’s experience of menopause is unique.

According to Better Health Channel, most women will experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 60, with 51 being the average age, although it can happen outside of this timeframe. If menopause occurs before the age of 40 though, this is considered to be premature.

There are many different symptoms of menopause, and it affects many other parts of your body.

The three stages of menopause

Perimenopause is when hormones start to change and decline and menstrual cycles become erratic. Hot flushes can begin at this time, as well as other menopause symptoms.
Menopause occurs when your body no longer produces hormones that cause your menstrual period. This is for 12 consecutive months.
Postmenopause is after those 12 menopause months, and you remain in this stage for the rest of your life.

Overall, menopause symptoms can last between 5- 10 years, sometimes even more. Every woman is different.

Menopause symptoms and treatments

There are a wide range of symptoms, and not every woman going through menopause will experience all of them. These can be general symptoms or specific parts of your body that change. They include, but are not limited to:

Changes to your menstrual cycle are very common in the lead-up to menopause – or perimenopause. It can be periods occurring less often, but sometimes periods increase in frequency during this stage.
Hot flushes are alsoextremely common, defined as a sudden feeling of warmth in the neck or chest. According to Robert R Freedman, these can be defined as “feelings of intense warmth along with sweating, flushing, and chills”.
Sleeping problems can occur, which extends to general tiredness and lower energy levels.
Mood changes can be quite severe, with more leading situations leading to anxiety, irritability and sometimes depression.
Breast tenderness and, in some cases, quite severe pain.
Muscle pain, muscle tension and joint pain – even Osteoporosis.
Dry skin, skin laxity & collagen loss
Weight gain is a common concern for many women during menopause. Hormonal changes, reduced muscle mass, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to an increase in weight, particularly around the abdomen.
Forgetfulness – ” brain fog”s. It refers to a range of cognitive symptoms that can include difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and a general feeling of mental confusion or sluggishness. This can be particularly distressing and may impact daily life and work performance. Understanding the causes and strategies for managing brain fog can help women navigate this challenging aspect of menopause.

Health Direct explains that menopause symptoms sometimes appear before your period stops. These symptoms can often be more severe in cases where menopause was brought on by surgery or cancer treatment. Furthermore, “hot flushes and night sweats are more common in women from Western cultures, while Asian women report more aches and pains, insomnia and mood changes.” As can be seen, menopause symptoms are highly variable. Weight gain is a common concern for many women during menopause. Hormonal changes, reduced muscle mass, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to an increase in weight, particularly around the abdomen.

Is there such a thing as "Manopause? "

Yes, men can experience a condition often referred to as “manopause,” or more scientifically, andropause. Andropause is characterized by a gradual decline in testosterone levels in men, typically starting around middle age. This hormonal change can lead to a variety of symptoms, although they tend to be less dramatic and more gradual compared to the symptoms of menopause in women. Common symptoms of andropause include:

Decreased libido and sexual performance: A reduction in sexual desire and erectile dysfunction can occur.
Fatigue and decreased energy levels: Men may feel more tired and less motivated.
Depression and mood swings: Changes in mood, including feelings of sadness or irritability, can be experienced.
Loss of muscle mass and strength: Men may notice a decline in their physical strength and muscle tone.
Increased body fat: There can be a tendency to gain weight, particularly around the abdomen.
Sleep disturbances: Issues such as insomnia or poor sleep quality are common.
Reduced bone density: Similar to women, men can experience a decrease in bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

The recognition of andropause as a legitimate condition has been increasing, and more men are seeking help for the symptoms they experience during this life stage.

Enrich Clinic can help

For some of the more specific symptoms, ENRICH Clinic offers a range of services and treatments that can help with some of the milder symptoms of menopause.

Dry Skin and Skin Laxity During Menopause
During menopause, many women experience changes in their skin, including increased dryness and loss of elasticity, known as skin laxity. These changes are primarily due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the decline in estrogen levels, which affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture and maintain its firmness. Understanding these changes and adopting effective skincare strategies can help manage and mitigate these symptoms.

Causes of Dry Skin and Skin Laxity During Menopause

Hormonal Changes: The decrease in estrogen levels reduces the skin’s production of collagen and natural oils, leading to dryness and a loss of elasticity.
Aging Process: Natural aging processes slow down cell turnover and collagen production, contributing to sagging and wrinkles.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental stressors such as UV radiation, pollution, and harsh weather can exacerbate skin dryness and laxity.

What happens to our collagen?

Collagen production in the body starts to decline gradually after the age of 20, with a more noticeable decrease occurring in the mid-30s to 40s. By the time people reach their 50s, the reduction in collagen production becomes more significant. This decline continues with age, contributing to various signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint stiffness.

During menopause, the decrease in estrogen levels significantly affects collagen production and maintenance, leading to various changes in the body contributing to various signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint stiffness. Here’s what happens to collagen during menopause:

Reduced Collagen Production: Estrogen plays a crucial role in stimulating collagen production. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, the body produces less collagen.
Collagen Breakdown: Lower estrogen levels also lead to an increase in enzymes that break down collagen, such as collagenase. This accelerates the degradation of existing collagen in the body.
Skin Changes: Collagen provides structure and elasticity to the skin. Reduced collagen results in thinner, less elastic skin, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging. Skin may also become drier and more fragile.
Joint and Bone Health: Collagen is a key component of cartilage and bones. Decreased collagen can contribute to joint pain and stiffness, as well as an increased risk of osteoporosis due to the weakening of bone structure.
Hair and Nails: Collagen supports hair and nail health. During menopause, women may notice thinning hair and more brittle nails due to decreased collagen levels.

How can we help boost collagen production

Retinoids: Products containing retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and firmness. Start with a lower concentration to avoid irritation and gradually increase as tolerated.
Peptides: Skincare products with peptides can support collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
Vitamin C: Topical vitamin C serums can help boost collagen production and provide antioxidant protection, improving skin firmness and brightness.
Dermatologist or Asthetic Doctor Consultation: Consult with a dermatologist or doctor for personalised advice and potential treatments such as laser therapy, microneedling, or radiofrequency treatments, which can help improve skin texture and elasticity.
Facials and Peels: Professional laser facials and chemical peels can help address dryness and stimulate collagen production.

Adult Acne

A lesser-known result of menopause is the occurrence of adult acne. In the study Menopausal Acne – Challenges And Solutions, Khunger and Mehrotra observe that acne is a common side-effect of menopause. The study states that the “etiology of menopausal acne is multifactorial, with hormonal imbalance being the major culprit”. Whilst the hormonal imbalance is hard to manage without some form of replacement therapy, there are options to treat acne.

Our dermatologists are experts in acne management and acne scar reduction.

ENRICH’s acne and acne scar treatment options are wide-ranging, offering treatments and strategies to help manage your acne.

Managing acne during menopause involves a multifaceted approach that includes a gentle skincare routine, targeted acne treatments, hormonal therapies, a healthy lifestyle, and stress management. By addressing the underlying causes and adopting effective strategies, women can achieve clearer, healthier skin during this transitional phase. Consulting with a dermatologist can provide additional support and personalised treatment options tailored to individual needs.

Hair loss

Menopause has been linked to hair loss and hair thinning. In their paper Skin Ageing, Calleja-Agius, Muscat-Baron and Brincat state, “The onset of menopause can lead to a diffuse or an androgenic alopecia”. They also note that there are a number of compilations with menopause that can lead to hair loss and thinning.

There are hair loss treatment options that can help.

At ENRICH, we use a blood centrifuge system and other solutions tailored to our patients’ needs. Check out our hair loss treatment truths blog for a quick hair loss overview.

A consultation is key to before you undertake any treatment and to see if any of our teratmetns coudl work for you.

Spider veins

During menopause, you might develop spider veins, which are thankfully less terrifying than they sound. They are sometimes confused with varicose veins, which are “knobbly, twisted and darkish-blue in appearance”, as explained by Better Health. “Spider veins are like varicose veins, but smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. They are often red or blue, and can look like tree branches or spider webs.” They cover variable areas and usually appear on your legs or face.

We offer Sclerotherapy for spider veins, which involves filling the vein with a solution that causes it to collapse. There can be side effects to this treatment, including bruising on the site and allergic reactions to the solution. This is not to be confused with surgical varicose treatments, which ENRICH does not offer.

Our Excel V treatments are also an option. These can reduce redness in your face and treat unsightly blood vessels. You can learn more about these by reading our Excel V Laser for Blood Vessels blog.

As with all our therapies, a consult is the frist port of call to see if this treatment is right for you.

Every Body is different

Menopause is a unique experience for each individual. The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Several factors influence how someone experiences menopause, including genetics, overall health, lifestyle, and psychological factors.

Menopause is a significant transition, but with the right support and management strategies, many women ( and men) can navigate this phase.

We can help with your skin, but your GP is key to helping with your other symptoms and can set up a menopause plan for the future. As all cases are unique, we would be happy to discuss your situation and determine the most effective approach for addressing your skin health.

Call us on 03 9500 9500 to book consulation today

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Please Note:

*All procedures carry risks, potential side effects, and possible complications, and may not be suitable for everyone. A consultation with a registered health practitioner is required to determine if this treatment is appropriate, and further information will be provided before you decide to proceed. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed and results vary between individuals.

This content is intended for persons aged 18 years and over. Patients under 18 are subject to a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period before proceeding with any non-surgical cosmetic procedures. In some cases, this is a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period, applies to individuals over 18. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. We endeavour to keep all our information up to date; however, this site is intended as a guide and not a definitive information portal. Please seek personalised guidance from a registered health practitioner regarding your individual circumstances.

Results may also vary from person to person due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Before-and-after photos are only relevant to the patient in the photo and do not necessarily reflect the results that other patients may experience. Ask questions. Our team of dermatologists, doctors and nurses are here to help you with any of your queries.