Hormones and how they affect the Skin
As women approach the menopause, the hormone levels in the body change. Oestrogen levels are reduced and this means that the skin changes.
First the terms
These can be confusing as there is really no definitive. Usually the term Menopause relates to the “whole” period of change a women goes through. Its meaning being the last menstrual period.
How Do Hormonal Changes Affect the Skin?
Your skin can start to see change in any of the above stages. Hormonal changes at the mid stage of life can mean a whole list of changes in no order of appearance or importance – they just happen!
Your complexion becomes paler. This is because lower hormone levels result in fewer blood vessels supplying the skin.
A change to hormone levels can also affect your immune response.
Your skin can become more sensitive to heat and cold.
And of course everyone knows that some (not all) women during the menopause get hot flushes – the butt of a lot of jokes but not funny if you are one of the unlucky ones.
Over time, the skin is less able to repair itself, since the turnover rate of cells slows down. A cut or other type of wound takes longer to heal.
You may notice that you develop more facial hair, usually an odd one here and there but it can sometimes be quite significant. Read our article on hair appearing on your face and chin
Your skin becomes thinner, you may have heightened sensitivity to environmental factors such as windy conditions, sunburn, allergens and hot drinks/food increases.
The muscles underneath the skin shrink as you age, and this condition contributes to the increased sensitivity.
You may also experience itchy skin this condition is sometimes described as a tingling sensation or the feeling that something is crawling under the skin.
A hormone imbalance in the thyroid gland can affect your skin and if you think this is the case with you, then you should consult your doctor.