Many women are prepared for symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings when perimenopause starts. What you may not have been expecting, however, are pimples, acne and facial redness. Although less common, menopause can increase the risk of skin problems due to fluctuating hormones. The good news is that there are many things you can do to improve your skin.
My daughter is going through puberty, I’m menopausal and we both have acne. I never thought I’d be struggling with acne at my age. - Rita (age 51)
Studies show that many women experience skin problems in the form of acne and pimples during menopause. A 2022 study states that as many as 64 percent of women attending menopause clinics report skin problems.
Skin problems are most common in perimenopause, the first stage of menopause, when hormone fluctuations are most extreme. In general, skin problems decrease over time as hormone levels plateau at a stable low state in postmenopause (12 months after a woman’s final period). However, how long these problems will last and how intense the symptoms are, varies from one woman to the next.
In the years leading up to menopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate and fall. This can lead to hormonal imbalances, causing your testosterone levels to soar. The male sex hormone testosterone stimulates sebum production in the skin. If testosterone levels are high relative to progesterone and oestrogen, this can lead to clogged pores, impurities and acne.
Oestrogen also promotes the production of collagen, which keeps the skin firm and supple. When oestrogen begins to fluctuate and fall around menopause, collagen production decreases along with it. This can result in sensitive skin, skin irritation and red patches. Reduction in collagen can also contribute to dry skin and skin ageing.
It is important to understand that skin problems, such as acne and pimples, typically result from multiple factors, or from an interaction between factors. Hormonal changes play a big role, but there are also other factors that can trigger acne.
Nutrition, medication and other health conditions also play a pivotal role in healthy skin. That's why it is important to approach skin health from a broad perspective that considers all factors that can cause blemishes, acne and other skin problems.
As we age, our skin needs more care and attention to retain its health. Adjusting your diet and lifestyle can keep your skin healthy and reduce skin problems, including acne.
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A healthy diet can contribute to healthy skin and reduce, or prevent, blemishes and other skin issues. Are you experiencing other symptoms of menopause besides skin problems? Then hormone therapy might be an option for you.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can make a huge difference to a woman's quality of life and well-being during menopause. Lots of women say that HRT has helped make them feel better, both physically and mentally. HRT replaces lost hormones to counteract (severe) symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, sleep problems and vaginal dryness.
Are you suffering from severe menopausal problems and feel that there are no treatments? Well, you could be wrong. HRT might be right for you.
Hormone therapy (with bioidentical hormones) may be an option if you experience other menopause symptoms besides blemishes that cannot be remedied by lifestyle and dietary changes. Hormone therapy is not recommended if only skin blemishes need to be treated because of possible side effects.