The menopause is defined as the ending of your monthly periods. When you have gone 12 consecutive months without a period you have completed the menopause. But as we know this is only part of it!

Low levels of female hormones cause many symptoms, round 40 in fact! Increased anxiety, urinary tract infections and weight gain are just a few but did you know how Oestrogen keeps our skin looking young?

Oestrogen

The skin is oestrogen dependant. During the peri menopause our Oestrogen levels fluctuate and fall, this affects our skin. Low levels of Oestrogen lead to reduced Oestrogen receptors in our skin cells. This ages our skin! We produce various Oestrogens and they affect systems of our body differently. A common symptom is dry, flaking, itchy skin but there is much more to it. Without Oestrogen what happens to our skin? • Increased dryness • Reduced elasticity • Impaired wound healing • More visible deeper wrinkles • Pigment changes

The low levels of Oestrogen can cause irreversible changes to our skin

Skin

As we age, our skin changes and low Oestrogen can age us more. Many factors come into play from pollution, sun damage, diet, smoking, genetics and skin cell changes. If you have had an early or surgical menopause you may not have had good levels of Oestrogen for many years, all of this can age the skin.

Oestrogen indirectly increases levels of some collagens, elastin and other proteins. Oestrogen can therefore; • Improve thickness of our skin • Increase Elasticity • Increase Hydration • Provide smoothness • Improves skin as a barrier • Improves wound healing • Improves blood supply to the skin

Benefits of HRT; Oestrogen

The earlier in the peri menopause you can start HRT the more benefits it will have on your skin. During the first 4 years of the menopause, collagen production can reduce by 30%.

HRT delivered in patches, gels and sprays are one of the safest ways you can get the hormones travelling around the body.

Not on HRT?

If you don’t take HRT then taking phytoestrogens may have a positive effect on your skin. These are often found in cosmetic products. What we can do to help. • Wear UVA/UVB skin protection in the summer and winter • Moisturisers • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated • Following Mediterranean style diet • Reduce stress • Reduce alcohol intake • Stop smoking • Supplements including Collagen • Sleep/rest • Exercise • HRT • Talk to healthcare professionals/skin care specialists about how you can improve your skin and reduce the effects of aging.

Skincare clinics In Worcestershire are www.beautoxology.com and www.soaesthetics.co.uk For more information on menopause, hormones, HRT or to book a consultation with Diane please go to www.bourne2care.co.uk