Emme Menopause

10 ways that menopause can change your hair, skin and body

As you approach menopause, you might start to notice a series of physical changes start to occur all over your body

Your bones, skin, hair, midsection, and fat distribution will all undergo transformations over time, soon becoming your ‘new normal.’

These changes can feel stressful and painful for some women, but it is important to remember that they are a normal and natural part of life. It’s also important to note that you can make simple and effective changes to feel your best, no matter what your age. More and more, you can find products designed specifically for women going through menopause and peri-menopause.

Emma Chiu, the Creative Innovation Director at JWT Intelligence, a ‘trend hunting’ agency, explains

“The increase in women candidly talking about the menopause has given rise to products and services addressing the growing needs during this inevitable life stage. Beauty brands are beginning to create products focused on bodily changes such as hot flushes and sleep deprivation, it’s no longer about anti-ageing.”

Wellness retreats, peri-menopausal and postmenopausal supplements, exercise classes, and skincare products – you can take control of your body as you age, transforming a once taboo topic into a point of pride

1. Your skin will likely lose elasticity Menopause can cause your collagen, oestrogen and calcium levels to drop, which makes your skin thin and decreases its elasticity. You’ll notice this around your neck, jawline, and in the hollows of your cheeks. Fight this effect with vitamin supplements designed specifically for menopausal skin.

2. Your facial and bodily skin will become more dehydrated – As your skin barrier thins and weakens, it can cause your skin to become more dehydrated. This removes your ‘youthful glow’ and causes you to look more dull and tired. Fight these effects by adding omega-rich oils, humectants  (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine) and vitamin E – these will all plump your skin and pack it with extra moisture.
3. Your hair might become thinner– As you age, your iron levels can drop, and your hair grows slower, and often leads to thinning. If you want to increase your growth rate, check your iron levels and consider a supplement to boost your ferratin. This should help your hair feel softer and silkier.
4. Your hair feels coarser and rough – A drop in oestrogen levels can increase androgen production. This changes the shape of the hair follicle from round to flat. The result? Coarser hair. To remedy this, consider a gentle cleanser that contains wheat proteins to bulk up your hair’s volume. A regular hair mask can also help boost volume and increase hydration.
5. Your mouth can become dry, leading to tooth decay If your mouth has been feeling more dry than usual, it’s not all in your head. Declining oestrogen levels make dry mouth a common symptom of menopause. A drier mouth can also mean receding gums, tooth decay, and a growth of bacteria.
6. Your nails become brittle and break more easily Even if your nails were luxurious and long when you were younger, don’t be surprised if they start to peel and become more brittle as you age. Just like your hair, your nails might be suffering from dehydration. Consider adding a protein treatment to your nail care routine to keep your claws strong and shiny.
7. Your mood and lack of sleep can cause you to skip the gym

Many women going through menopause report that their hot flushes and sweats keep them from sleeping soundly

In addition, a lack of oestrogen and progesterone can also prevent you from getting your valuable rest. Without a good amount of sleep, your skin can’t look its best, and you’re more likely to feel cranky and moody. Try to reduce your stress, avoid caffeine after noon, and get a lot of exercise.

That can be easier said than done, as when you don’t feel well rested, you end up cancelling your gym plans. However, a recent PureGym survey found that 78.2% of those who did make it to the gym felt better afterwards

David Wiener from fitness app Freeletics explained that a similar study

“found that women who even just stretched for 10 minutes a day saw a self

reported improvement in their menopausal symptoms, including mood and

sleep quality after only three weeks.”

8. Weight distribution changes around your body As your hormone levels change, so too will the distribution of fat and muscle around your body. Oestrogen plays a role in how much fat your body stores, and where it gets stored. If you want to regulate this distribution, try low intensity work outs like yoga, Pilates, swimming, and walking. Weight training is also a good idea, as muscle mass keeps to keep your weight in check.
9. Your bones weaken, and you’re more at risk of osteoporosis – Oestrogen is one of the hormones that help to keep your bones healthy, and so when your oestrogen levels diminish, so too does your bone health. In order to boost your bone health, ensure that you take a calcium supplement. You can also incorporate resistance exercises into your exercise routine, with bands, cables, and weights.
10. You experience vaginal dryness – Vaginal dryness is one of the most common symptoms of menopause, as oestrogen levels decline. A natural lubricant can help make intercourse more pleasurable, no matter what your age.
Are you going through peri menopause or menopause right now? How are you coping? What are the ways that menopause changed your face, skin, hair, and body? Would you like one of our experts to get in touch? If you wyou like to share your story, we would love to hear from you at [email protected]

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