The Effect of Menopause on the Skin and Other Connective Tissues

The document from 2011 examines the effects of menopause on skin and other connective tissues, noting that menopause is associated with a significant loss of skin collagen, leading to thinner, more fragile skin with reduced elasticity and impaired wound healing. It reports that up to 30% of skin collagen can be lost in the first five years post-menopause, with an average annual decline of 2.1% over 15 years. Estrogen replacement has been shown to improve skin collagen content, thickness, and elasticity, and reduce dryness, but the effectiveness varies and large-scale clinical trials are needed for definitive guidance. The paper also discusses the impact of menopause on other connective tissues like intervertebral discs and carotid arteries, and the potential benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on these tissues. It suggests that while HRT carries risks, it may still be beneficial, especially for women under 60 or near menopause, if individual risk assessments are conducted and lower doses or non-oral routes are used.