TLDR Menopause significantly reduces skin collagen, leading to thinner, less elastic skin, and hormone replacement may help but requires careful consideration.
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.
137 citations
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June 2005 in “Climacteric” Estrogen loss during menopause worsens skin health, but hormone replacement therapy may improve it, though more research is needed.
52 citations
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April 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Male pattern baldness involves three mechanisms and finasteride can help reverse it.
94 citations
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August 2002 in “Experimental Dermatology” 17α-estradiol boosts aromatase activity in female hair follicles, potentially helping with hair loss.
27 citations
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April 1998 in “American Journal of Dermatopathology” Estrogen and progesterone don't directly affect hair growth in androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.
329 citations
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January 1997 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a hair loss condition in postmenopausal women, similar to lichen planopilaris, with ineffective treatments.
77 citations
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July 2013 in “Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology” Menopause reduces skin collagen and elasticity, and while estrogen therapy can help, its risks require careful consideration.
11 citations
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January 2013 in “Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii” The conclusion is that a combination of noninvasive treatments and lifestyle changes can improve skin health during menopause.
44 citations
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October 2011 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” Menopause significantly reduces skin collagen, leading to thinner, less elastic skin, and hormone replacement may help but requires careful consideration.
16 citations
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October 1996 in “PubMed” Hormone replacement therapy can improve skin aging in postmenopausal women.
