Menopause can be difficult. As your body adapts to the change, many women are left with uncomfortable, and sometimes debilitating side effects. In this article, Dr Martin Kinsella, a leading hormone specialist and Founder of BioID Hormones explores five common symptoms of menopause, and help you alleviate them so you can glow your way through menopause.
Dry, itchy skin
The hormonal changes during menopause can lead to a whole host of skin complaints, including dryness and itchiness. This is because of the vital role the hormone oestrogen plays in skin health.
Oestrogen helps the skin to retain its moisture by stimulating the production of natural oils and collagen to maintain the strength and elasticity of the skin. During the first five years of menopause, you will lose a up to 30% of your natural collagen, which can cause the skin to become drier, thinner, and itchy. Luckily there are a few things you can do to help.
Firstly, you should avoid scratching. Itching the area may tear and damage the skin, especially if it is already sensitive or inflamed. Try applying a cool compress to relieve itchiness.
Try to avoid hot showers, as this with dry the skin further, and try to pat the skin dry to avoid further irritation.
Next, you should drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Alcohol has a drying effect on the skin, which causes it to become duller and drier.
You may also start to notice that your skin becomes more sensitive to certain products, including skincare, soaps and detergents with strong perfumes. Again, this is down to the declining levels of oestrogen within the body. Opt for perfume-free soaps and cleansers that are specially created for ‘dry and sensitive skin,’ they are a won’t strip your skin further.
Strong sunlight is also a big no-no for menopausal skin. The harmful UV rays could cause severe irritate your skin, causing it to become drier, itchier, and more inflamed. Wear a high SPF every day to protect the skin.
Hair loss and thinning
During menopause, the hair can become thin, and weak. This is due to the lowered levels of oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones help the hair to grow and remain on the head. As hormone levels drop, hair tends to more slowly and can become a lot thinner.
If you notice hair loss or any other changes to the hair, speak with your GP. It could be a simple nutritional deficiency which can be identified through a simple blood test.”
There are also a couple of tips to incorporate day-to-day routine to keep the hair healthy. First, make sure you are getting enough protein in your diet. Your hair is made up of a substance called Keratin, a protein made from amino acids. Whilst it’s not directly found in food, it’s production is directly impacted by how much protein is in your diet.
You should also avoid using too much heat on your day to day, same goes for chemicals like hair dyes. Both can break down the protein bonds in your hair causing it to become brittle and dry. Try not to be too vigorous with your hair when it’s wet; wet hair is very weak so you should never rub it with a towel or comb with a heavy hand.”
Vitamin C is also an unsung hero when it comes to hair and menopause. When added to hair products it can be helpful in breaking down mineral build up and improving the hairs’ ability to absorb moisture.
Body Odour
During menopause, you may notice your body odour smells different (most notably the armpits and vagina). The dip in hormones will naturally throw your pH levels off, causing a stronger smell than usual, particularly around the vagina.
To combat any unpleasant smells, and make you feel a little more comfortable, you should always be prepared. Try to carry cleansing wipes, or an anti-perspirant for a quick refresh whenever you need.
Be mindful that the product you choose is gentle enough and doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients that might aggravate your skin or further impact your pH balance. Products that contain natural, moisturising ingredients, such as vitamin E and aloe vera are great and are usually gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Brain Fog
As hormones play a large part in our cognition and memory, as they decline it is quite normal to develop brain fog.The fogginess can develop through sleep disturbances, which again is all part and parcel of menopause. If you are suffering from Insomnia, try sticking to a schedule, sleeping in a comfortable, well-ventilated room, and ensure you exercise regularly.
Urination
It is common for women in menopause to lose control of their bladder, which is due to the oestrogen hormone levels decreasing in the body. Many women have described this as feeling the constant need to urinate, and sometimes report pain. This normally happens because the tissues in your vagina and urethra lose their elasticity during menopause and and as a result, the lining thins.
If you are struggling with menopause, speak to a professional who will be able to advise you on treatment options, including Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Whilst Bioidentical hormone therapy is a relatively new treatment, it is a real breakthrough in hormone treatment. The treatment mimics natural hormone production in the body to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms of Menopause.
Following a full assessment by a doctor and a blood/ test, you will be prescribed tailored treatments and a plan to simply replenish the specific hormones you are deficient in and restore the body to its optimum performance.
