Let’s talk about the menopause…
The menopause is preceded by the peri-menopause where oestrogen levels drop. This can typically occur at any age from 40 onwards.
It can have a marked effect on the physical and mental wellbeing of an individual. Physical symptoms include flushes and night sweats, both of which can have a significant impact on quality of life. One of the main roles of oestrogen is to promote the production of collagen, this is why there’s such a dramatic loss over this stage. Up to 1/3 of the skins collagen can be lost during this time.
Falling collagen levels causes:
- skin thinning
- fine lines
- skin dryness
- loss of elasticity
Psychological symptoms include:
- increased depression and anxiety
- loss of self confidence and self esteem
- perceived decrease in attractiveness
Treatment options
HRT-This is an established treatment that is very effective at treating not only the symptoms of the menopause along with positive effects on bone mass. It will also help maintain the collagen levels through replacement of oestrogen.
Topical skin care
Tretinoin (a Vitamin A) will stimulate collagen production. Moisturisers are effective at treating skin dryness.
Profhilo
This is the new anti-ageing ally that promotes the restoration of firmness, tone and elasticity to the skin. It is a high strength hyaluronic acid that increases collagen and elastin, attracting water within the deeper layers of the skin.
Polynucleotides
This is an innovative new treatment that targets fibroblasts and results in increased collagen synthesis.
Botox
This is effective at improving the appearance of not only established fine lines and wrinkles but with early intervention can actually prevent them from
developing. Some studies have shown that it also helps with depressive symptoms (however further research is needed).
The above treatments will improve both ones outer appearance and inner sense of well-being.