The ovary stops producing hormones after menopause. This has many side effects on the body. The hormones affect ovulation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth, and implantation. The female hormone estrogen plays an important role in the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, the immune systems, and the functioning of the bone. The ovary stops functioning during menopause and stops producing female hormones. This has adverse side effects on the functioning of the body.
The physical appearance of a female has a psychosocial role to play while the skin conditions affect the quality of life. There are many psychological benefits in preserving the physical appearance of women. Skin is the foundation of the cosmetic industry. The skin is the largest organ of the body and has a thin epidermis and a thicker dermis. It also has hair follicles, sweat, and sebaceous glands. The dermis has a network of nerves, blood vessels, and appendages.
During the reproductive years the estrogen hormone keeps the male hormones in control while during the time of menopause the estrogen levels come down. This causes a lot of structural and skin changes which results in a deterioration of skin quality. Elastin comprises 5% of the dermis and is connected to collagen, which gives the skin its resilience and elasticity.
When estrogen reduces during menopause the thickness of the skin decreases and atrophy sets in. This is because the water and collagen in the skin reduces. In fact it has been seen that post menopausal women on hormone therapy have thicker skin when compared to women who are not on hormone therapy. There are lot of sebaceous glands in the skin and as age grows, the production of sebum reduces. The older you are, the thicker your sebum gets to be. This is the reason women have more acne and oily skin.
Skin changes during menopause are common and it is imperative that one takes care of it well.
Learn about the distinct skin changes during menopause.