As if it isn't enough to suffer hot sweats, mood changes, lack of libido, aches and pains....the menopause also results in changes to your skin and appearance. This is due to a reduction in oestrogen levels as you get older, which deplete even more after the menopause. Oestrogen depletion results in thinner skin, less elastic skin, dry skin, skin which is less firm, and it also has effects on the underlying structures of the face.

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The top layer of sin, the epidermis becomes much thinner, which not only gives the skin a papery appearance, it makes it wrinkle easier and makes it more prone to damage - both physical and from the sun. 

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Oestrogen has been shown to increase collagen production, so as our oestrogen levels deplete, our skin produces less collagen and we lose the structure of the skin, again making more prone to wrinkling and making it appear less 'plump'. 

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Our bones reduce in density as we age, due to low oestrogen levels - hence why older women are at risk of bone fractures even with minimal trauma. We also lose muscle mass - you rarely see an older person with bulky muscles - and these two factors have an effect on the underlying structure of our face, as the bones and muscles of the face change and can ad d to the appearance of looking gaunt, of our face sagging and of skin wrinkling as it has less support. 

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So, just at a time of life when we feel we are losing touch with who we once were, we look in the mirror and notice changes to our appearance too!