More Symptoms of Menopause - Dry Skin and Hair Loss

Is dry skin a big part of your reality now that menopause symptoms have taken their toll? It may not be one of the worst symptoms, but it certainly can be part of menopause. Also, losing hair is another one of those "not so pleasant" side effects of menopause. Let's find out why this happens, and how they relate to menopause.

It's bad enough that women have to suffer through the night sweats and headaches, loss of sleep and irritability, but losing your hair? This is going too far isn't it? Some doctors are not convinced it really is caused by menopause, or a decrease in female hormones. But since it happens around the same time, it's possible that there is a relationship - although age probably has something to do with also. Of course the sun and gravity take their toll on a woman's skin too, so don't blame it all on menopause. Maybe about 50/50? Nobody knows for sure, but one thing is certain you need to stock up on skin cream at this age.

Since estrogen is decreasing during menopause, let's look at some of it's chemical side effects. The collagen and elastin that is in skin starts to degenerate which causes wrinkles to appear, which can be related to the estrogen decrease. Your skin starts to lose it's flexibility, and in many women the fatty layer just under the skin starts to become thinner as well. This also leads to more wrinkles, and a loser look to the skin. As the skin starts to sag, the wrinkles show up even more. Add to this the dryness many women experience at this time, and your skin is looking more like your Mothers every day, right?

Some women resort to taking the creams that are available with natural estrogen and progesterone ingredients, which are not only safer than taking HRT orally but more direct since they can be applied to the skin. These hormone-containing skin creams aren't a "miracle cure" for dry skin, but in many women seem to help slow down the process of aging skin, which is certainly a help. While you're at it, it's probably a great idea to either stay out of the sun, or use some type of high SPF sun blocking cream. Can you have both?
Shop around, as there are more than likely some creams that have both ingredients. If not just apply the estrogen or progesterone cream at night, and the sun block during the day! See if you find something that works, and keep experimenting. There are many alternatives out there these days, so why suffer with dry skin?

Another skin cream that seems to be popular is retinol-A, which has been around for awhile and seems to help the skin in many women. These creams are based on Vitamin A, and some women report smoother skin, reduced spots and wrinkles, and a healthier glow to the skin. They aren't cheap, but maybe worth a try. Of course the main thing you should remember is that eating healthy foods, which means less sugar for a start, is important to general health and skin. Drinking lots of water has also been known to keep the skin healthy as well, and don't forget those vitamins every day too.