Eczema During Menopause: Understanding the Connection and How to Manage It Naturally
October is Eczema awareness month so we wanted to talk about how this can be a particular concern for many women around the time of menopause.
Eczema, often associated with dry, itchy patches of skin, can be more than a seasonal nuisance, especially for women going through perimenopause and menopause. As we age, our skin undergoes numerous changes, and for many women, hormonal fluctuations during menopause can exacerbate or even trigger eczema.
The Role of Hormones in Eczema
Hormones play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of our skin. Oestrogen, in particular, helps retain moisture and elasticity. During menopause, oestrogen levels drop, leading to drier skin and a weakened skin barrier. This makes it easier for environmental irritants to penetrate, potentially triggering eczema flare-ups.
Additionally, the skin’s natural production of sebum decreases during menopause, leaving it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. Combined with external factors like stress and changes in weather, it’s no wonder that many women experience eczema for the first time during this phase of life.
Gut Health and Its Impact on Eczema
Another key player in managing eczema is gut health. An imbalance in your gut microbiome can lead to systemic inflammation, which may worsen skin conditions like eczema. During menopause, gut health can be disrupted, adding to the problem.
Supporting a healthy gut through diet (try to incorporate prebiotic foods such as pickles, onion, garlic, kimchi and kefir), probiotic supplements, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve skin health and help manage eczema. At Doctor Skin Collagen®, we emphasise optimising gut health as part of our holistic approach to skin wellness, especially during menopause.
Holistic Approaches to Managing Eczema During Menopause
Rather than just treating the surface symptoms, it’s essential to address the root causes of eczema during menopause. Our philosophy focuses on three pillars: hormone balance, gut health, and collagen stimulation. Together, these elements can help you achieve lasting relief from eczema and other skin concerns.
Hormone Balance: Supporting your body through natural hormone-balancing therapies can alleviate dryness and reduce flare-ups. Make sure your vitamin D level is optimal and consider taking a herbal supplement to support hormone balance. HRT may also be worth considering. Speak to your doctor or book a consultation with our founder, Dr Rabia Malik if you would like to discuss further.
Gut Health Optimization: A healthy gut means healthier skin. Incorporating probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods and supplements can reduce inflammation and improve your skin's resilience.
Collagen Stimulation: Non-invasive treatments that stimulate collagen production can help restore skin elasticity and hydration, reducing the appearance of dryness and irritation.
Take Control of Your Skin Health
If you’re experiencing eczema during menopause, now may be a good time to review your skin care routine. With the right plan, you can reduce flare-ups and enjoy healthy, glowing skin.
This October, in honor of Eczema Awareness Month, we invite you to explore our holistic skincare solutions. Let’s get your skin back to feeling its best!
