Many women notice and complain that their skin suffers during the menopause. Dryness and increased sensitivity are frequently reported. But other symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth and a few others can also occur.

The main reason for this is the drop in oestrogen levels, which reduces the body’s ability to retain moisture.

Below we show you what dryness is all about and how you can deal with it.

Dry skin

This is a common complaint regarding dryness. Especially in winter, itchy, dry skin is at its worst. When the humidity is low and the indoor air is overheated, the symptoms increase. As you get older, your oil and sweat glands will also be less active. Both make it more difficult to keep your skin moisturised. High blood sugar, which causes type 2 diabetes, can also lead to extremely dry and itchy skin.
In addition, there are other health problems that can lead to dryness, in particular

• Anaemia, also known as iron deficiency
• Kidney disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hypothyroidism (thyroid hormones)

Tip: A simple remedy is to drink plenty of fluids as this will help your skin to heal and recover faster. It’s also important to protect your skin now. So avoid the sun. Your skin can regenerate in the shade. Also note that the harmful ultraviolet rays penetrate the clouds.
Also pay attention to your blood sugar level so that it is not too high. This can reduce dryness.

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is common among menopausal women. The symptoms of vaginal dryness can vary in severity and can range from mild discomfort to a significant disorder. This is triggered by the sharp drop in the female hormone oestrogen. Unfortunately, vaginal dryness usually persists because the tissue in this area becomes thinner and less flexible.

Tip: Fortunately, there are several solutions. To improve comfort during intercourse, a conventional lubricant based on water and glycerine is already very effective. There are also lubricants based on hyaluronic acid, which has a moisturising and soothing effect. The healing properties of hyaluronic acid relieve the burning, tingling and irritation of the vulva associated with occasional vaginal dryness.
If the vaginal dryness is permanent and affects more than just sexual intercourse, there are also personal lubricants with a longer duration of action. They are usually hyaluronic acid-based and help to maintain the elasticity and resilience of the mucous membrane.

Dry mouth

The menopause can also trigger this. The same applies to certain medications and diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome. They prevent your salivary glands from producing enough saliva to moisten your mouth. Unfortunately, dry mouth can also lead to other problems such as sores and tooth decay.

Tip: Your doctor can determine the cause and tell you whether medication, drops or special mouthwashes can help.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes are a common symptom of ageing, but can worsen during the menopause. This is due to the decline in oestrogens and androgens.

Tip: Avoid air-conditioned rooms, sun and draughts. Don’t point the ventilation in your car directly at your face. From a humidity level of 60%, your eyes will no longer dry out as quickly.
There are also moisturising eye care products that are neither preserved nor phosphated and work very well.

Chapped lips

Chapped lips are also very unpleasant. They are caused by dehydration, frost, cosmetics and medication.

Tip: Simple remedies are suitable for protecting the lips. Breathe through your nose and don’t lick your lips. Again, drink plenty of fluids. If this doesn’t help, use lip balm and wrap a scarf around your mouth in cold weather.

Brittle hair and dry scalp

Age leaves its mark on the head. Hair can turn grey or thin. This is due to hormones. Hair becomes brittle because the sebaceous glands become sluggish over the years. Colouring, straightening or chemically treating the hair also dries it out.

Tip: Hair does not need to be washed every day. If necessary, use a special shampoo for dandruff and otherwise simply wash less.

Brittle fingernails

Brittle nails are often a side effect of the menopause and ageing. The nails tend to become thinner and split lengthwise.

Tip: Avoid dry heat and low humidity. Gloves are suitable for protecting the fingernails. Hand creams (moisturisers) are also useful. Apply these before going to bed.

Habits

You may also have the feeling that you are generally «drying out». Bad habits can promote the dehydration effect, such as stress, smoking, drinking too little, too much sun exposure without protection, cold air.

It is therefore best to get into the habit of doing 2-3 things:

1. drink enough, 2-3 litres per day (preferably water, or eat water-rich fruit and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, lettuce).
2. use ointments or creams instead of lotions to moisturise the skin. Products containing jojoba, olive oil and shea butter work well.
3. protect your hands with gloves if your hands can get wet, e.g. when cleaning the house or doing the dishes.
4. toners containing alcohol, retinoids and alpha hydroxy acid are poison for your skin. They attack your natural skin oils. Avoid such products.
5. when bathing or showering, reduce the amount of hot water and use only mild, non-perfumed bath and shower products.

Now you should see a doctor
Sometimes the tips and habits listed above do not help to alleviate your dryness. This is when you should see a doctor, especially if

• your condition just won’t get better.
• your skin is so itchy that you are constantly scratching.
• your skin starts to peel or flake.
• you can no longer sleep.

You can find more information about dryness and other symptoms on our website under Symptom Checker.

We, as The Women Circle, communicate daily on LinkedIn. We would be happy if you follow us on Linkedin.

If you would like to get in touch with us, please get in touch.

We are here for you.

Joëlle & Adrian

PS: If you like the Meno Health information, please send it to your