What might menopausal patients ask for?
Dr Shirin Lakhani, an expert on menopause and women's health, hosted an event at Beyond Medispa in Harvey Nichols all about intimate health. She explained menopause like this: “For men, hormones decline like a gentle stroll down a hill. For women, we fall off a cliff.”
As menopause is talked about more, aesthetic practitioners are noticing a rise in patients trying to tackle the effects with aesthetic treatments. A few experts reached out to Aesthetic Medicine to share their experiences treating these patients.
Skin health
A recent study conducted by the Skin Health Alliance revealed that menopausal skin changes are having a shocking impact on every aspect of women’s daily lives and confidence. 43% of menopausal women believe they have become less attractive, 28% no longer like looking in the mirror and 22% feel stressed and/or depressed by the changes happening to their skin.
Skin appearance plays an important role in patients’ confidence and a saddening 65% of menopausal women report feeling less confident in their skin and appearance since turning 40. The study reveals how common menopausal skin complaints are, with a huge 96% of women stating they had experienced skin changes during menopause.
The survey also highlights a lack of knowledge on how best to look after changing skin. Nearly half (46%) of the menopausal women had not changed their skincare routine since hitting menopause and only 24% reported knowing the ingredients to look for in skincare products to treat menopausal skin.
Dr Anjali Mahto from Self London shared some of her advice with regard to skin, and the changes it goes through during menopause. “Collagen levels in the skin fall by about 2.1% per year after menopause. In the first 5 years of the menopause, 30% of dermal collagen has been lost.”
To combat this loss, she recommends telling patients to use sunscreen regularly. “I’d also recommend starting a retinoid treatment to help boost skin cell turnover and collagen production.”
Dental health
Dr Stephen Dodd, cosmetic dentist and owner at Ringway Dental, highlights that hormonal shifts contribute to several oral health issues, that can also affect the appearance of teeth.
He says “The most common thing I see in clinic with regards to the menopause is dry mouth. Dry mouth can increase your risk of gum disease and cavities as when your saliva glands don’t produce enough to clear oral bacteria, germs can build up fairly quickly which in turn increases your risk for tooth decay and gingivitis.”
He recommends encouraging regular dental check-ups, and good oral hygiene. Treatments such as dental implants or cosmetic procedures may address any aesthetic concerns.
Hair health
Dr Bessam Farjo, a hair restoration surgeon and hair loss expert explained that around 40% of women 70 or over experience female pattern baldness, as androgens increase in the absence of oestrogen, shrinking the hair follicles.
“There are many treatments available that may help combat menopausal hair loss. “Non-surgical solutions include Minoxidil lotion, foam and even tablets. Finasteride is an oral medication licensed for men’s hair loss, however, in some menopausal women, it may help as well. Low-Level Laser Therapy, where the scalp is bathed in light to encourage cells to produce more protein, can also work nicely on thinning hair. Another popular option is Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, which involves a patient’s blood being re-injected into their scalp to stimulate growth.”