Peri menopause

[Angiefitz]

I am 50, and have been skipping periods for months at a time, the longest being six months. This started two years ago. I have had hot flushes and have no sex drive. I have also developed bad acne. Is there anything I can do about the acne?

[Susie Debice]

Hi there

This is sounding like a familiar pattern of the menopause. As your periods start to shut down levels of oestrogen and progesterone start to naturally decline, which is a normal hormone transition for the menopause. However, these lower levels of oestrogen and progesterone may leave testosterone free to have more of an influence than normal on your skin. Elevated testosterone may be linked to your acne, since testosterone encourages the production natural skin oils called sebum, which could block skin pores which then become swollen, sore, red and infected.

Making sure your diet contains plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables help top up levels of vitamin C, beta- carotene and other antioxidants which help to protect skin cells from the harmful effect of oxidative stress caused by the surrounding inflammation. Eating 5-a-day also brings in fibre which supports digestive health and supports a healthy gut microbiome, as does taking a good quality probiotic. Having a healthy gut microbiome often has a positive influence on skin health. Making sure you stay hydrated by cutting down on tea and coffee and drinking at least 2-3 litres of water a day may also be helpful for skin health. Cutting back on foods rich in saturated fat (red meat, cheese, cream, butter, ice cream), alcohol and sugar, which may all contribute to fuelling inflammation processes may also be helpful.

You could also consider supplementing with krill oil such as Cleanmarine MenoMin which contains good levels of the omega-3 oils which are important for skin health. The fatty acids found in omega-3 oils are converted by the body in substances called prostaglandins which influence inflammation and hormone balance. Cleanmarine MenoMin also contains biotin and vitamin B2 which are both important for the maintenance of normal skin alongside soy isoflavones and vitamin B6 which helps regulate hormone activity.

If you continue have problems then it's worth visiting your GP or finding a local nutritional therapist which can help provide a specific dietary and supplement plan for your.

All the best

Susie Debice - Food Scientist and Nutritional Therapist
Susie's Women's Health Nutrition Clinic
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... debice.php

[Dr Shahzadi Harper]

Hi,

Acne is common in the perimenopause because of hormonal imbalance.
There are a number if topical medications you could try.
You could also go into HRT if you wanted to regulate your hormones. You don’t have to wait until periods stop before commencing