We don’t talk about menopause enough. Not in medical school. Not in dermatology. And definitely not among friends over coffee. But we should. There are fundamental changes that happen during perimenopause and menopause, and they can affect every part of how we feel from the inside out.
As a dermatologist, I often see patients in their 40s and 50s mention that their skin feels drier or more reactive, and that their go-to products no longer work as well. Others notice that their skin appears dull or their jawline feels as though it’s sagging and shifting.
Here’s the thing: Estrogen does a lot for our skin. It helps maintain hydration, supports elasticity, and keeps the skin barrier strong by boosting ceramide and sebum production. It also plays a big role in collagen synthesis. So, when estrogen levels start to dip—as they naturally do during perimenopause—the changes are visible and tangible.
And it’s not just about skin—the hormonal shifts during this time impact the whole body. We see changes in sleep patterns, brain fog, joint pain, and even mood. Some women feel irritable or anxious without realizing that hormones are playing a role.
One of the most common things I hear from women approaching menopause is, “I feel like I looked in the mirror one morning and didn’t recognize myself.” That sense of unfamiliarity can be jarring. However, what makes it even more challenging is how often these concerns are dismissed. I’ve had patients tell me that when they brought up skin changes, they were told it was just “normal aging.” As if that means there’s nothing we can do about it.
Here’s the truth: Menopause is not a decline—it’s a transition. When we stop pretending everything’s fine and start talking openly about what’s really going on, we create space for better care and better support.
You’re not alone in this. You’re not “too sensitive” or “too vain.” You’re navigating a major life shift and you deserve to feel good in your skin at every stage.
