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Menopause takes a major toll on skin, and hormone therapy may help. A survey of over 4,300 women across nine countries found that perimenopause and menopause drive significant skin changes — from dryness to wrinkles — affecting self-confidence in the majority of respondents. Experts say dermatologists should look beyond estrogen alone and consider the full hormonal picture when treating patients.
Menopause is aging your skin faster — here's what dermatologists can do about it
Perimenopause and menopause don't just bring hot flashes and mood swings — they also dramatically reshape a woman's skin. Speaking at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Annual Meeting, Dr. Sabrina Fabi highlighted findings from a global survey of 4,303 women across nine countries, revealing that hormonal shifts during this life stage cause widespread skin concerns and hit women's self-confidence hard.
The culprit isn't just estrogen. While estrogen decline is well-documented — women lose 30% of skin collagen within the first 5 years of menopause — Fabi stressed that progesterone, testosterone, oxytocin, and cortisol all play roles in skin aging. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly combinations of estradiol and progesterone, has shown promise in improving skin thickness, hydration, and sebaceous gland activity.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: With tens of millions of women navigating menopause, dermatologists are on the front lines of managing its visible effects. A more holistic, hormone-informed approach — including collaboration with integrative medicine specialists — could meaningfully improve both skin outcomes and patient well-being.
