Perimenopause is the period of time leading up to menopause, or the cessation of a woman's menstrual periods. This transitional time can last for several years, during which a woman's periods become irregular due to the normal hormonal shift of menopause. Menopause is defined as having occurred once menstruation has stopped for 12 consecutive months. Skin changes can develop in response to the hormonal fluctuations that occur during perimenopause. Symptoms can range from mildly annoying to downright uncomfortable, but many of these perimenopausal skin problems can be remedied through medications or health and beauty products.
Dryness
Perimenopausal women often experience dryness of the skin, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. A loss of estrogen, normal in the menopausal process, causes skin to become thinner and dryer. This skin problem is most often seen in the vaginal area, and is called atrophic vulvovaginitis, but skin throughout the body of a perimenopausal woman may feel dry, itchy and become more prone to wrinkling. Project AWARE, an information service of the Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education, explains that the sensation of something crawling under the skin may also accompany feelings of dryness. Estrogen creams and personal lubricants can help treat painful intercourse that stems from vaginal dryness; ordinary skin moisturizers may help dry skin on the face and body.
Acne
Women who are in their perimenopausal years--usually in their 40s--may find that they are once again experiencing acne, according to Aeron Life Cycles Clinical Laboratories. This skin problem, usually found in adolescents, can crop up again due to the hormonal imbalances that occur during this later cycle of life. When estrogen levels drop, the amount of the male hormone testosterone becomes out of balance, and can result in acne. Perimenopausal women who suffer from breakouts may opt for hormone replacement therapy to even out the delicate balance and to put an end to acne, reports Aeron. Women can ask their doctors about using topical acne preparations to counter pimples and blemishes.
Loss of Elasticity
Sagging skin is a sign of aging in men and women, but may be more significant in peri- and menopausal women due to the loss of female hormones. Aeron Labs explains that this loss of elasticity of the skin is also a result of declining hormone levels. Estrogen helps stimulate collagen production; collagen is a protein that keeps the skin plump and looking hydrated and healthy. When estrogen is lost, collagen breaks down and new collagen does not form as quickly, which causes the skin to appear dried out and wrinkled. Topical application of estrogen may help some women regain elasticity through the production of new collagen.
