Menopause skin changes are common, leaving skin feeling dry itchy and sensitive. Hormonal effects on the skin lead to lower levels of both collagen and natural oils. Collagen is a building block for skin and helps maintain hydration, so lower levels lead to dryness and less elasticity.

Menopause skin concerns can be helped by moisturising often, staying well hydrated and nourishing from within, with your diet. Your skincare may need switching up too, what your skin needs now is likely to be different from what worked before.

Hair changes in menopause are common also, with dryness, thinning and hair loss. Managing hair loss starts with seeing your GP to exclude any underlying causes. Heavy periods during the perimenopause can lead to iron deficiency, so an iron-rich diet and supplements can be helpful.

Hair follicles are responsive to hormones and imbalances can contribute to hair loss. Nutrition and stress also play a part so taking steps to improve and manage these are important.

As with skin, you may need to think about changing hair products and being gentler with your hair.