Menopause & Collagen: What's Really Going On
As menopause starts to approach, women begin to notice changes to their skin and overall comfort and they seem to spring on overnight, with some experiencing symptoms as early as in your 30's. Why? We can thank the drop in oestrogen for that. This drop in oestrogen, among all those other things - speeds up the loss of collagen like a racing Ferrari. Its the protein that keeps the skin resilinet, smooth and firm.
What Usually Shows up During Menopause
Well-known symptoms such as weight gain, vaginal dryness, the osteoporosis risk, night sweats, joint and muscle aches, and above all, hot flashes are experienced by an astronomical 75% of women.[1] Most of the time you don't even realise these changes are tied to menopause. Women report a mix of things like dryness, sensitivity, more visible wrinkles, thinner skin, uneven skin tone or dark spots, breakouts (which have not been seen in years), hair thinning, stiff joints, dry eyes, and sleep issues. It's a long list and for some women it may be less and for others more. But, it all connects back to the shifting hormones and a slow down in how the body repairs itself.
Collagen Declines with Age
As mentioned before, collagen naturally drops as we get older. But by the time we hit fifty, our bodies are making roughly half the collagen that it used to. This is where we begin to notice the skin starts to sag a little more, joints are stiffer, end generally everything loses it youthful bounce. This is where collagen peptides step in - and encourage the body to ramp up production again.
Why is Marine Collagen so Popular?
Marine Collagen mostly contains Type 1 and Type III, which are the same types that make up most of our skin. When hydrolysed into small peptides, the body absorbs them more readily. In fact, the low molecular weight marine collagen, reaches the bloodstream in higher amounts than bovine collagen. This higher availability, is why many people notice better results for skin texture and hydration.
It's Time
"We need to ‘normalise’ menopause, insists Dr. Vidhi Patel, Nutritionist, Functional & Integrative Medicine Doctor. “It’s just a phase, like pregnancy or puberty. It’s not a monster to worry about."
Menopause doesn't have to be a topic we shy away from. Understanding the symptoms, sharing experiences, and seeking support from friends can help women feel more in control and challenge the negative perceptions that surround this stage of life for women.
It's more than the end of the menstural cycle, cultures even celebrate it as a milestone. In traditional societies such as the Mayan or Iroquis, women are beleive to gain heightened spiritual and healing abilities during gthis phase. Taking inspiration from this, we can embrace practices that nurture both mind and body: gentle walks, meditation, time in nature, yoga/pilates, therapy or simply confiding in a trusted friend. By prioritising connection and relaxation and self-care, the menopause journey can feel less daunting and more empowering.
How Gold Collagen Fits In
Gold Collagen, the world’s leading collagen brand, has developed nutraceutical solutions designed to help ease common menopausal symptoms. In partnership with leading nutritionists and experts at Minerva Research Labs, the brand creates scientifically formulated food supplements that support overall health and quality of life.
Nothing stops this natural process, but we can help each other make the journey feel a lot less menopausal. Discover Forte Plus today. For more information on collagen click here: Collagen and Menopause