As women enter the menopause, their bodies undergo many changes, including a drop in the production of oestrogen, progesterone and collagen. Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, bones and joints. In this post, we will discuss the importance of collagen in the menopause and how women can maintain good collagen levels.
1) What is Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and makes up about one third of the total protein. It is a structural protein that provides support and elasticity to our tissues, including skin, bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Collagen also helps keep the skin young, smooth and moisturised. As women age and enter the menopause, their collagen levels may decrease.
2) What is the menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women with advancing age. It marks the end of the reproductive age and is diagnosed when a woman has not had menstruation for 12 months. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but can occur earlier or later.
3) Collagen and Menopause
With advancing age and the arrival of the menopause, women's bodies produce less oestrogen and progesterone, which can lead to a decline in collagen production. This decline in collagen can cause a number of symptoms, including wrinkles, dry skin, brittle nails and joint pain.
One of the most noticeable effects of decreased collagen levels is altered skin health. Collagen helps keep the skin firm and elastic, so when this decreases, the skin can become thinner, drier and more fragile. Menopausal women may notice that their skin becomes drier and less resilient, and may develop wrinkles and age spots.
Collagen also plays an important role in bone health. As women age and enter menopause, their bone density decreases, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Collagen helps keep bones strong and resilient, so when levels decrease, the risk of bone loss increases.
Finally, collagen is important for joint health. It provides cushioning and support to joints, helping to prevent damage and reduce inflammation. Menopausal women may notice that their joints become stiffer and less flexible, which can be attributed in part to decreased collagen levels.
A study published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that postmenopausal women had significantly lower collagen levels than premenopausal women. Another study published in the journal Maturitas found that postmenopausal women who took collagen supplements for 12 weeks experienced a significant improvement in skin elasticity, hydration and roughness.
4) How to support collagen levels in menopause
Although declining collagen levels are a natural part of the ageing process, there are measures women can take to support their collagen levels and maintain healthy skin, bones and joints during the menopause.
- Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can provide the nutrients needed for collagen synthesis.
- Supplement with collagen: Collagen supplements can help support collagen levels and improve skin, bone and joint health. In addition to containing hydrolysed marine collagen, wavecollagen dietary supplement is fortified with other molecules with antioxidant and protective activity such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
- Exercise regularly: Exercising with weights can help maintain bone density and support joint health.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can reduce collagen levels and accelerate the ageing process.
In conclusion, collagen plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin, bones and joints. Postmenopausal women may experience a decline in collagen levels, which can lead to a range of health problems. By supporting collagen synthesis through diet, supplementation, exercise and lifestyle choices, women can maintain healthy collagen levels and support overall health and well-being during the menopause.