EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MENOPAUSE
The Change. The Internal Furnace. Ovarian Retirement. These are just some of the phrases used to describe — you guessed it — the menopause. Somewhat scary and often (read: frequently) misunderstood, for many the menopause is a seemingly grey cloud looming on the horizon. What will it bring? Why is this happening?
All of these questions are entirely natural, much like the menopause itself. So, what’s the deal? And what do those who’ve been through it wish they knew? Well, here at Cult Beauty we caught up with Dr Deborah Lee and The Derma Lab’s Skin Expert, Elizabeth Japal, to uncover everything you need to know about the menopause and how it can affect your skin and hair. And if that wasn’t enough we’re also sharing real-life stories from those who have or are going through it to make the change that little bit easier for all.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Meet The Experts
- What Is The Menopause
- What Are The Symptoms Of The Menopause
- How Does The Menopause Affect Our Skin
- What Are The Best Skin Treatments During The Menopause
- How Does The Menopause Affect Our Hair
- What Are The Best Hair Treatments During The Menopause
- Tales From The (Menopause) Frontline
- Menopause FAQs
MEET THE EXPERTS
- Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy Medical Writer
- Elizabeth Japal, The Derma Lab Skin Expert
WHAT IS THE MENOPAUSE
A natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years, the menopause officially begins 12 months after a woman’s last period, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55 although — according to the NHS — it can happen earlier. “The transition leading up to menopause, called perimenopause, can last several years and is characterised by fluctuating hormone levels, particularly a decline in estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal shifts impact various bodily functions, from metabolism and bone density to skin health and mood regulation” explains Dr Deborah Lee.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE MENOPAUSE
Much like the many side effects that come with having periods, the menopause and perimenopause can also cause a number of symptoms. “While bringing hormonal changes that trigger various symptoms, the menopause affects women differently” states Elizabeth and some of the most common symptoms include:
Hot flashes & night sweats: Sudden waves of heat, flushing and excessive sweating.
Irregular periods:Menstrual cycles become unpredictable before stopping completely.
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, night sweats and waking up frequently.
Mood swings & anxiety: Hormonal fluctuations can trigger emotional changes, including irritability and depression.
Brain fog & memory issues: Some women have trouble concentrating.
Weight gain & metabolism changes: Fat distribution shifts, often leading to weight gain around the abdomen.
Skin changes: Increased dryness, sensitivity, fine lines, and reduced elasticity.
Thinning hair: Reduced estrogen can lead to weaker, thinning hair.
Joint pain & muscle aches: Estrogen helps protect joints, so its decline can lead to stiffness and discomfort.
HOW DOES THE MENOPAUSE AFFECT OUR SKIN
“Menopause triggers significant changes in the skin due to a sharp decline in estrogen, leading to dryness, loss of collagen and increased sensitivity. Many women notice their skin becoming thinner, duller, and more prone to fine lines, but with the right skin care, these effects can be managed” explains Elizabeth.
While many people will experience different skin concerns that occur during the menopause Elizabeth recalls “that the most common symptoms include increased pigmentation as hormonal fluctuations can trigger age spots, uneven skin texture and as your cell turnover slows down resulting into dead skin cells accumulating causing dullness and dryness as your sebum (natural oil) production is limited leading to dehydration and increased sensitivity”.
WHAT ARE THE BEST SKIN TREATMENTS DURING THE MENOPAUSE
Managing these skin care symptoms needn’t be difficult, with the right guidance and products they can easily be managed and treated from the comfort of your own home. All it takes is “a targeted skin care routine to help maintain a radiant complexion” confirms Dr Deborah Lee. So all that’s left to do is to Dr Deborah Lee simple steps below to turn these menopause woes into beauty wins.
HYDRATE, HYDRATE AND HYDRATE
“Hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier is essential. Using ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and squalane can restore lost moisture and improve resilience.”
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BOOST COLLAGEN PRODCUTION
“To boost collagen production, incorporating retinol, peptides, and vitamin C can stimulate skin renewal and enhance firmness.”
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EXFOLIATE GENTLY
“Gentle exfoliation with AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid can refine texture and boost radiance, but it’s important to avoid over-exfoliation, which can cause irritation.”
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SHIELD FROM THE SUN
“Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable — applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ helps prevent UV-induced collagen breakdown and hyperpigmentation.”
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MINIMISE IRRITATION
“Choosing fragrance-free, non-drying cleansers and creams minimises irritation and keeps the skin calm.”
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Beyond skin care, healthy lifestyle habits, such as staying well-hydrated, consuming a collagen-rich diet, and prioritising sleep, can also further support skin health during this transitional phase.
HOW DOES THE MENOPAUSE AFFECT OUR HAIR
Similarly to your skin, your hair is heavily influenced by hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which help maintain hair growth cycles. As these hormone levels drop, Elizabeth explains how “this can lead to noticeable differences in thickness, texture and growth. Tresses becomes thinner as follicles shrink, reducing overall density and making hair appear less full. Additionally, increased shedding occurs due to a shortened hair growth cycle, causing more strands to fall out. Many also experience texture changes, with their mane becoming drier, coarser, or more brittle due to decreased oil production. To make matters more challenging, slower growth means that lost hair takes longer to regrow, as hormonal fluctuations disrupt the natural hair cycle. These changes can be frustrating, but with the right care, hair health can be maintained.”
WHAT ARE THE BEST HAIR CARE TREATMENTS DURING THE MENOPAUSE
But don’t worry it’s not all doom and gloom. Looking after your strands is just as easy as taking care of your skin during this transitional phase. Transform menopause struggles into tress triumphs with Elizabeth’s top tips below…
MOISTURISE YOUR MANE
“Fight dryness and brittleness by incorporating deep conditioning treatments into your hair wash regime. Use formulas enriched with keratin or argan oil to restore moisture and strength.”
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STYLE WITH A CONSCIOUS
“Avoid excessive heat styling and tight hairstyles that can cause breakage. Use silk pillowcases to reduce friction and heatless curlers to get your desired looks.”
NOURISH YOUR SCALP
“To prevent thinning and shedding utilise a scalp-stimulating serum with ingredients like minoxidil, caffeine, or rosemary oil to promote hair growth.”
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SUPPORT HAIR GROWTH
“Take biotin, collagen, and omega-3 supplements to support hair health and prevent hair loss.”
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TALES FROM THE (MENOPAUSE) FRONTLINE
Whether the menopause is just around the corner for you, or still a few decades away, there’s no such thing as ‘too soon’ when it comes to preparing. With that in mind, here’s what these women wish they knew before hitting this transformative stage of life.
“I can ‘well up’ at any moment of the day, happy tears, sad tears... nobody told me you have an endless amount of tears during menopause, your emotional state is in constant turmoil. I’ve stopped going to the theatre and cinema, it’s embarrassing to be the emotional wreck, sobbing in the back row!” — Claire, 53
“Unlike lots of my friends who suffered from all sorts of symptoms, I am one of the lucky few who managed to sail through unscathed, apart from the constant hot flushes – and I mean constant. So, if there’s one thing, I wish I had known, it would have been to not worry, ‘The Change’ was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.” — Toni, 63
"My biggest realisation has to be my interpretation of the word – men-on-pause. I think both me and my husband would agree that this stage of my life has made me put him on pause… affection is the last thing I want, and everything seems to be about me and my menopause. From mood swings, fatigue and adopting a short fuse to low self-esteem, weight gain and anxiousness – menopause has been a real shock to the system.” — Adrienne, 57
“It was confusing and quite scary at first. I think because it was stress induced, there was a lot to wrap my head around. The hot flashes and insomnia were probably the worst parts.” — Stella, 63
MENOPAUSE FAQS
What are the 5 stages of menopause?
Menopause occurs in multiple stages, and the entire transition can take several years. The stages of this transition include premenopause, perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.
How do you confirm menopause?
Menopause is confirmed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, with no other medical explanation.
What is the biggest symptom of menopause?
One of the biggest and most common symptoms of menopause is hot flashes (also called vasomotor symptoms). Hot flashes are sudden feelings of heat, often with sweating, flushing, and a rapid heartbeat. They can last a few seconds to several minutes and may happen multiple times a day or night. While hot flashes are the most commonly reported symptom, the "biggest" symptom varies by person — some women experience more mood-related changes, while others struggle with sleep issues or skin dryness.
Embracing the menopause is a journey, one that comes with challenges, but also with knowledge, support and the right care, it can be navigated with confidence and ease.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
