In the first of our blog posts for #MenopauseAwarenessMonth, we explore how the skin changes during this phase of a woman’s life and what this means if you have a stoma.
How the skin changes during menopause
Night sweats, hot flushes, insomnia and mood swings, the drop in Estrogen during menopause can cause havoc all over your body, from thinning bones to problem skin. Women are typically classed as being in active menopause if they haven’t had a period for over 12 months. But in the years leading up to that point, known as the perimenopause, hormonal changes can start to take place that have a significant effect on the skin.
Depleting hormone levels and a drop in collagen both have drying effects. Estrogen helps to stimulate collagen which gives skin its plump appearance and elasticity. Progesterone is responsible for stimulating the sebum glands which produce oils. When both of these hormones start to decrease, it can lead to:
- Drying, thinning, sagging skin
- More wrinkles and age spots
- Oily skin due to an increase in testosterone
- Increased sensitivity, breakouts, itching and inflammation
- Flare-ups of existing skin conditions
What does this mean if you have a stoma?
Dryness – It’s always important to make sure your skin is dry around your stoma so that your bag can adhere properly to your skin. But if this area has dried out excessively, and become fragile due to hormonal imbalance, this can lead to skin stripping and pain on removal.
Trio tip: Adopt a good skincare routine which includes removing adhesive thoroughly- Trio Elite® doesn’t contain alcohol, so it won’t sting your skin. Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser around the stoma and wait for it to air dry properly before applying your bag.
Wrinkles – While you’re more likely to notice extra wrinkles around your eyes and upper lip, the menopause can make skin all over your body more paper-like. This could lead to dips and creases around your stoma, creating gaps between your flange and skin. Any output that collects under the flange may cause further irritation.
Trio tip: Fill in any gaps around your stoma using a stoma paste, such as Silken™ gel, or Genii™ Ostomy Seals. Both are made from silicone which helps to form a barrier around your stoma, protecting it from irritants and, of course, preventing leaks.
Oily skin – With the decline of estrogen and testosterone comes a surge in androgens, such as testosterone. This hormone is responsible for those unwanted chin hairs but can also lead to an excess production of oils, making the skin appear greasy for some women. Oily skin compromises your wafer’s adhesion and can make you prone to leaks.
Trio tip: Make sure the area around your stoma is clean and dry before applying your stoma bag
Sensitive skin – Frequent bag changes can lead to the skin around the stoma becoming red and inflamed. Add in fluctuating hormones, and skin is likely to become even more sensitive. Decreased estrogen can cause irritation and itchiness making it uncomfortable to wear your bag for long periods.
Trio tip: People with sensitive skin should avoid products that contain fragrances, alcohol, chemicals and other irritants that can make the condition worse. Trio Elite™ adhesive remover and Trio Elisse™ Skin Barrier spray have a unique silicone-based formula which is alcohol-free and hypoallergenic.
Flare-ups – Changes in skin pH and hormone levels can also cause any existing skin problems to flare-up. Acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis are all common conditions that tend to be exacerbated during the menopause, making bag changes more painful.
Trio tip: All of our products are silicone-based to reduce the chance of irritation. But, if you’ve already been diagnosed with a skin condition, it’s important to discuss any changes you make in your care routine with a stoma nurse first.
At Trio, we’re here to make your life easier. Whatever stage you’re at in your menopause journey, we can help. Take a look at our range of skincare products here and learn more about a good skin care routine for your stoma. If you’re interested in sharing your story for #MenopauseAwarenessMonth, we’d love to hear from you.
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