P082 The impact of skin symptoms during menopause

Abstract

The skin contains oestrogen receptors, with higher concentrations in facial and genital tissue. During menopause, the oestrogen-deficient state causes reduction in collagen levels and thinning of the skin. There is a paucity of evidence related to women’s experience of skin problems during menopause and their impact on quality of life. We aimed to describe the skin symptoms noted by women experiencing menopausal symptoms and explore the impact of skin issues on quality of life. This was a cross-sectional design utilizing an online survey. Women assigned biological sex at birth (any gender identity) living in England, experiencing perimenopause or menopause, were invited to complete the survey on their experience of skin symptoms. In total 1457 survey responses were received; 36% of women reported their skin issues being a dominant or major feature of their overall menopause symptoms. Skin symptoms were described as severe or moderate by 46% of women. Symptoms included dry skin (70%), itch (64%), redness (35%), spots/acne (45%), decreased elasticity (55%), changes in sweating (70%) and nail changes (69%). Oral symptoms were reported by 58% of women. Hair symptoms were noted by 84% and vulval symptoms were recorded by 74% of women. Overall, 56% of respondents taking hormone replacement therapy felt their skin had improved on treatment. The mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was 4.15 (range 0–30). One-quarter of responses recorded a DLQI of ≥ 6, indicating a moderate-to-severe impact on their quality of life. Women reporting no significant menopausal symptoms had a lower DLQI (higher quality of life) than women reporting menopausal symptoms. A variety of skin symptoms are noted during perimenopause and menopause, which significantly impact on many women’s quality of life. Our findings suggest that skin issues often mirror the overall severity of menopausal symptoms and often go unreported. Therefore, women experiencing menopausal symptoms should be routinely asked about skin concerns for optimum management.