Sunbathing after menopause may affect health

Tanning Menopausal Women

Estrogens in the blood affect a woman’s health in several ways. It contributes to stronger bones, faster wound healing and has an effect on skin aging. When menopause is reached, estrogen levels decrease and other hormones such as gonatropins (FSH and LH) increase.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can potentially negatively affect hormone levels in postmenopausal women and contribute to several health problems.

Unique menopause study: 580 Western European postmenopausal women

Using satellite data, they were able to find out how much UV radiation the women were exposed to, depending on where they live. Using a survey, they asked the women to indicate how much time they spend in the sun, which body parts are most often exposed and whether they use sunscreen. The hormone concentrations measured and compared to the UV exposure of the previous month.

Menopause

Conclusion study

Women who were most exposed to sunlight had lower estrogen levels and more gonadotropins compared to those who were less exposed to UV radiation. Low estrogen increases the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

What is the take home message for now

Sunlight is necessary to feel good and to produce the body’s own vitamin D. Make sure your skin doesn’t burn, use sunscreen SPF30 and walk for 30 minutes a day.

While you are here

The last menstrual period is also called menopause. Most women have their last menstrual period between the ages of forty and sixty; the average age is 51 years. In addition to physical complaints such as flushes and sweat attacks, skin changes can also take place. In the West, 75% of women suffer from menopausal symptoms. In Japan, on the other hand, only 10% of them have complaints. Foods such as soy and miso seem to play an important role in reducing menopausal symptoms. More on menopause and skin changes

Picture of Dr. Francis Wu

Dr. Francis Wu

Dr. Francis Wu, een vooraanstaande dermatoloog, is de drijvende kracht achter Iconic Elements. Hij heeft sinds 2004 zijn expertise ingezet om een veilige en effectieve huidverzorgingslijn te creëren, geschikt voor zowel gezonde huid als huidproblemen. Iconic Elements, opgericht in 2016, is de eerste brede skincare lijn in Nederland ontwikkeld door een dermatoloog. Als medisch specialist streeft Dr. Wu naar het bevorderen van het welzijn van mensen door hoogwaardige en effectieve huidverzorgingsproducten te bieden. De proefdiervrije en vegan producten vermijden schadelijke chemicaliën en bevatten natuurlijke ingrediënten.
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