Peri-Menopause and Eczema: What You Need to Know

As women approach midlife, many begin to experience subtle yet impactful changes in their bodies, often well before their final menstrual period. This transitional phase, known as peri-menopause, brings with it a shift in hormones that can influence various aspects of health, including the skin. One lesser-known, yet increasingly recognised concern is the link between peri-menopause and eczema.

At The Treatment Centre, we believe in understanding the why behind skin changes. By exploring the connection between hormonal fluctuations and eczema, we empower our clients to make informed, compassionate choices about their skin health.

Peri-menopause refers to the years leading up to menopause when oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to decline. This phase can begin in a woman’s early 40s (sometimes even late 30s) and may last for several years. While most people associate peri-menopause with symptoms like hot flushes or irregular periods, its effects on the skin are just as significant.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by dry, itchy, red, and sometimes cracked skin. While its origins can be genetic, it is often triggered or worsened by:

• Hormonal imbalances

• Stress

• Environmental factors

• Immune dysregulation

• Skin barrier dysfunction

For women in peri-menopause, fluctuating hormone levels—especially declining oestrogen—can exacerbate these triggers.

Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration, elasticity, and barrier function. As levels drop, the skin can become:

• Drier and more fragile

• More prone to inflammation

• Slower to heal

• More reactive to allergens or irritants

This compromised skin barrier makes it easier for eczema to flare up, even in women who never had eczema before.

During peri-menopause, you may notice:

• Patches of dry, itchy, or flaky skin

• Redness, especially on the face, neck, or hands

• Skin sensitivity to products you once tolerated

• Eczema flaring alongside stress or poor sleep (common during hormonal shifts)

Managing eczema during this time requires a comprehensive approach. At The Treatment Centre, our philosophy is rooted in personalised care and treating the root cause, not just the symptoms.

We focus on restoring skin integrity using ceramide-rich, fragrance-free formulations that hydrate and protect.

Gentle, non-invasive treatments like LED therapy (Healite) can help calm inflammation and support skin healing.

Stress is a key eczema trigger, particularly during hormonal transitions. Incorporating mindfulness, breathwork, or speaking with a holistic therapist can be highly beneficial.

We guide clients toward dietary support that promotes skin resilience—think omega-3s, antioxidant-rich vegetables, and reducing inflammatory foods.

Eczema during peri-menopause can feel isolating, especially if it's a new or worsening concern. But you are not alone, and relief is possible. Our team is here to walk beside you with empathy, expertise, and a plan that's unique to your skin’s journey.

Ready to better understand your changing skin?

Book your Skin Health Discovery Session at The Treatment Centre and let us support you with personalised care that honours every stage of your life.