The menopause. One of the many natural changes in a woman’s life. For many women, the experience of menopause is a difficult one, fraught with difficulties like night sweats and hot flashes. One lesser discussed yet common consequence of menopause are broken capillaries, the small, red or purple veins seen on the surface of the skin. How exactly is menopause related to these broken capillaries, and is it something to worry about? We explore this issue further in this article.
1. Understanding Menopause: Exploring the Link to Broken Capillaries
Have you ever wondered why you have developed a profusion of fine red veins on your cheeks, nose, chin or other areas of your skin? Unfortunately, you may have the answer: menopause.
Broken capillaries, or spider veins, have become a common menopause symptom. They are often caused by a decrease in collagen production when a woman’s hormones go out of balance. As the skin thins and becomes delicate, it tears and veins beneath it become exposed, leading to the tell-tale redness that we see as broken capillaries.
Fortunately, there are treatments available to help reduce these unsightly veins. But before considering those, let’s look at why they occur, and how we can prevent them.
Causes of Broken Capillaries
- Decrease in collagen production
- Hormone imbalance
- Exposure to hot temperatures
- Overexposure to the sun
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Smoking
- Stress
- Age-related changes in the skin structure
Prevention and Treatment of Broken Capillaries
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle
- Avoiding cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption
- Wearing sunscreen
- Using skin care products with vitamin C and retinoids
- Using sun-damage protecting and collagen-building creams
- Using laser treatments to collapse veins
- Using sclerotherapy to inject a solution into the veins to make them disappear
Requiring different approaches to individual cases, these preventative and corrective measures will help reduce the appearance of facial spider veins and allow you to feel more comfortable in your own skin.
2. Diagnosing Broken Capillaries While Going Through Menopause
From age 40 onwards, the transition to menopause can bring about some less than desirable physical changes, and broken capillaries are among them. But why is that? Read on to learn more.
- As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, collagen levels also decline.
- Collagen helps to keep the skin elastic and supple, and when it is not present in sufficient amounts, the skin can become fragile and delicate.
- Blood vessels near the surface of the skin can become hypersensitive and prone to damage.
- This damage can lead to the formation of broken capillaries.
Traditionally, broken capillaries can be treated with a series of laser treatments for a few sessions, but there are also alternative products and therapies available.
- There are a variety of medicated skin creams containing natural and synthetic ingredients, such as vitamin K, retinol, and copper peptides, that can be used to soothe and heal the skin.
- Skincare treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels can also be used to help reduce the appearance of broken capillaries.
- It is important to take additional steps to protect the skin, such as wearing sunscreen and avoiding harsh cleansers and irritating products.
Despite the effects that menopause can have on the body, there is still much that can be done to keep skin looking vibrant and healthy. With the right protection and treatment, broken capillaries need not be a cause for concern.
3. Treatment Options for Controlling Broken Capillaries Associated with Menopause
Topical Treatments:The broken capillaries on the face due to menopause can be effectively treated with topical treatments such as Retin-A. This medication helps get rid of the broken capillaries by encouraging cell turnover and helping to reduce inflammation in the affected area. It’s important to consult with a dermatologist to get the proper dosage and strength for best results.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light Therapy) is another effective way to treat broken capillaries due to menopause. This technique uses a laser to target and reduce the size of the damaged blood vessels on the face. It’s an effective way to reduce the appearance of the broken capillaries quickly and with minimal discomfort.
Spider Vein Products: If topical treatments and IPL therapy don’t provide the desired results, certain products may be used to treat the broken capillaries caused by menopause. Products containing ingredients such as Vitamin K, Retinol, and Arnica can assist in reducing the appearance of spider veins and broken capillaries.
Medical Treatments: In some cases, medical treatments such as sclerotherapy may be necessary to treat broken capillaries caused by menopause. This technique uses a special chemical solution that is injected into the affected area which seals off the broken capillaries. Because this procedure requires a professional, it should always be done by a qualified doctor.
4. Prevention Tips for Minimizing the Risk of Broken Capillaries During Menopause
As women reach menopause, their blood vessels become weaker, leading to a higher risk of broken capillaries. Fortunately, there are several preventative measures you can take to reduce your chances of broken capillaries.
- Pay Attention to Your Skin: Be mindful of your skin and take extra care to avoid spots that are vulnerable. Pay close attention to any areas with thin skin such as the face, neck, chest, and legs.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Keeping your body and skin hydrated will help strengthen the vascular wall and reduce the risk of broken capillaries. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day helps flush away toxins and reduce skin inflammation.
- Reduce Stress: Stress is a major contributor to the development of broken capillaries. Make sure to take care of yourself both mentally and physically and limit your exposure to stress.
- Choose Gentle Skincare Products: Select skincare products specifically designed for sensitive skin, as these are less likely to irritate the veins. Avoid using harsh scrubs and exfoliants, and opt instead for gentler alternatives.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet is key for overall health—especially during menopause. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and strengthen the vascular walls.
By following the above steps, you can help minimize your risk of developing broken capillaries during menopause. It is important to stay proactive and take steps to protect your skin to maintain a healthy complexion.
5. Coping and Managing Stress Through Menopause and Beyond
Menopause can be a difficult and uncomfortable time for a woman, and it can affect more than just her emotional and physical well-being. One of the main red-flag effects of menopause is the visible expression of its presence – broken capillaries.
Broken capillaries occur as a result of increased levels of estrogen during menopause, which reduce the body’s ability to regulate the production of collagen along with other proteins. These proteins are responsible for strengthening fragile, thin capillaries, and thus when inadequate levels are produced, the capillaries break.
Though for most people this is a short-term issue, the larger concern is for those who already have genetic predisposition of weak capillary walls – for them, this can be a chronic problem.
Here are five key tips to help manage skin health during menopause:
- Keep your skin hydrated and moisturized: During menopause, women lose moisture faster than when they are younger. To prevent broken capillaries, keep your skin hydrated and moisturized with mild, natural ingredients.
- Reduce sun exposure: Excessive exposure to UV rays can impair the delicate skin tissue and make it more susceptible to broken blood vessels. Ensure you always use sunscreen with SPF 30+.
- Treat yourself gently: Harsh scrubbing and over cleansing will cause the skin to become dry, increasing the risk of broken capillaries. Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers, and limit exfoliation scrubs.
- Exercise and eat healthily: Regular exercise and good nutrition will keep your body working at its best, resulting in healthier skin.
- Be proactive: If you find that capillaries become a recurrent problem, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to seek advice on treatments with laser, or creams to correct the issue.
Taking proactive steps to keep your skin healthy during menopause is key to helping prevent broken capillaries. Keep your skin hydrated, protect it from the damaging sun, be gentle with yourself, and seek advice when needed.
Rising awareness of menopause and its effects can help prevent the appearance of broken capillaries, taking better care of a woman’s health in her later years. As with any change in personal well-being, knowledge is key to staying healthy, and looking out for the signs of menopause is the first step.