Collagen During Menopause: Why Skin, Joints & Ageing Change More Rapidly

Menopause brings significant hormonal changes that can affect everything from skin texture and elasticity to joint comfort and overall wellbeing. For many women, these changes can feel surprisingly sudden, particularly when it comes to the skin.

One reason for this is the relationship between oestrogen and collagen production. As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, the body’s natural collagen production also decreases more rapidly. In fact, research suggests women may lose up to 30% of skin collagen within the first five years after menopause.

Because collagen plays such an important structural role throughout the body, this decline may contribute to many of the visible and physical changes commonly associated with ageing and menopause.

In recent years, collagen supplements have become increasingly popular as part of healthy ageing and menopause wellness routines. This article explores what happens to collagen during menopause, why collagen matters and what research says about collagen supplementation for skin and connective tissue support.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein naturally found within the body, accounting for around 30% of total protein content (Ricard-Blum, 2011).

It acts as one of the body’s main structural building blocks and is found throughout:

• Skin
• Bones
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Cartilage
• Blood vessels
• Connective tissues

Collagen helps provide strength, structure and elasticity to these tissues.

There are several different types of collagen within the body, but the types most commonly associated with skin and connective tissues are:

• Type I collagen - predominantly found in skin, bones and tendons
• Type III collagen - commonly found alongside Type I within skin and connective tissues

Our collagen contains hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides naturally rich in Type I and Type III collagen.

Why Does Menopause Affect Collagen?

Oestrogen plays an important role in supporting collagen production within the skin and connective tissues. During menopause, oestrogen levels naturally decline, which may accelerate collagen loss.

While collagen production gradually decreases as part of normal ageing from our mid-20s onwards, research suggests this process becomes more pronounced during menopause due to hormonal changes (Affinito et al., 1999).

This may help explain why many women notice relatively rapid changes in their skin, hair and joints during perimenopause and menopause.

Some studies suggest women can lose approximately 30% of skin collagen during the first five years after menopause, with collagen decline continuing more gradually thereafter.

Because collagen contributes to the structural integrity of the skin and connective tissues, reduced collagen levels may influence visible signs of ageing over time.

Signs of Collagen Decline During Menopause

Skin Changes

Collagen is one of the key proteins responsible for maintaining skin firmness, elasticity and hydration. As collagen levels decline, skin may appear:

• Less firm
• Thinner
• Drier
• Less elastic
• More prone to fine lines and wrinkles

Research has explored the relationship between menopause, collagen loss and skin ageing, particularly in relation to reduced skin thickness and elasticity (Brincat et al., 1987).

Many women describe menopause skin changes as feeling sudden, which may partly reflect the accelerated collagen decline associated with hormonal changes.

Changes in Skin Elasticity & Hydration

Healthy collagen levels help support skin structure and moisture retention. As collagen production decreases, skin may lose some of its natural bounce and smoothness over time.

Research investigating hydrolysed collagen peptides has explored their potential role in supporting skin hydration and elasticity (Proksch et al., 2014).

Collagen naturally contains amino acids such as glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which form part of the structure of healthy skin and connective tissues.

Joint & Connective Tissue Changes

Collagen is also found within cartilage, tendons and ligaments. As collagen levels decline with age, some people may notice changes in joint comfort, flexibility and physical recovery.

Research has explored collagen peptides in relation to joint support and active lifestyles (Clark et al., 2008).

Because connective tissues are found throughout the body, collagen remains an important part of healthy ageing and mobility.

Why Menopause Skin Can Age More Quickly

Many women notice that menopause seems to accelerate visible ageing. This is partly because collagen decline during menopause occurs more rapidly than during earlier stages of adulthood.

In addition to reduced collagen production, menopause may also affect:

• Skin thickness
• Hydration levels
• Skin barrier function
• Elasticity
• Natural repair processes

Over time, this combination may contribute to skin that appears thinner, drier or less firm than before.

Environmental factors such as UV exposure, smoking, stress and poor sleep may also contribute to collagen breakdown and visible skin ageing.

Can Collagen Supplements Help During Menopause?

Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular during menopause, particularly among those looking to support skin health, connective tissues and healthy ageing.

Hydrolysed collagen peptides are the form most commonly used within supplements. These peptides are broken down into smaller chains of amino acids through a process called hydrolysis, making them easy to dissolve and convenient for everyday use.

Research into collagen supplementation has explored its potential role in supporting:

• Skin hydration
• Skin elasticity
• Skin smoothness
• Connective tissue support
• Joint comfort

Studies investigating collagen peptides have reported improvements in aspects of skin physiology after consistent supplementation (Proksch et al., 2014).

However, it is important to remember that collagen supplements are not intended to reverse ageing or replace a healthy lifestyle. Instead, many people choose to include collagen as part of a broader long-term approach to healthy ageing and wellbeing.

Which Type of Collagen Is Best During Menopause?

Type I and Type III collagen are most commonly associated with skin and connective tissue support.

Bovine collagen peptides are naturally rich in these collagen types, which is one reason they are widely used in skin and healthy ageing supplements.

Hydrolysed collagen peptides are also popular because they:

• Dissolve easily in hot and cold liquids
• Have a neutral taste
• Blend well into everyday foods and drinks
• Are convenient for consistent use

Our collagen contains hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides making it easy to use daily.

What Amino Acids Are Found in Collagen?

Collagen has a unique amino acid profile that differs from many other protein sources.

Key amino acids naturally found in collagen include:

• Glycine
• Proline
• Hydroxyproline
• Alanine
• Arginine
• Glutamic acid

These amino acids form part of the structure of connective tissues throughout the body.

Lifestyle Factors That Support Collagen Production

Prioritise Protein Intake

Collagen is a type of protein however overall protein intake is also important during menopause and healthy ageing. Protein provides the amino acids that contribute to normal tissue maintenance and repair throughout the body.

There is some research that suggests protein intake may slightly increase as we age, with it being roughly around 1-1.2g of protein per kg of body weight daily.

Protein-rich foods include:

• Eggs
• Chicken, fish & meats
• Tofu & tempeh
• Greek yoghurt & cottage cheese
• Beans & lentils
• Nuts & seeds

Include Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and plays an important role in supporting connective tissues and skin health.

Foods rich in vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits
• Berries
• Kiwi
• Peppers
• Broccoli

Protect Skin From Excessive UV Exposure

UV exposure is one of the major environmental factors associated with collagen breakdown and visible skin ageing over time.

Daily sun protection can help support long-term skin health.

Resistance Training & Movement

Regular exercise and resistance training support healthy ageing, muscle maintenance and overall wellbeing during menopause.

As oestrogen levels decline, women naturally begin to lose muscle mass and strength over time, this can in turn affect mobility, balance and physical resilience.

Connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments also play an important role in movement and physical function, which is one reason collagen and protein intake are often discussed alongside exercise and healthy ageing.

Regular resistance training can help support:

• Muscle maintenance
• Bone health
• Strength and stability
• Healthy ageing
• Everyday mobility and physical function

Resistance training includes things like:

• Bodyweight exercises
• Resistance bands
• Pilates
• Weight training
• Strength-focussed yoga
• Functional movements

Prioritise Sleep & Stress Management

Sleep and stress management play important roles in overall recovery, wellbeing and healthy ageing.

Hormonal fluctuations, night sweats and lifestyle factors during perimenopause and menopause can cause a chance in sleep quality. Poor sleep can also affect recovery, energy levels and skin appearance over time.

Chronic stress and long-term elevated cortisol levels may contribute to visible signs of ageing through its overall effect on our health, as well as impacting sleep quality, physical activity and recovery.

Supporting getting a good nights sleep may include:

• Maintaining a sleep routine
• Limiting caffeine later in the day
• Avoiding screens before bed
• Prioritising relaxation and recovery
• Regular movement and exercise

Why Consistency Matters With Collagen

Collagen works gradually by supporting the body’s natural structural processes over time.

Many studies investigating collagen peptides explore findings after several weeks of consistent daily use, rather than immediate short-term changes.

For this reason, many people choose to incorporate collagen into their long-term routine rather than viewing it as a quick fix.

Hydrolysed collagen peptides can easily be added to:

• Coffee
• Smoothies
• Yoghurt
• Protein shakes
• Overnight oats

Why Choose Our Collagen?

Our collagen contains hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides, providing:

• Type I and Type III collagen
• A naturally rich amino acid profile
• Hydrolysed peptides for easy mixing
• An unflavoured formula suitable for drinks and recipes
• Convenient everyday use

It can easily be incorporated into your everyday routine.

Final Thoughts

Menopause is associated with many natural hormonal and structural changes within the body, including accelerated collagen decline.

Because collagen plays such an important role within skin, connective tissues and joints, many women choose to include collagen supplements as part of their healthy ageing and menopause wellness routines.

Research into collagen peptides continues to grow, particularly in relation to skin hydration, elasticity and connective tissue support.

Alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise, sleep and overall lifestyle habits, collagen can be a convenient addition to long-term wellbeing during menopause and beyond.

Collagen supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend consulting your healthcare professional before use.