Finally, some women may notice hairs sprouting on the upper lip or chin due to hormonal fluctuations during menopause, namely related to testosterone. On top of this, hairs that are coming through are weaker, struggling to poke through the follicles, leading to clogging around the scalp and irritation. ‘The hair also begins to appear a little drier,’ adds Natalie. ‘This is a very gradual process and one that can be helped by shampooing every one to two days. Just like skin, your scalp can become very sensitive as the menopause begins, so it’s important you choose a shampoo that cleanses without causing any irritation or dryness.’ As you approach the menopause, your level of oestrogen starts to decline, which does have an affect on your scalp. ‘Oestrogen affects the life cycle of hair and therefore scalp health,’ explains Natalie Carr, trichologist at Philip Kingsley. ‘As the secretion of oestrogen declines, so does the length to which the hair will grow.’

And this leads to changes in pH balance. ‘As sebum is acidic, the scalp may become less acidic in later life, however, this won’t affect the overall condition of the hair, it just may need a boost from shine sprays or scalp specific conditioners.’ How does nutrition affect scalp health? Menopause is also a time when periods of stress can be a problem, leading to fluctuating cortisol levels. And a surge of cortisol can in turn lead to an increase in scalp sensitivity. In addition, the stress hormone can also affect the natural 28-day cycle of shedding and renewal of scalp skin cells, slowing it down so you get more build-up and irritation on the scalp.

Mash up and leave on your scalp while you’re in the bath. Best topical treatments for a healthy scalp We formulated our Menopause Formula for this exact reason. It blends 48 premium, bio-available nutrients specifically selected for their synergistic ability to nourish and boost the female body at a time when it is most in need of balance. Hormonal fluctuations, mood, energy, hot flushes, aches and pains, sugar cravings, skin problems, dryness and a low libido are triggered by changes during this transition and amazingly we have ingredients that target all of this in our all-in-one supplement. Our formula also aids skin rejuvenation, long term bone density, brain health and the cardiovascular system for long term wellbeing.

Ask your dermatologist about treatments to improve brightness to the skin and remember to apply SPF daily in all seasons to reduce melasma or hyper-pigmentation. Formulas that include the ingredient ‘ pine bark’ are also incredibly nourishing and can help to strengthen the skin against sun damage. This ingredient can help with pigmentation prone skin, combatting brown marks and patchiness resulting from sun exposed skin. Supplementing with Lycopene can also have photo-protective effects on the skin. If too many bad hair days are getting you down, there are steps you can take to rebalance your hair’s oil levels. When it comes to the diet – you may have heard it before but time and time again, the research shows the numerous benefits of eating a more Mediterranean style diet, because this can decrease inflammation in the body. It’s also fresh, vibrant, colourful, and rich in a wide array of goodness from protein, fats, complex carbs, and fibre as well as nourishing vitamins and minerals. Choosing this type of diet rich in unrefined carbs, colourful veg, fruit, legumes, nuts, seeds, fish, and modest meat means you get less of the added sugar, processed foods and charred red meats. For sagging skin, you want to pay particular attention to the eyelids, jowls, chin, and throat. If the skin in these areas begins to lose its firmness and elasticity during menopause, it is a good idea to invest in a high-quality supplement routine and balanced diet, to help to hormones and slow down these effects.

5 DIY natural remedies for a dry or irritated scalp

Probiotics, glutamine, zinc, schisandra, milk thistle, turmeric and super-berries like Goji and Bilberry can all benefit acne-prone skin, so look for these ingredients in your supplements or add them into your healthy eating routine. Lucinda Ellery, hair loss consultant, told us that as you age, the texture of your hair may “start to swing between dry and oily, depending on your hormones”. If dryness is your issue – be that with skin, eyes, vaginal dryness, or flaky skin on the body - it’s a good idea to up your fat intake especially from omega 3 from fish and nuts and seeds such as flaxseed and hempseed oil. These nourish the skin’s cells and help to make our complexion dewier and more hydrated.

Another menopause side effect, which follows these initial hormone changes, relates to how much sebum – scalp oil – we are able to produce. ‘Sebaceous secretion decreases gradually after menopause,’ reveals trichologist Lisa Caddy. ‘This can lead to the feeling that hair is becoming wiry or coarse when in fact it may just be less lubricated as a result of lowered sebum production.’ Does the menopause make your hair greasy? There’s a lot of fearmongering around what to expect as we age, including hair loss and dryness, but you might not have linked oily hair with this milestone before. Happily, there’s a solution to pesky hormonal roots: our best shampoos for greasy menopausal hair. Ellery's biggest piece of advice? "Try to stay calm regarding your hair, as stressing about it always makes it worse. Be methodical, feed your body mentally and emotionally, as well as with vitamins and supplements". How we test shampoos for greasy hair This clarifying shampoo promises to prevent dandruff and boost shine, thanks to the pH-balancing, antibacterial benefits of its hero ingredient, apple cider vinegar.Menopause can also make your scalp flaky and itchy (it’s a barrel load of laughs, isn’t it?), so research the best shampoos for over 50s that are designed to clean deeply yet gently.

Research into licensed beauty therapists and book in a consultation to see whether these hair removal treatments can benefit your hair and skin type. Any supplements and foods that we need to increase during menopause?

The problem is that a lot of acne products on the shelves can cause further breakouts for women, as they are too harsh on their thinner and sensitive mature skin. Dark spots, also known as melasma, can appear on the cheeks, lips, and forehead. This is caused by a combination of hormonal changes and sun exposure throughout their life. The underlying hormone responsible for triggering the melanocytes to release too much pigment is MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone), which becomes more active during peri-menopause. For haircare, avoid long hot showers which can further dry out the scalp. As well as this, you should use mild, natural shampoos and avoid harsh soaps as this can be drying. Follow this up with a nourishing moisturiser, ensuring you are always moisturising after showers. For your scalp, avoid hair products with too many synthetic fragrances, colours, sulphates, and parabens. As busy women, it can be challenging to find the time to research the information needed for supplementation that will benefit your body throughout menopause. It is also a chore to remember to take a variety of different supplementations daily, and difficult to know what works best together for your body.