Hormones play a huge role in skin health and aging—and for women going through menopause (which typically occurs in women ages 45 to 55, according to the National Institutes of Health), one of the biggest contributors to skin changes during this transition is due to the loss of the hormone estrogen.
“As women lose their estrogen, the skin loses its blood flow, as well as subsequent collagen and supportive function,” explains Dr. Bruce Dorr, MD, FACOG, URPS, board-certified OB/GYN and senior medical advisor at Biote. “This leads to less elasticity and support causing acceleration in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
That’s because estrogen is important for promoting the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep skin firm and youthful and help maintain skin hydration (translation: plump and juicy skin), adds Dr. Ali Chappell PhD, MS, RD, founder and CEO at Lilli Health who specializes in reproductive endocrinology and the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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During menopause, the drop in estrogen levels also impacts metabolic changes, which can impact skin.
“It leads to a rise in insulin levels and insulin resistance,” says Dr. Chappell. “First, the drop in estrogen is associated with loss of elasticity and collagen. Second, insulin resistance leads to inflammation, which can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and prevent collagen repair, largely through the production of advanced glycation endproducts (or AGEs).”
Dr. Chappell adds that insulin resistance is also the underlying cause of adult-onset acne and abnormal hair growth on the chin, which many peri- and postmenopausal women experience.
Together, lower estrogen levels and higher insulin levels can change skin texture after menopause. This can lead to many women dealing with the appearance of “chicken chin.”
Related: ‘I’m 61, but My Friends Tell Me My Skin Looks Like I’m in My 40s—Here’s My Exact Skincare Routine’
What Is Chicken Chin?
“Chicken chin,” “chicken neck” and “turkey neck” are all terms to describe the loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin around the neck and below the jawline, says Dr. Chappell.
“It is typically characterized by sagging, wrinkled, thin or loose skin that has been likened to a ‘chicken neck,’” adds Dr. Chappell. “This is most commonly seen after menopause because of how hormonal changes can affect the appearance of youthful skin.”