Collagen and Menopause: What You Need to Know
Menopause affects much more than periods and hot flushes. Falling hormone levels can also influence the skin, joints, bones and other tissues throughout the body. The NHS lists joint pain, dry or itchy skin, hair changes and loss of bone density among symptoms and changes that can occur during perimenopause and menopause. (NHS)
Collagen often enters the conversation because it is an important structural protein found naturally in skin, bones, tendons and connective tissues. But does menopause actually affect collagen? And does taking a collagen supplement during menopause make a difference? Here is what we currently know.
What Happens to Collagen During Menopause?
Menopause is linked with falling levels of oestrogen. Oestrogen has several roles within the skin, including effects on collagen production, skin thickness, elasticity and moisture. Research has found an association between oestrogen deficiency after menopause and reductions in skin collagen. (PubMed)
This is one reason skin may start to feel different during and after menopause.
Common changes can include:
- Increased dryness
- Reduced elasticity
- Thinner or more fragile skin
- Changes in texture
- More noticeable lines and wrinkles
Ageing is happening at the same time, so menopause should not be viewed as the only reason these changes occur.
Does Menopause Affect Collagen Levels?
Yes, particularly within the skin. A decline in oestrogen is associated with changes in the production and maintenance of collagen and other components of the skin. A 2024 review of menopausal skin describes oestrogen deficiency as having an effect on collagen, elasticity, hydration and skin barrier function. (PubMed)
However, this does not mean someone becomes generally “collagen deficient” at menopause or that everyone going through menopause needs a collagen supplement. Collagen remains something the body produces naturally using amino acids obtained through the diet.
Why Can Skin Change During Menopause?
Skin contains collagen fibres that help provide structure and strength. As oestrogen levels decline, changes can occur in collagen content, elasticity and skin moisture. The NHS also recognises dry and itchy skin as possible symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. (NHS) How noticeable these changes are varies considerably.
Other factors also affect skin ageing, including:
- Sun exposure
- Smoking
- Genetics
- Nutrition
- Hydration
- Skincare
- General ageing
Menopause is therefore one part of a much wider picture.
What About Joint Pain During Menopause?
Joint and muscle aches are commonly reported during menopause. The NHS states that perimenopause and menopause can cause aching and painful joints, with lower oestrogen levels thought to play a part. Read the NHS guidance on joint pain.
Collagen is naturally present within connective tissues around the joints, which is why collagen supplements are often discussed in relation to joint health. However, joint pain can have many possible causes, so unexplained or persistent pain should not automatically be put down to menopause.
For a closer look at the different options, read our guide to menopause joint pain supplements, where we look at collagen, vitamin D, calcium and other commonly used supplements.
Can Collagen Help During Menopause?
This is where the evidence needs some context. Studies of hydrolysed collagen supplements have examined areas including skin hydration and elasticity.
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomised controlled trials reported improvements in both measures among people taking hydrolysed collagen compared with placebo. The authors also identified limitations and called for larger, higher-quality trials. (PubMed) More recent evidence has been less convincing.
A 2025 meta-analysis of 23 randomised trials found positive overall results for hydration, elasticity and wrinkles. However, when researchers looked specifically at higher-quality trials and studies without pharmaceutical-industry funding, the improvements were no longer significant. (PubMed)
So the fairest conclusion is: Collagen supplementation has produced encouraging results in some studies, but the evidence is mixed and does not support guaranteed skin benefits. There is also much less research looking specifically at collagen supplements during menopause rather than adults or women more generally.
What About Collagen and Bone Health After Menopause?
Bone health becomes particularly important after menopause because falling oestrogen is associated with loss of bone density. The NHS lists weakening bones and osteoporosis among the potential health changes associated with menopause. (NHS) There has been some research into specific collagen peptides in postmenopausal women.
For example, a randomised controlled trial involving postmenopausal women with age-related reductions in bone mineral density reported changes in bone mineral density after 12 months of one particular collagen peptide preparation. (PubMed). That result relates to the specific ingredient and study population tested. It should not be taken as proof that every collagen powder prevents osteoporosis or improves bone density.
Collagen supplements are not a substitute for medical assessment or established approaches to protecting bone health.
Is Collagen Worth Taking During Menopause?
It depends on what you expect from it. Collagen is an optional food supplement rather than something every woman needs during menopause. Someone may choose to take collagen because they want a convenient source of collagen peptides and protein as part of their normal diet.
The important thing is to keep expectations realistic.
Collagen should not be expected to:
- Stop menopause
- Replace lost oestrogen
- Replace HRT
- Cure joint pain
- Prevent osteoporosis
- Remove wrinkles
- Reverse skin ageing
- Cause menopause belly fat to disappear
It is better viewed as one optional part of a wider diet and wellness routine.
Collagen and Perimenopause
You do not need to wait until your periods have completely stopped before menopause-related changes begin. Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin changing and periods often become less predictable. According to the NHS, menopause itself is reached when you have not had a period for 12 months and are not using hormonal contraception. (NHS)
Symptoms including skin changes and joint discomfort can begin during perimenopause. We will look at this stage separately in our upcoming guide to collagen and perimenopause.
Where Beauvyn Fits
Beauvyn provides a simple way to add hydrolysed collagen peptides to your normal routine. Each serving provides 10g of Type I and Type III hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides.
Beauvyn contains one ingredient and is:
- Unflavoured
- Halal certified
- Made without added sugar
- Made without sweeteners
- Free from added flavourings
- Made without unnecessary fillers
Its approximate peptide molecular weight is 2,000 Daltons.
Beauvyn is not a menopause treatment and should not be presented as one. It is simply an option for someone going through menopause who wants to include collagen peptides as part of their wider diet and wellness routine.
Menopause Is About More Than Collagen
Collagen is only one small part of menopause health. Diet, physical activity, resistance exercise, sleep, skincare, smoking status and medical care can all matter.
A collagen supplement should never be presented as an alternative to appropriate menopause treatment. If menopause symptoms are affecting your everyday life, speak with your GP or another healthcare professional experienced in menopause.
