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A study of the decrease of skin collagen content, skin thickness, and bone mass in the postmenopausal woman
M Brincat1, S Kabalan, J W Studd
1Dulwich Menopause Clinic, King's College Hospital School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, England.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Postmenopausal women experience a significant annual decline in skin collagen, skin thickness, and bone mineral content. These changes suggest a common connective tissue pathology affects both skin and bone density after menopause.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Dermatology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Menopause is associated with various physiological changes.
- Bone mineral density and skin properties are known to decrease with age.
- The specific relationship between skin changes and bone loss postmenopause requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between skin collagen content, skin thickness, metacarpal index, and forearm bone mineral content in postmenopausal women.
- To determine if these parameters decline similarly after menopause.
- To explore a potential common underlying pathology.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal assessment of skin collagen content and thickness.
- Measurement of metacarpal index and forearm bone mineral content.
- Statistical analysis to compare parameters and identify correlations.
Main Results:
- Skin collagen content, skin thickness, metacarpal index, and forearm bone mineral content all showed a significant decline of 1-2% per year postmenopause.
- Significant correlations were found between all four measured parameters.
- The findings suggest a shared pathological process affecting connective tissue in both skin and bone.
Conclusions:
- A common connective tissue pathology likely underlies the age-related decline in skin and bone in postmenopausal women.
- Monitoring skin changes may offer insights into bone health.
- Further research into this shared pathology could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.