Perimenopause vs Menopause: How Hormone Changes Show Up Differently
You wake up feeling off, not sick, not broken, just… different. Your skin reacts in ways it never used to, your energy feels unpredictable, and suddenly treatments that once worked don’t hit the same.
If you’re between 35 and 55, this isn’t in your head, it’s often hormonal. And understanding whether you’re in perimenopause or menopause can change everything about how you care for your body, your skin, and your confidence.
Perimenopause and Menopause: What’s the Difference?
Let’s clear up one of the biggest misconceptions we hear in clinic.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It can begin as early as your mid-to-late 30s and often lasts several years. Hormones fluctuate, sometimes wildly, rather than steadily declining.
Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. At this point, estrogen and progesterone levels remain consistently low.
Why does this distinction matter? Because fluctuating hormones and low hormones affect your body very differently and that includes how your skin ages, how you respond to treatments, and even things like hair growth and hair loss.
How Hormone Changes Show Up During Perimenopause
Perimenopause tends to feel confusing because symptoms aren’t linear. Many women tell us, “I feel fine one month and completely off the next.”
Common perimenopause signs include:
-
Sudden skin sensitivity or breakouts
-
Changes in pigmentation or texture
-
Increased facial or body hair growth (especially chin and jawline)
-
Stubborn weight gain around the midsection
-
Mood shifts, anxiety, or irritability
-
Fatigue despite good sleep
One surprising change we see often? Hair growth patterns shifting, which is why many women start asking about laser hair removal during perimenopause even if they never needed it before.
Clinical insight:
Fluctuating estrogen can allow androgen (male hormone) effects to show up more strongly, leading to coarse hair in new places, while scalp hair may feel thinner.
Case-style example:
We frequently see women in their early 40s who’ve never struggled with facial hair suddenly booking laser hair removal for their chin or upper lip, saying, “This wasn’t an issue five years ago.” That timing is rarely coincidental.
How Menopause Affects the Body and Skin Differently
Menopause tends to be more predictable but that doesn’t mean it’s easier.
With consistently low estrogen, changes can include:
-
Skin thinning and dryness
-
Loss of elasticity and firmness
-
Slower collagen production
-
Increased laxity in the face and body
-
Continued changes in hair density and distribution
At this stage, treatments often need to shift from corrective to supportive and longevity-focused.
This is where medically guided care matters most. Random treatments or trend-driven solutions often fall short because the internal environment has changed.
Why Aesthetic Treatments Feel Different After Hormonal Shifts
One of the most common things we hear is:
“I’m doing everything I used to and it’s just not working.”
Hormones influence:
-
How quickly skin heals
-
How collagen rebuilds
-
How long results last
-
How your body responds to devices like laser
For example, laser hair removal may require adjusted treatment plans during perimenopause or menopause due to changes in hair growth cycles and hormone signaling.
That’s not a failure, it’s information.
When treatments are paired with a deeper understanding of hormonal health, outcomes become more predictable and satisfying.
The Overlap Between Hormones, Skin Health, and Confidence
Here’s something we believe deeply at Colorado Beauty RN:
Feeling good externally is closely tied to what’s happening internally.
Women in this phase of life often aren’t chasing drastic change. They want to feel like themselves again; just supported, refreshed, and confident.
That might look like:
-
Addressing unwanted hair with laser hair removal
-
Supporting skin health with laser treatments that stimulate collagen
-
Exploring hormone optimization to improve energy, mood, and skin quality
-
Creating a personalized plan instead of piecing together treatments
This is where medically-led guidance makes all the difference.
Why Many Women Don’t Realize Hormones Are the Missing Piece
Perimenopause is rarely discussed openly, and menopause is often framed as something to “just get through.”
But from a clinical perspective, this is a powerful opportunity to optimize how you age, not just react to changes.
When women understand why their skin, hair, and energy are shifting, they stop blaming themselves and start making informed choices.
That’s empowerment, not fear.
A More Thoughtful Approach to Care
At Colorado Beauty RN, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all protocols especially during hormonal transitions.
Instead, we focus on:
-
Understanding where you are hormonally
-
Aligning skin and laser treatments with your physiology
-
Creating long-term plans, not quick fixes
-
Helping you feel confident and supported at every stage
Whether that means adjusting your laser hair removal schedule, rethinking skin treatments, or exploring hormone optimization, our role is to guide, not pressure.
You’re Not Late. You’re Right on Time.
If you’re noticing changes and wondering whether it’s perimenopause or menopause, that awareness alone is powerful.
This stage of life isn’t about giving up on results. It’s about choosing care that respects your body’s evolution.
And yes, that includes things like laser hair removal, skin health, and feeling confident in your reflection again.
Ready for a Personalized Conversation?
If you’re curious whether hormonal changes are influencing your skin, hair, or treatment results, a consultation is the best place to start.
We’ll talk through what you’re experiencing, answer your questions honestly, and help you build a plan that feels supportive, not overwhelming.
✨ Book your consultation with Colorado Beauty RN and let’s create a roadmap that works with your body, not against it.