Carrie Pierce, skin care expert extraordinaire, has researched and written this article exclusively for my readers. What a chunk of information!
Be sure to be on the call I’ll be hosting with Carrie on Tuesday, July 14.
Cellulite, Menopause and You-The Perfect Storm?
By: Guest Author Carrie E. Pierce and Menopauserus.com
Cellulite; the bane of women everywhere and until only recently- one of the greatest mysteries of the Universe…
Medical Researchers have just begun to unravel cellulite’s dark mysteries in the past couple years, and the findings are both encouraging- and somewhat discouraging.
Cellulite, as we all know, is very common in women – but can even be found in some unlucky men and a few teenage girls. Cellulite also seems to profoundly worsen with the onset of menopause – and it is only now becoming clear as to why exactly this is.
During the peri – menopausal hormone bounce of a woman’s 30’s and early 40’s, the female body prepares for the onset of full-blown menopause. What researchers have recently discovered about cellulite – and Menopause – sheds new light on the subject and provides key insights that were missing from the equation entirely prior to this point in time.
It’s long been known that cellulite can exist in women who have as little as 15% body fat. Consequently because of this phenomenon it is incorrect to think of cellulite as merely ‘a fat person’s issue’ or that cellulite is just ‘fat’ in general terms.
It’s well documented that cellulite (also known as localized lipodystrophy) is a condition marked by a very telltale ‘orange peel’ dimpling of the skin on the hips, thighs and buttocks of folks suffering from this condition. What is often not known is that cellulite can also form on the chest, back of the neck, stomach and back of the arms.
How does cellulite get started anyway?
But how does this unsightly and unsettling condition begin?
And why does it get worse after menopause?
The body contains three layers of fat. It is the top layer of fat (the subcutaneous layer) that is affected by cellulite. This subcutaneous layer is comprised of fibrous connective tissue that resembles fine mesh. These fibers are known as septae.
Septae serve to form chambers in the skin that house fat cells and keep these fat cells tightly compacted. This compact fat then serves to provide insulation and structural support to the body.
New scientific findings reveal that PRIOR to menopause, cellulite is actually a condition comprised of two basic issues:
1) decreased microcirculation deep in the skin tissues- and
2) inflammation caused by free radical buildup and insufficient lymphatic drainage.
There are also other possible conditions and circumstances that serve to exacerbate the condition during this time. Some of these possible factors include:
1) poor diet
2) sluggish digestion
3) no exercise
4) too much exercise and/or
5) undiagnosed food sensitivities.
Post menopause influences
AFTER menopause however, another factor kicks in to greatly exacerbate the condition. This factor being the dreaded hormone imbalances that accompany the menopause process-chiefly excess estrogen.
It’s now thought that excess Estrogen can cause the body’s connective tissues – and septae – to weaken. This weakening then allows fat deposits to collect and push to the surface of the skin in bundles. Coupling this excess – estrogen – induced weakening of the connective tissue – with the earlier mentioned poor microcirculation and lymphatic drainage, you have the Perfect Storm scenario for the development and progression of cellulite.
As hormones become unbalanced, a woman’s skin begins to thin. Collagen and Elastin also weaken. This causes further rupture and structural failure of the septae and consequently a profound worsening of the dimpled appearance of the skin as more and more fat bundles push toward the surface.
Traditionally, Cellulite is believed to form in 5 stages:
Stage One – the beginning of diminished blood circulation.
Stage Two – the progressive rupturing of veins and capillaries and increasing pressure mounting in the tissues where leakage is occurring.
Stage Three – the swelling of fat tissues due to fluid accumulation.
Stage Four – the formation of thick fibers due to congealed/hardened septae.
Stage Five – the formation of steatomes due to lack of circulation in the now-congealed septae fibers.
What can be done to improve cellulite?
All is not lost however as new research indicates that certain things CAN be done to improve – though not necessarily prevent – cellulite.
While not all cellulite treatment products such as creams and/or lotions are legitimate, there are some that actually can – and DO – lessen the visible appearance of cellulite. Certain ingredients such as caffeine and key herbs and botanicals when used topically assist in this lessening effect.
Also certain vitamins, minerals and herbs taken internally have been shown to assist in maintaining healthy blood flow and microcirculation.
Body wraps and message techniques also help with moving trapped lymphatic fluid. But without a doubt, taking this newfound understanding of the role hormones play in cellulite formation, and pursuing medical help to balance hormones during peri-menopause -and prior to the onset of menopause – is truly key in improvement and prevention!
Watch for Part 2…!
Questions for Carrie? Submit them in comments below, and come to the TeleSeminar on July 14 and ask her live!
References:
American Skin Care and Cellulite Expert Assoc publications
Anti-Aging Clinic research papers and discussions
Int’l Alliance of HealthCare Educators publications
Arthritis Trust of America publications for the past 2 years
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