Perimenopausal symptoms may resemble premenstrual symptoms. Women may become forgetful and less able to concentrate. The skin may become thinner, less elastic, and drier because collagen production decreases as estrogen levels decrease. The subcutaneous layer of fat also thins. As a result, wrinkles are more likely, and the skin becomes more vulnerable to injury.
Breast tissue requires estrogen for growth.
As estrogen levels decrease, the breasts change in size and shape. They become less firm and begin to sag. Fibrous bands may become more prominent. The tissues of the lower vagina, labia, urethra, and bladder trigone are estrogen dependent. These changes usually occur within several years of the onset of menopause.