Hormones & Collagen – Feeling Different
Last week, I took you through what fascia is and some of the symptoms that can occur when it isn’t functioning optimally.
This week, I want to dive a little deeper into some of those symptoms and how hormones, thyroid function, aging, and collagen may contribute to changes in our connective tissue — and why our bodies can suddenly start feeling so different.
Autoimmunity & the Thyroid
Let’s start with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones play an important role in metabolism and tissue function, and when thyroid function is low, processes such as collagen turnover can slow down.
Because collagen is one of the major structural components of fascia, changes in collagen production and turnover can affect the strength, elasticity, and adaptability of connective tissue. This may contribute to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility.
Hormones & Fascia
Now let’s talk about women and hormonal changes that are much more significant and prolonged than the fluctuations of a monthly cycle: perimenopause and menopause.
Fascia and other connective tissues are influenced by hormones, including estrogen. As estrogen fluctuates and eventually declines, changes can occur in collagen production, connective tissue structure, skin elasticity, tendons, and joints.
This may help explain why many women experience seemingly unexplained:
• Aches and pains
• Increased stiffness
• Tendon discomfort
• Pelvic tightness
• Reduced flexibility
• Changes in joint mobility
• Myofascial pain
Collagen Is a Big Part of the Picture
Collagen is the primary structural protein in connective tissue and makes up a significant part of the fascia’s extracellular matrix. But not all collagen is the same.
Type I collagen provides strength and structural support and is abundant in skin, bone, tendons, and ligaments.
Type III collagen is associated with more flexible and elastic tissues and works alongside Type I to help balance strength and flexibility.
As we age, both men and women naturally produce less collagen. Collagen production begins to decline gradually from early adulthood, often estimated at around 1% per year, although the rate varies considerably between individuals.
By around age 40, this can mean a anywhere from 15-20% reduction from peak collagen levels for both men and women.
Men may show some differences in how these changes appear because they generally have greater collagen density and thicker skin, influenced in part by androgen levels – which can show the effects of aging later.
For women, however, the menopausal transition can accelerate collagen loss up to 30%. Declining estrogen is associated with significant changes in collagen turnover and skin/connective tissue during the early postmenopausal years.
This doesn’t mean every woman will experience dramatic stiffness or pain or aging early. Genetics, nutrition, physical activity, previous injuries, body composition, stress, sleep, and lifestyle all matter.
But the hormonal shift provides a biologically plausible piece of the puzzle for why some women suddenly feel tighter, stiffer, heavier, or less mobile during perimenopause and menopause.
The Good News
Fascia is living, adaptable tissue. While we can’t stop aging or completely “restore” fascia overnight, we can support healthy connective tissue.
Adequate protein and nutrients, maintaining healthy thyroid function, strength training, mobility work, regular movement, good sleep, stress management, and techniques such as myofascial release can all help support tissue health and function.
That’s what we’ll dive into in the next DEEM Health + Fitness Fascia Corner.
Sensitivity of the fasciae to sex hormone levels: Modulation of collagen-I, collagen-III and fibrillin production | PLOS ONE: https://birthinmotion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Sensitivity-of-the-fasciae-to-sex-hormone-levels-Modulation-of-collagen-I-collagen-III-and-fibrillin-production-PLOS-ONE.pdf
https://www.goldmanlaboratories.com/blogs/blog/before-and-after-collagen
Mikkie Nettles-Pollon, Certified Personal Trainer/Holistic & Sports Nutritionist
Not sure where to begin, contact me at info@deemhealth.ca
250-541 -0411.
www.deamhealth.ca
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