Today, on Menopause Awareness Day, we pause to shine a light on a transition that impacts half the population — often quietly, often with mixed emotions, and sometimes with very real physical and emotional challenges. At Southface Dermatology, we believe in open conversations, evidence-based care, and a compassionate, holistic approach to supporting women through menopause and beyond.
Why Menopause Awareness Matters
Menopause is more than just the end of menstrual cycles — it’s a period of profound change for many aspects of health:
- Hormonal shifts that can affect mood, energy, and sleep
- Skin changes: decreased collagen, increased dryness, pigmentation shifts
- Vulval and vaginal wellbeing: thinning tissues, discomfort, changes in elasticity
- Systemic effects: bone density, cardiovascular health, metabolism
Because menopause intersects with so many systems, awareness helps in several ways:
- Destigmatise conversations — many women feel alone or confused by the changes they experience.
- Encourage timely care — early intervention and tailored strategies can improve quality of life.
- Empower informed choice — knowing your options (hormonal, non-hormonal, lifestyle) matters.
- Support holistic health — menopause care is not just about hormones; it’s about skin, mental health, bone health, and more.
How Southface Dermatology Can Help
At Southface, we’ve built a Women’s Health & Menopause Care offering grounded in clinical expertise and personalised attention. (Learn more via our Women’s Health page.)
Here’s what we do:
Expert Clinicians You Can Trust
- Dr Sarah Aulds — a BMS-accredited Advanced Menopause Specialist, with higher qualifications in obstetrics, gynaecology, and sexual & reproductive health. She’s one of ~200 accredited British Menopause Specialists and actively works at a specialist Menopause Clinic at Guy’s Hospital, London.
- Dr Alice Plant — a Consultant Dermatologist specialising in vulval health and conditions of the vulval area, with a role in the specialist vulval clinic at Southampton NHS Hospital.
These professionals bridge dermatology, women’s health, and menopause care — ensuring that skin, hormonal and vulval health are considered in concert.
What We Offer
- Menopause Care: tailored support through all phases of menopause (perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause)
- Vulval Clinic / Vulval Health Expertise: diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the vulval area
- Skin & Cosmetic Care that is mindful of hormonal changes: treating dryness, pigmentation, collagen loss, sensitivity, etc.
- A holistic, woman-centred approach combining medical care, lifestyle and skincare strategies
We don’t just treat symptoms — we look at you as a complete individual: your skin, your hormones, your overall health.
What You Can Do Today & Always
On Menopause Awareness Day, here are personal steps you can take to support your journey — and how we can assist:
- Pay attention to changes — skin texture, dryness, sensitivity, pigmentation, hair changes. Bring these up with your clinician.
- Ask questions about options — Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may be indicated for many, but it’s not the only path.
- Adopt skin supporting habits — gentle cleansing, rich moisturisers, sun protection, gentle but effective actives.
- Prioritise bone, heart & mental health — exercise, nutrition, sleep & mental wellbeing all matter.
- Seek expert care — if you have concerns or symptoms, don’t wait.
At Southface, we welcome conversations. If you’re navigating menopause or are curious about how your skin or vulval health might be affected, we’re here for you.
Menopause Awareness Day is more than a date — it’s a reminder that this life stage deserves attention, respect, and quality care. No one should feel isolated in it.
To every woman reading this: your experience, your voice, your health matter — and at Southface Dermatology, we’re committed to being by your side: with expertise, compassion, and care tailored to you.
If you’d like to explore menopause support, skin care suited to hormonal changes, or vulval health with our team, get in touch via our Women’s Health page or contact us directly.