During menopause, the body produces less estrogen, progesterone, and androgen, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as sweating, insomnia, and hot flashes. Among these physical symptoms is dry eyes, characterized by dry, itchy and burning eyes.
It does seem that women who take only estrogen are more likely to get dry eye, while those who take a combo of estrogen and progesterone (another female sex hormone) are less likely to get it. Dry eye may also be made better or worse by androgens, "male" hormones like testosterone, which both men and women make.
Changing levels of estrogen and progesterone can affect the meibomian gland (where the oil layer of your tear film is produced), which can lead to dryness or irritation. Estrogen can also make the cornea more elastic, which can affect how light is refracted by the eye.
Perimenopause and menopause
Menopause occurs due to a drop in estrogen levels. This results in a drying out of tissues (skin, mucosal membranes, and hair). As tissues dry their structure can also change. This can affect vision by drying out the outer surfaces of the eye.
Vitamin A deficiency, which usually occurs in developing countries, can cause an increase in dry eye. By adding foods rich in Vitamin A, like carrots, pumpkins, apricots, spinach, tomatoes, dairy products and liver, you can prevent the development of this condition.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium for Dry Eyes
Vitamin B6 specifically helps for absorption of magnesium which is a necessary nutrient for tear production. Magnesium helps facilitate over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. A deficiency in this nutrient is links to the occurrence of dry eyes.
Symptoms of low estrogen can include: Hot flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin's surface. This can give you a feeling of warmth (hot flash).
Problems with any of these layers can cause dry eyes. Reasons for tear film dysfunction are many, including hormone changes, autoimmune disease, inflamed eyelid glands or allergic eye disease. For some people, the cause of dry eyes is decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation.
If you're experiencing any symptoms of dry eyes, due to menopause or other causes, limiting your exposure to digital devices and taking out your contact lenses can help to relieve these symptoms. Staying indoors during dry weather and maintaining a clean home can also reduce your eyes' exposure to harmful elements.
Dry eye is a multifactorial condition, meaning a combination of factors can cause it. It can affect anyone; however, research shows that dry eye occurs most frequently in females, particularly those going through menopause. This is because of the link between the condition and hormone levels.
Chronically low estrogen increases your risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. Low estrogen can also negatively impact your reproductive system and fertility. Low estrogen causes your periods to become irregular or cease altogether. Over time, untreated low estrogen can leave your fertility damaged.
And the continued low estrogen levels lead to more serious health concerns. The rate of bone loss speeds up, increasing your risk of low bone density, osteopenia and osteoporosis. You also have a higher chance of having a heart attack, stroke or other heart-related issues.
Genes associated with follicle growth were not significantly altered by vitamin D3. However, it increases expression of genes involved in the estrogen-biosynthesis. Further, estrogen concentrations in porcine granulosa cell-cultured media increased in response to vitamin D3.
Some of the vitamins linked to better estrogen balance include vitamin D, the B complex, and vitamin C. Minerals such as calcium and boron may help protect against the effects of low estrogen, while some herbal supplements, including dong quai and black cohosh, are also known for their hormone-balancing effects.
How can I check my hormone levels at home? Blood tests – At-home estrogen blood tests are quick and easy. You just need to prick your finger and collect a small blood sample in a vial. After that, you can send your sample to a lab for testing.
Use artificial tears: Artificial tears are a mainstay to dealing with dry eye disease. I recommend using preservative-free artificial tears. This is because the preservatives that are used to keep bacteria from growing can damage the surface of the eye over time, causing even more irritation and redness.
Deficiencies in Vitamin A or riboflavin can also cause dry mouth. While both these conditions are rare, they are real and serious, and a medical professional should treat them. Read on to find out if you're experiencing the symptoms of dry mouth.
Omega-7 Rich Foods: Avocado, Macadamia Nuts, and Olive Oil
These foods, naturally high in Omega 7, are often recommended by our optometrists. Omega-7 aids cell membranes in retaining moisture and may alleviate dry eye symptoms by reducing redness, irritation, and inflammation.
Warm Compress
Instructions: Prepare a bowl with warm water. Then soak a clean, lint-free cloth in the water, wring it out and place it over your eyes for a maximum of ten minutes. If the compress cools down, soak it once again in the warm water. Do this several times a day for a few days until your eyes feel better.