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Collagen & Oral Peptides

Collagen for Menopause: What the Skin Studies Actually Show

By · Published November 8, 2026 · Updated November 4, 2026 · 15 min read

Start with our pillar guide: Collagen Supplements for Skin: What the Trials Show and Who Funded Them, or browse all Collagen & Oral Peptides articles.

Collagen for menopause has limited skin evidence. Skin collagen does fall after menopause, and older studies tied the drop to falling estrogen. In the abstracts we reviewed, 3 oral-collagen skin trials enrolled women selected for menopause: 2 small trials reported gains (one versus placebo over 4 weeks, one versus baseline over 6 months) and the third, in older women with fragile forearm skin, found no benefit. Most positive trials enrolled mid-life women not selected for menopause, and several had ties to the product's maker. Evidence: Limited.

This page is part of our menopause skin care guide, which covers the wider skin changes. Here we look only at collagen, the trials and who paid for them.

Key takeaways

  • Skin collagen fell about 1–2% a year after menopause in a 1987 clinic study, but those figures are old and observational (Brincat et al., 1987).
  • A 4-week trial in 36 postmenopausal women reported better cheek elasticity vs placebo (Sangsuwan and Asawanonda, 2021), and a 6-month menopause trial reported hydration and elasticity gains vs baseline (Duangjai et al., 2025). A third, in women aged 60-93 with fragile forearm skin, found no benefit (Guadanhim et al., 2023).
  • Hormone therapy raised skin collagen in a meta-analysis, but that is hormone data, not supplement data (Pivazyan et al., 2023).
  • One meta-analysis found no effect in trials without pharmaceutical-company funding or in high-quality trials (Myung and Park, 2025).

What happens to skin collagen after menopause?

The best-known figure comes from a 1987 cross-sectional study at a London menopause clinic. Skin collagen content, skin thickness and 2 bone measures each declined by about 1–2% a year after menopause, and all 4 tracked years since menopause. The abstract doesn't report how many women took part, and it lists non-US-government support without naming the funder (Brincat et al., 1987).

A second 1987 study from the same group measured thigh-skin collagen in 69 untreated postmenopausal women and 37 on long-term hormone replacement. The authors described the decline as "preventable" in treated women. It was observational, so it can't show cause (Brincat et al., 1987). It also lists non-US-government support, funder not named.

Earlier and later work from this group points the same way. A 1983 biopsy study found mean skin collagen content was 48% greater in 26 women on estrogen and testosterone implants than in 29 age-matched untreated women (Brincat et al., 1983). A 1985 study found that in untreated women, skin collagen "declined in relation to menopausal age but not to chronological age" (Brincat et al., 1985). Both were observational. The 1985 abstract doesn't report how many women took part, and funding is not stated in PubMed for either study.

A later review co-written by the same lead researcher describes a "strong correlation between skin collagen loss and oestrogen deficiency" but adds that "large-scale clinical trials are necessary." Its funding is not stated in PubMed (Calleja-Agius and Brincat, 2012).

Hormones are only part of the picture. A 2022 menopause review says skin aging signs are "almost exclusively caused by environmental factors, especially solar radiation." One of its authors works at Laboratoires Vichy (L'Oréal group) (Zouboulis et al., 2022). Evidence: Expert opinion.

The collagen-loss figures come from small observational studies from the 1980s. They don't show that a supplement can change that. Evidence: Limited.

Is collagen for menopause the same as estrogen for skin?

No. A 2023 meta-analysis pooled 15 studies of 1,589 women aged 45-55 using menopausal hormone therapy. Hormone therapy raised skin collagen content (standardized mean difference 2.01) and thickness (1.27), with a smaller effect on elasticity (0.28). The effect on dryness was not significant. The authors reported no conflicts of interest (Pivazyan et al., 2023). Evidence: Moderate (hormone therapy only).

Those are hormone results. They tell you nothing about collagen supplements. Collagen supplements are not a substitute for estrogen, and the studies we reviewed don't show they act like it. In the abstracts we reviewed, no study compared collagen supplements with hormone therapy. If you have questions about hormone therapy, including whether it suits you, ask your clinician. Our page on estrogen cream for the face covers topical estrogen and the hormone-and-skin research.

Do collagen supplements for menopause work in menopausal women?

In the abstracts we reviewed, 3 oral-collagen skin trials enrolled women selected for menopause.

A 4-week placebo-controlled trial with gains. Sangsuwan and Asawanonda randomized 36 postmenopausal women to 5 g of oral marine collagen hydrolysate or placebo daily for 4 weeks (Sangsuwan and Asawanonda, 2021). Cheek elasticity rose compared with placebo, and it was still higher 4 weeks after the women stopped. The authors reported no severe adverse effects. Funding is not stated in PubMed. Evidence: Limited.

A 6-month trial with gains vs baseline. Duangjai and colleagues recruited 80 menopausal women, 79 of whom completed the study, and randomized them to 1 of 4 daily supplements for 6 months: placebo, calcium plus vitamin D3, collagen peptides, or calcium plus vitamin D3 plus collagen (Duangjai et al., 2025). In the combined group, skin hydration rose 23% and elasticity 8.52% compared with baseline. Collagen alone raised elasticity 12.23%, also vs baseline. Water loss through the skin didn't change in any group. The placebo group changed little. The abstract doesn't report a between-group test for those skin figures. A Thai government PMUC grant (C02F660120) funded the study, the collagen came from the authors' own university center, and the authors declare no conflicts of interest. Evidence: Limited.

The same trial found no changes in bone markers. All 3 supplement groups shed less hair than placebo, including the calcium plus vitamin D3 group that got no collagen, so the abstract doesn't show the hair result is due to collagen. For more on hair, see menopause hair loss.

A 6-month placebo-controlled trial with no benefit. Guadanhim and colleagues ran a double-blind, placebo-controlled factorial trial in 56 postmenopausal women aged 60-93 (mean 69.5) with stage I dermatoporosis, a fragile, thinning forearm skin condition (Guadanhim et al., 2023). Women were randomized to oral collagen or placebo and, separately, to a collagen serum or placebo serum. No intervention, alone or combined, made a significant difference on any efficacy measure, including clinical scores, elasticity, thickness and biopsy markers. The authors concluded that collagen "should not be used routinely in this population." Its funding statements conflict: one says it had none, and another names a university support foundation (FAP-UNIFESP). No company funding is reported, and the authors declare no competing interests. Evidence: Moderate (negative trial in an older, frail-skin group).

Two small positive trials and one negative trial in a different group are not enough to say collagen for menopause works.

What do mid-life trials add to the collagen for menopause picture?

Most positive collagen trials enrolled women aged 35-65 who weren't selected for menopause, and several were funded by or tied to the product's maker. In 2 eight-week placebo-controlled trials, collagen improved elasticity in 69 women aged 35-55, with funding not stated in PubMed (Proksch et al., 2014a). It also cut eye wrinkle volume 20% vs placebo in 114 women aged 45-65; that trial tested a branded product (Verisol); funding not stated in PubMed (Proksch et al., 2014b). A 12-week trial in women aged 45-60 reported a 35% drop in wrinkle score from baseline. Vinh Hoan Corporation, the maker, funded it, and KGK Science, a contract research company, ran it (Evans et al., 2021). A 12-week trial in 119 women aged 35-55 used an unsupplemented control instead of placebo. Peptech supplied the product, one author was paid consulting fees, and 2 got MSc fellowships from Peptech; public FAPESP and FAPEG grants also supported it (Paula-Vieira et al., 2026). A 12-week multi-ingredient drink beat placebo in 72 women aged 35 and older. Quiris Healthcare, the maker, funded it, and the authors work at Dermatest, a testing company (Bolke et al., 2019). That drink also contained vitamin C, zinc and biotin, so collagen can't get sole credit (see collagen and vitamin C). Evidence: Limited. Our collagen supplements review covers these trials in detail. For the terms, see collagen peptides vs hydrolyzed collagen.

Researchers have also tested a supplement that isn't collagen in postmenopausal women. In a placebo-controlled trial, a drink of soy isoflavones, lycopene and vitamins C and E, taken with a fish-oil capsule, reportedly reduced facial wrinkle depth. Unilever funded it, and all authors were Unilever R&D employees (Jenkins et al., 2014).

What is the best collagen for menopause, by the evidence?

No product can be called the best collagen for menopause on this evidence, and we don't recommend brands.

Study Who Menopause-selected? Result Comparison Funding tie Evidence label
Duangjai et al., 2025 79 menopausal women completed; 6 months Yes Hydration +23%, elasticity +8.52% (collagen + calcium + D3); elasticity +12.23% (collagen alone) vs baseline Thai government PMUC grant; collagen from authors' university center; no COI Limited
Sangsuwan and Asawanonda, 2021 36 postmenopausal women; 4 weeks + 4 weeks follow-up Yes Cheek elasticity better than placebo, still higher at week 8 vs placebo Funding not stated in PubMed Limited
Guadanhim et al., 2023 56 women aged 60-93 with fragile forearm skin; 6 months Yes No significant difference on any efficacy measure vs placebo and baseline Conflicting statements; no company funding reported Moderate
Proksch et al., 2014a 69 women aged 35-55; 8 weeks No Better elasticity; moisture not significant vs placebo Funding not stated in PubMed Limited
Proksch et al., 2014b 114 women aged 45-65; 8 weeks No Eye wrinkle volume 20% lower vs placebo Branded product (Verisol); funding not stated in PubMed Limited
Evans et al., 2021 Women aged 45-60; 12 weeks No Wrinkle score 35% lower vs baseline Funded by maker (Vinh Hoan Corporation); run by KGK Science Limited
Paula-Vieira et al., 2026 119 women aged 35-55; 12 weeks No Better elasticity and hydration; fewer wrinkles in 1 group vs unsupplemented control Peptech supplied product; author fees and fellowships Limited
Bolke et al., 2019 72 women aged 35+; 12 weeks No Hydration, elasticity, roughness, density better (multi-ingredient) vs placebo Funded by maker (Quiris Healthcare); authors at Dermatest Limited

If you're comparing the best collagen supplements for menopause, look at the overall pattern rather than any one result. The 3 menopause-selected trials are small and mixed, and the positive mid-life trials were small, short and often tied to the maker. Product and company names appear here only as disclosure facts.

Why do meta-analyses on collagen for menopause skin disagree?

In the abstracts we reviewed, none of these reviews focused on menopausal women. Pu and colleagues pooled 26 trials (1,721 people) and found hydration and elasticity gains vs placebo, while noting "several biases." A Wan Fang Hospital grant funded the review, and the authors declared no conflicts (Pu et al., 2023). Myung and Park pooled 23 trials (1,474 people). The overall result was positive, but trials without pharmaceutical-company funding showed no effect, and neither did high-quality trials. Funding is not stated in PubMed (Myung and Park, 2025). Nukaly and colleagues found a modest wrinkle effect across 19 trials (1,341 people), largely driven by oral peptides, and declared no conflicts (Nukaly et al., 2026). Evidence: Moderate (general adults, not menopause-specific). The full funding split is in our collagen supplements guide.

Is collagen for menopause safe?

Across the trials we reviewed, collagen products were reported as well tolerated. One 8-week trial noted no side effects (Proksch et al., 2014a), a 12-week trial called its product "safe and well-tolerated" (Evans et al., 2021), the multi-ingredient drink was well tolerated (Bolke et al., 2019), and one meta-analysis reported minimal adverse events (Nukaly et al., 2026). In the 6-month menopause trial, kidney and liver markers stayed within normal ranges (Duangjai et al., 2025). Evidence: Limited.

In the abstracts we reviewed, no study tracked long-term or menopause-specific safety, and none looked at collagen taken alongside hormone therapy. If you take medicines or have kidney problems, ask your clinician before adding a supplement. Evidence: Expert opinion.

What else has evidence for menopausal skin besides collagen for menopause?

Our menopause skin care guide covers sun protection, retinoids and moisturizers, which is where most menopause skin plans start. For dryness and barrier care, see hydration and the skin barrier. For ongoing itch, see menopause itchy skin. Topical skincare peptides get their own page: peptides for menopause.

Where the evidence stops

  • In the abstracts we reviewed, the 3 menopause-selected oral-collagen trials were small and mixed, and one tested only fragile forearm skin in older women.
  • The 6-month positive menopause trial reported gains against each group's own starting point. The placebo group changed little, but the abstract gives no between-group test for those skin figures.
  • In the abstracts we reviewed, no study compared collagen supplements with hormone therapy, and none tracked long-term safety in menopausal women.
  • Trials lasted 4 weeks to 6 months, and none of the meta-analyses we reviewed focused on menopause.
  • In the abstracts we reviewed, no trial measured facial skin collagen by biopsy after oral collagen in menopause-selected women.

Part of our menopause skin series

FAQ

Do collagen supplements help after menopause?

The evidence is mixed. A 4-week placebo-controlled trial in 36 postmenopausal women reported better cheek elasticity than placebo. A 6-month trial in menopausal women reported better hydration and elasticity compared with each group's starting point. A third 6-month trial in postmenopausal women aged 60 to 93 found no benefit on forearm skin. A large review also found no effect in high-quality trials or in trials without pharmaceutical-company funding.

What is the best collagen for menopause?

No collagen product has strong evidence for menopausal skin, so we don't rank brands. In the abstracts we reviewed, 3 small trials tested oral collagen in women selected for menopause, with mixed results. Most positive results come from mid-life women not selected for menopause, often in trials tied to the product's maker.

How much collagen do you lose after menopause?

A 1987 study at a London menopause clinic found skin collagen content declined by about 1–2% a year after menopause. That figure comes from small observational studies from the 1980s, and the abstract doesn't report how many women took part. Treat it as an older estimate, not a precise rate for any one person.

Can collagen stand in for estrogen or HRT?

No. Collagen supplements are not a substitute for estrogen or hormone therapy, and the studies we reviewed don't show they act like it. A meta-analysis found hormone therapy raised skin collagen content, but that is hormone data, not collagen-supplement data. Ask your clinician about hormone therapy.

How long do collagen trials last?

The trials we reviewed lasted 4 weeks to 6 months. Two of the three trials that enrolled women selected for menopause ran for 6 months; one ran for 4 weeks. In the abstracts we reviewed, none tracked results or safety over the long term.

Is collagen safe during menopause?

Collagen products were reported as well tolerated in the trials we reviewed, and in one menopause trial, kidney and liver markers stayed within normal ranges. But the trials were short, and we found no long-term or menopause-specific safety data and nothing on use alongside hormone therapy. Ask your clinician if you take medicines or have kidney problems.

Does collagen help menopause hair or bones?

One menopause trial reported less hair shedding than placebo in its collagen groups, but the calcium and vitamin D3 group without collagen also shed less. The same trial found no changes in bone markers. That is a single trial, so the evidence is thin.

Do collagen supplements for menopause work better than skincare?

In the abstracts we reviewed, no study compared collagen supplements with skincare in menopausal women. One menopause review says skin aging signs are almost exclusively caused by environmental factors, especially sun exposure. That is why sun protection and moisturizers remain the core of most menopause skin care plans.

References

  1. Brincat, et al. A study of the decrease of skin collagen content, skin thickness, and bone mass in the postmenopausal woman. Obstet Gynecol. 1987. Cross-sectional study at Dulwich Menopause Clinic, London; n not reported in abstract; non-US-government support, funder not named. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3120067/
  2. Brincat, et al. Decline in skin collagen content and metacarpal index after the menopause and its prevention with sex hormone replacement. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1987. Observational cross-sectional study, 69 untreated women and 37 on estradiol and testosterone implants for 2-10 years; non-US-government support, funder not named. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3828252/
  3. Brincat, et al. Sex hormones and skin collagen content in postmenopausal women. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1983. Observational biopsy study, 29 untreated vs 26 on estrogen and testosterone implants, age-matched; funding not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6416400/
  4. Brincat, et al. Long-term effects of the menopause and sex hormones on skin thickness. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1985. Cross-sectional comparison of treated vs untreated postmenopausal women; n not reported in abstract; funding not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3978054/
  5. Calleja-Agius J, Brincat M. The effect of menopause on the skin and other connective tissues. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2012. Narrative review; University of Malta; funding and COI not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21970508/
  6. Zouboulis, et al. Skin, hair and beyond: the impact of menopause. Climacteric. 2022. Narrative review; one author at Laboratoires Vichy (L'Oréal group); funding not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35377827/
  7. Pivazyan, et al. Skin Rejuvenation in Women using Menopausal Hormone Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Menopausal Med. 2023. Systematic review and meta-analysis of hormone therapy (not collagen), 15 studies, n=1,589 women aged 45-55; no conflict of interest reported. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38230593/
  8. Duangjai, et al. Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation with and Without Collagen on Bone Density and Skin Elasticity in Menopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. Clin Pract. 2025. 4-arm randomized controlled trial in menopausal women, 80 recruited, 79 completed, 6 months; Thai government PMUC grant (C02F660120); collagen from the authors' own university center; authors declare no conflicts of interest. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41002783/
  9. Guadanhim, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Topical or Oral Hydrolyzed Collagen in Women with Dermatoporosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Factorial Design Study. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023. Double-blind placebo-controlled factorial randomized trial, n=56 women aged 60–93, 6 months; funding statements conflict: one says none, another names a university support foundation (FAP-UNIFESP); no company funding reported; authors declare no competing interests. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36547800/
  10. Jenkins, et al. Wrinkle reduction in post-menopausal women consuming a novel oral supplement: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014. Double-blind placebo-controlled RCT in postmenopausal women of a multi-ingredient drink plus fish-oil capsule (not collagen); 159 completed, 14 weeks, ages 45-71 (full text); funded by Unilever; all authors Unilever R&D employees. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23927381/
  11. Proksch, et al. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014. Double-blind placebo-controlled RCT, n=69 women aged 35-55, 8 weeks; funding not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23949208/
  12. Proksch, et al. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014. Double-blind placebo-controlled RCT, n=114 women aged 45-65, 8 weeks; tested a branded product (Verisol); funding not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24401291/
  13. Evans, et al. A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study to evaluate the efficacy of a freshwater marine collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021. Triple-blind placebo-controlled RCT, women aged 45-60, 12 weeks, 45 completed (full text); funded by Vinh Hoan Corporation (the maker); authors at KGK Science (contract research organization). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32799362/
  14. Paula-Vieira, et al. Immune-Modulatory Effects of Bioactive Collagen Peptides Improve Skin Health in Middle-Aged Women. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2026. RCT with a non-supplemented control (no placebo), n=119 women aged 35-55, 12 weeks, retrospectively registered; Peptech supplied the product; one author received consulting fees and 2 received MSc fellowships from Peptech; also FAPESP and FAPEG public grants. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41588262/
  15. Bolke, et al. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019. Single-blind placebo-controlled RCT of a multi-ingredient drink, n=72 women aged 35+, 12 weeks; funded by Quiris Healthcare (the maker); authors at Dermatest GmbH; authors declare no conflicts of interest. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31627309/
  16. Pu, et al. Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023. Systematic review and meta-analysis, 26 RCTs, n=1,721; Wan Fang Hospital grant; authors declare no conflicts of interest. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37432180/
  17. Myung SK, Park Y. Effects of Collagen Supplements on Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Med. 2025. Systematic review and meta-analysis, 23 RCTs, n=1,474; funding not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40324552/
  18. Nukaly, et al. Oral and topical peptides for skin aging: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Med (Lausanne). 2026. Systematic review and meta-analysis, 19 RCTs (oral and topical), n=1,341; no financial support received (full text); authors declare no conflicts of interest. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41924746/
  19. Sangsuwan W, Asawanonda P. Four-weeks daily intake of oral collagen hydrolysate results in improved skin elasticity, especially in sun-exposed areas: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2021. Double-blind placebo-controlled RCT of 5 g oral marine collagen hydrolysate in postmenopausal women, n=36 enrolled, 4 weeks plus 4 weeks follow-up; Chulalongkorn University; funding and COI not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32009486/

For educational purposes only; not medical advice. See our disclaimer and research method.