Collagen is one of the most essential proteins in the human body, acting as the framework that holds everything together. It makes up nearly 75% of our skin’s structure and plays a critical role in bone strength, joint flexibility, gut health, and even hormone balance.
As we age—especially during perimenopause and menopause—collagen production naturally declines, leading to:
✅ Wrinkles and sagging skin
✅ Joint pain and stiffness
✅ Weaker hair and brittle nails
✅ Gut issues, bloating, and poor digestion
✅ Weaker bones and increased risk of osteoporosis
The good news? Taking collagen supplements can reverse many of these effects—but not all collagen is created equal.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of collagen, what they actually do, and which is the best choice for perimenopausal women.
Why Collagen Declines in Midlife (And Why You Need to Supplement It)
From the age of 25, our bodies start to produce less collagen—and by the time we reach 40, we’ve lost around 30% of our natural stores.
For women in perimenopause, hormonal changes accelerate this loss. The drop in oestrogen levels leads to:
- Skin thinning, fine lines, and loss of elasticity
- Increased joint pain and stiffness
- Slower wound healing
- More gut inflammation and digestive discomfort
- Weaker bones, increasing the risk of fractures
Supplementing with the right collagen can help replenish what’s lost, keeping your skin firm, joints pain-free, and gut happy.
The 5 Main Types of Collagen Supplements (And Which Ones Actually Work)
There are 28 different types of collagen, but the most important ones for women are Types I, II, and III. These affect your skin, bones, joints, and gut health.
1. Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides
✅ Best for: Hair, skin, nails, joints, and gut health
✅ Found in: Bovine and marine collagen
Hydrolysed collagen peptides are broken down into tiny pieces, making them the easiest to absorb. This means they reach your bloodstream quickly and get straight to work repairing and rebuilding tissue.
💡 Best choice for women in perimenopause? Yes.
2. Marine Collagen
✅ Best for: Skin, hair, and nails
✅ Found in: Fish skin and scales
Marine collagen is mostly Type I collagen, which is great for skin elasticity. It’s highly bioavailable, meaning the body absorbs it well. However, it lacks Type III collagen, which is essential for gut and joint health.
💡 Best choice for women in perimenopause? Not ideal—too limited in benefits.
3. Bovine Collagen (Type I & III)
✅ Best for: Skin, joints, bones, gut health, and hormone balance
✅ Found in: Grass-fed cows
Bovine collagen contains both Type I and Type III collagen, making it the best all-rounder for women in perimenopause. It helps with skin elasticity, joint pain, gut health, and even hormone regulation.
💡 Best choice for women in perimenopause? YES—most comprehensive benefits.
4. Collagen Tablets & Capsules
✅ Best for: Convenience
✅ Found in: Various sources (bovine, marine, or plant-based)
Collagen in tablet form is convenient, but it’s often less effective because the body absorbs powders and liquids better. Tablets may also contain fillers or lower doses of collagen.
💡 Best choice for women in perimenopause? Not ideal—powder is far more effective.
5. Topical Collagen (Creams & Serums)
✅ Best for: Temporary skin hydration
✅ Found in: Skincare products
Collagen applied to the skin does not penetrate deep enough to increase natural collagen production. While it can hydrate and plump the skin temporarily, it doesn’t replace lost collagen.
💡 Best choice for women in perimenopause? No—supplements work from the inside out.
Why Bovine Collagen is the Best for Perimenopausal Women
If you’re looking for the best collagen supplement during perimenopause, bovine collagen (Type I & III) is your answer.
Here’s why it outperforms other types:
1. It Supports Joint Health & Flexibility
🦴 Reduces joint pain & stiffness
🏃♀️ Improves mobility & flexibility
💪 Helps rebuild cartilage
Collagen loss weakens cartilage, causing painful, stiff joints. Studies show bovine collagen helps rebuild joint tissue, improving flexibility and reducing discomfort.
2. It Strengthens Skin, Hair & Nails
✨ Boosts skin elasticity
🌿 Reduces fine lines & wrinkles
💇♀️ Strengthens hair & nails
Since bovine collagen contains Type I collagen, it directly supports skin structure, keeping it plump, firm, and hydrated.
3. It Helps Balance Hormones
🌀 Reduces cortisol (stress hormone)
⚖️ Supports a balanced mood
🍽️ Helps regulate metabolism
Bovine collagen contains glycine, an amino acid that helps regulate stress hormones and support liver detoxification, both of which are crucial for hormonal balance.
4. It Improves Gut Health & Digestion
🌿 Heals the gut lining
🛡️ Reduces bloating & inflammation
🧘♀️ Supports digestion
Perimenopause can cause gut issues, bloating, and food sensitivities. Bovine collagen strengthens the gut lining, reducing leaky gut and digestive discomfort.
5. It Helps Maintain Bone Density
🦴 Strengthens bones
🥛 Reduces risk of osteoporosis
Collagen makes up 90% of our bone mass. Supplementing with bovine collagen can slow bone loss and support bone density, reducing the risk of fractures.
The Bottom Line: Should You Take Collagen?
If you’re in your 40s or 50s and experiencing:
❌ Wrinkles & thinning skin
❌ Joint stiffness & aches
❌ Digestive issues & bloating
❌ Weaker hair & nails
❌ Fatigue & hormonal imbalances
Then yes, collagen should be part of your daily routine.
For perimenopausal women, bovine collagen (Type I & III) is the most effective choice, delivering benefits beyond just skin and hair.
Want to get started? Try our Perimenopause Premium Collagen Peptides, designed to support skin, joints, gut, and hormonal health.
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