Women may be more prone to developing age spots during menopause because of hormonal changes. During menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen, which is a hormone that helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging.

Estrogen also regulates the production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives colour to the skin. When estrogen levels drop, melanin synthesis increases, which can lead to more age spots or larger areas of darker skin. Additionally, estrogen helps maintain collagen and elastin, which are proteins that keep the skin firm and elastic. Lower estrogen levels can result in thinner, drier, and less resilient skin that is more vulnerable to sun damage.