Natural health: My eyes stream in the morning — could it be related to menopause?

Megan Sheppard: "Including more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, can help reduce inflammation and improve the quality of the oily layer in your tear film. You can also take omega-3 fatty acids in supplement form."

My eyes stream in the morning, so I don’t apply makeup until lunchtime. A friend mentioned it could be due to dry eyes. I’m going through the menopause with all the classic symptoms of sleepless nights and unexplained flushing during the day. Could the two be related?

Shifting hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause can affect eye health. In addition to dry eyes, these changes may increase the risk of developing conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins) and age-related eye concerns like cataracts and glaucoma.

Oestrogen and androgen hormones are essential for maintaining healthy tear production and regulating the composition of tears.

Tears comprise three layers of the tear film—oily, watery, and mucous. Declining oestrogen levels during menopause disrupt the balance of these layers, often resulting in dry, irritated eyes that feel gritty, sore, or inflamed.

While streaming or leaking eyes may seem the opposite of dry eyes, the body typically responds to the dryness by producing reflex tears. These watery tears lack the crucial oils to keep them from evaporating quickly, leading to a paradoxical situation where your eyes are both dry and continuously watery.

Including more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, can help reduce inflammation and improve the quality of the oily layer in your tear film. You can also take omega-3 fatty acids in supplement form.

A humidifier, especially during dry months or in air-conditioned rooms, can help maintain eye moisture levels. You might also like to apply a warm compress each morning over your closed eyes to help unclog the sebaceous glands along the rims of the eyelids, improving oil secretion and stabilising tear production.

Staying well-hydrated is another critical factor. In addition to drinking plenty of water, herbal teas such as chamomile, calendula, and eyebright can help.

Other common eye health concerns during menopause include increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and difficulty wearing contact lenses due to changes in the shape and moisture levels of the cornea.

Check in with an optometrist or ophthalmologist regularly to monitor your eye health.

I’m pregnant with my first child and would like to minimise my risk of getting stretch marks - they run in my mother’s side of the family. What would you suggest?

Stretch marks tend to develop during a period of rapid growth, and pregnancy is one of the most common times for them to appear, especially if they run in your family. The most beneficial step you can take is to keep your skin well hydrated.

Along with applying rich creams, lotions, balms, and oils, you can also look after your skin from the inside out. Ensure your diet is rich in natural fats, such as avocado, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and olive oil to help maintain your skin’s suppleness and strength.

Aim for a balanced, nutrient-rich diet with vitamins C, E, and zinc, which support skin health and collagen production. Gentle daily exercise will also help circulation and skin tone.

As far as topical skincare goes, make sure you choose a product with natural ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa or cacao butter, rosehip oil, and vitamin E. Avoid synthetically fragranced products (usually listed as parfum, or fragrance) since these can irritate or dry skin.

Keep in mind that stretch marks are a normal part of pregnancy for many women. While you can minimise their appearance, there is no surefire way to prevent them.

Your body is doing an incredible job of growing a tiny human.

• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.