Sudden onset of skin wrinkling and sagging in arms

[jnine1964]

Hi all. New to this. I am a 44 year old woman who is physically fit (gym 5 days a week) and eats pretty well.

Approx 5 weeks ago I developed veins showing on both hands. They have not gone away and infact they are bulging most times, and I can "feel them". They have increased and I can see some starting to climb up my forearm now. Before this, my veins barely ever showed.

Approx 2 weeks ago, I developed wrinkling (crepe paper look) on my forearms (near connection of elbow) and on my upper arms. My arms have gone from 44 years old to looking like those of a 60 year old woman.

Approx 5 days ago my skin started sagging and I have now developed that "flap" by my triceps. My arms have always been my pride and joy..I work so hard at them, and they have been so tone,..now they look flabby and sagging with wrinkles.
I am in a panic. Have a doctors appointment for Friday.

Yes, I am fair, Yes, I have been sunburnt many times over the years. My mother had wrinkles also, but to have this come on so very sudden, I don't know what to think.

As far as periomenopause, it sounds like this shouldn't happen so suddenly and usually the elasticity is after menopause. I don't have any symptoms yet, except for my period being early once in a while.

I am 44 years old, and have gone, in 2 weeks, from having 44 year old skin to skin of a 60 year old. Could someone please help? I'm very distressed.

[Equitoriana]

Very very very strange. Something beyond "aging" is going on here.

[mkh9]

Equitoriana, for me I think I lost too much weight (20 lbs in the last 6 months or so). I guess that may have caused mine. My husband has the same problem since he lost weight.
mkh9

[Ledax]

Please explain oil swishing.  I too have saggy arms.  

[mkh9]

Yes if it is menopause then it happened after I lost 20 pounds to me and my husband. So I think it may be weight loss for us and maybe also just aging? I am 54 and haven't officially gone through menopause but my FSH is high so probably any time now. So, I hate it too. My forearms, butt,legs upper knee area and calves. More lines in my face too. Just this year and last. I am thinking of going to a dermatologist for help. I am trying to Bulk up in my muscle mass at the gym to look better maybe it will expand the skin. But I don't know if that will work. I pile on the cream too. It works a little and very temporary.
mkh9

[birgy77277]

   My arms and forearms are doing the same thing. Seems like it happened almost overnight. I truly don't know whats happening.

[Snuggles01]

I have just noticed the loose wrinkly arm areas.  I am 5-2 117 pounds.  Lost fifteen pounds since fall 2014.  My daughter said to me the other day "what happened to your arms"?  Ugh  We just switched to higher sunscreen but probably too late for that.  

Help

[mkh9]

Snuggles01,  I have lost 20 lbs so I think for us it is losing weight. I think it will come back or maybe we are a little too thin? My husband lost weight too (20 lbs) and has the same problem so its not just a women's hormonal problem.
mkh9

[Snuggles01]

I take blood pressure medicine the last year.

[mkh9]

I have similar problems. I workout with weights and have noticed this as I have lost weight. I am thinking it is a weight loss issue. My husband and I both lost weight and have the crepe paper look on the back of my calves and some on my arms. I am 54. I actually should be in menopause by my FSH level but still  have a period. I'm not on BC pills or estrogen except from vaginal cream. But it is not supposed to get into the blood stream. So my skin will look better temporarily when I put a bunch of cream on it but it comes back. The hangy chicken skin is under the arm pit on the upper arm area. Some on the neck. None of this was there last year. I stopped BC pills just last year due to a blood clot and so I can't go back on them. I figure it must be a lack of estrogen. I don't know other than hydration why you would get it at your age. Although some people go through menopause or peri-menopause at your age too. Maybe see a dermatologist and let us know.
regards,
mkh9

[Rosina1952]

Cleverwabbit, I have been a medical journalist for over 30 years, a profession that requires a vast amount of research. I have posted in this forum as well...about six years now. I have researched everything and spoken to the best and brightest, all to no avail.  

I recently decided to check the forum again and your description caught my eye as it is identical to mine. I am now 64 and while I am regularly told I look no more than 45 (unlined face, yoga body) my arms would scare Dracula. The ancient-looking sagging chicken skin to the front of the arms just under  armpit level is just hideous.

I am reading a book called Bio-Young by Roxy Dillon.She has an impressive  b/g in biochemistry and human aging. She claims she can reverse this sagging - we all can - through consuming certain foods and supplements and using creams that she gives the recipe for. I am at the start of the book and so far nothing outlandish. Also, I am about to test drive a gadget that has two kinds of red light and radiofrequency for "deep skin" tightening. It is presently only available in Canada but was featured on The Shopping Channel and had some pretty good reviews except for the gel that comes with it (and which you don't have to use). I had Thermage 2 on the inside of my elbow about eight years ago and it did nothing, so I'm not holding out much hope for the home device which seems to have a similar MO. I'll keep you briefed as soon as I've implemented the book program as well as the machine. I am so sick of not being able to wear pretty sleeveless anythings!

[Rosina1952]

Posted 2 years later. Forget the Roxy Dillon book. What she claims just isn't the case. She is supposed to have some kind of practice too but no one can trace her. I tried all her suggestions and not one worked. My arms are just hideous now and I won't go out without long sleeves. Today it is in the high 80s and I cold die. Lasy year, my neck decided that my arms must be lonely and joined in the party. The home device didn't work either, ladies :(