Looking dreadful these days

[candlecollector]

Wasn't sure which section to post this on..
Anyone else feel depressed by their appearance and lack of physical energy after reading a certain age? I'm in my very early 40s but already losing my looks, have no energy and riddled with constant back problems.
I'm most upset about my physical appearance.. In years not that long ago I used to be attractive and was never short of compliments on my hair, skin and figure etc.
For the last few months I've been on a healthy eating plan.. Loosely modeled on Slimming World but doing it myself from home as I live in middle of nowhere and can't get to nearest group.
Hair is lank, thinning and fly-away. Used to be thick, glossy and lovely.
Constantly covered in spots all over my cheeks, neck, back and upper arms. Can no longer wear the clothes I loved because of my awful spots everywhere.
Constant dark circles under eyes despite getting lots of sleep. Sallow, dull skin despite eating really healthily and no junk. Also take vitamins and iron tablets.
My gums are receding - currently under the care of a cosmetic dentist and spending a fortune trying to disguise the mess this has made of my smile.
Just feeling really depressed by my appearance.
Not sure what else I can do? I eat well, exercise, look after my skin and every way I can imagine, don't smoke/drink, sleep enough and live a very active lifestyle.

💐 Are you well? You been to the GP? I don’t know specifically what might be up but those sound like symptoms of something rather than you just falling apart for no reason!

I’d pop to the doctors and ask for a blood test to check for any anesmia (iron, b12+ etc). I felt similar to you and it got to the stage I woke up wishing it was bed time. When lockdown eased and my sister visited and look one look at me and said I was clearly unwell. It had happened so slowly, I hadn’t noticed and just thought it was middle age. Turned out my heavier periods had made me mildly iron anaemic. 3 months of iron tablets and I’m back! Hair and nails ok. Skin cleared up and whilst I m not jumping out of bed yet, I am getting up! I’m back exercising and I’m now longer miserable all the time. Definitely get checked out. Hope you get sorted.

Sounds tough op. Have you seen the doctor about the spots? There are lots of treatments now to clear up acne. I'm the same age as you and my hair is much improved using bed head shampoo and conditioner - it's expensive but you can get it in home bargains etc.
I have noticed my skin is aging more now so I'm watching to see if anyone has any tips on that.
Also you can do slimming world on line I think?

Perimenopause can cause skin/hair problems due to the lack of oestrogen and increased androgen. Lack of oestrogen can also affect gum health. Definitely worth talking to your GP, if they’re clued up on peri/menopause. Might be worth looking at the menopause boards on here too.

Anaemia and vitamin D deficiency? I went through a period where I just looked off. Couldn’t exactly put my finger on it but I was exhausted and looked it, with dull skin and being tired all the time. It was anaemia and low vit D.

This is exactly what I was going to say, the OP’s gum issues is the biggest tell for me. So many GPs and dentists for that matter don’t understand how important oestrogen is for saliva production even though a lack of saliva causes gums to recede. At the very least, start using Biotene which will keep your mouth hydrated in a way water (and other liquids) does not.

TBH, I think OP would probably benefit from reading up about perimenopause as I have no doubt she will realise that many of the things she’s currently experiencing are all linked to this.