Do You Itch During Your Periods?

Hormonal Changes: Your Body’s Roller Coaster Ride

“Hormonal changes and itching” - this connection may seem unlikely to you, but it does exist. Have you ever wondered how much of a trouble your hormones could be? Well, during your cycle, there would be a huge change in the levels of estrogen and progesterone throughout. Such hormonal changes cause not just cravings and mood swings but also changes in the skin and the vaginal area. 

Why Does This Occur?

As estrogen levels lower in the body, mucous membranes and the skin also dry up. Such dryness makes the skin sensitive and irritable. Leaving people to scratch their skin. You can think about skin as a sponge. Dry skin is not flexible and tends to stretch and crack, causing discomfort. 

What Does It Feel Like?

The skin might turn slightly red, have a mild burning sensation, or even have a full-on scratch allergy with no clear cause. Although these are not pleasant, they are the body’s reactions to hormonal imbalance. On the brighter side, such types of irritation are easier to cope with and are short-lived. 

Menstrual Products: Are They Friend Or Foe?

Have you ever stopped and thought about how useful menstrual products are? Although sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups all make life easier, they also cause irritation related to menstrual products.

What Causes The Irritation?

Most of the menstrual products, such as tampons or pads, come with some synthetic fibres or added fragrances. While they help with the aesthetics of the product, they can serve as potent irritants for sensitive skin types. The vagina is an extremely sensitive area, and any irritant can result in itch.

How Do You Figure Out The Problem?

Now, note if you start noticing the itching after you use a certain type or brand of product. This should raise an alarm. If this is the case, you might want to try switching to organic, non-scented, and hypoallergenic products.

Increased Vaginal Discharge: Natural, But Annoying

Have you ever noticed any changes in your vaginal discharge throughout the menstrual cycle? It could go up during the period due to hormonal changes, and though it is nothing out of the ordinary, it can sometimes cause itchiness.

What’s The Cause of This?

Vaginal discharges are controlled by a number of hormones within the body, and so naturally, if those hormones change, so will the discharges. It could also be the case that during the period, the discharge gets thicker or more acidic, which can irritate the skin in the vaginal region. 

Additionally, if the discharge is left on the skin and dried, it could cause itchiness and unease.

How Can You Tell?

Observe changes in texture and odour. Normal menstrual discharge is somewhat heavier but should not have a strong smell. If you note itching along with these changes, it is probably the discharge itself that is causing the itch.

Other Possible Culprits: When Itching Isn’t Just “Normal”

Period-related itching can, of course, be explained quite simply: all it takes is hormone fluctuations or an irritating product. But more than that is happening. 

You have to be cautious here. Look out for these symptoms, as they may indicate an underlying serious illness as listed below:

1. Infections

Yeast Infections: They are frequent during your period because they grow in warm and moist places. The discharge is cottage cheese in texture and white in colour, and the symptoms include severe itching and burning.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Bacterial Vaginosis is an infection caused by an abnormal overgrowth of the normal bacteria in the vagina. Some women experience itching, a fishy odour and a grey, thin discharge.

2. Allergic Reactions

Do you use scented wipes, washes, or even particular detergents for your underwear? Such products can trigger an allergic response, leading to some itching and irritation in a localised area.

3. Skin Conditions

Do you have eczema or dermatitis, for example? If yes, then there may be flare-ups during your periods. Changes in hormones, as well as heat combined with moisture during sweating or discharge, can worsen these conditions.

How To Manage Itching: Simple Tips To Feel Better

No, you have an idea of the causes and symptoms of itching related to periods. We have also touched upon itching related to other diseases.

Although itching is an often annoying part of menstruation, it’s definitely not something you have to live with. There are many things you can do to help with the irritation and even prevent it from happening in the first place.

Let’s take a look at some of the simple tips that you can follow to prevent or manage itching during your periods:

1. Choose Hypoallergenic Menstrual Products

If you actively make the switch to organic, scent-free pads, tampons, or even menstrual cups, it can help a lot. These products are meant for sensitive skin, and the chances of irritation are minimised.

2. Keep It Clean, But Gently

While washing oneself may be important, it is even more important not to wash yourself too much. Wash with gentle, unscented washes and apply warm water instead of hot. Never use a vaginal douche, as it may change the natural acidity of your vagina and may worsen the itch.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

The more water you consume, the more your body stays hydrated from the inside. Skin that is not hydrated enough is much more likely to have itching and dryness.

4. Try Home Remedies

You can try out some of the common household remedies like:

• Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera is used mostly because of its soothing effect, which provides relief from irritation, which is what we need here.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can provide relief from mild itching and dehydration. It is a natural moisturiser.

5. Wear Breathable Underwear

Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes during your period allows for airflow and decreases humidity build-up, which can lead to skin rashes. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing or underwear during your menses. 

When Should You Consult A Medical Practitioner?

Even though itching may be a common occurrence during the period, knowing which symptoms indicate help from a health professional is the key. It will greatly assist in managing your condition at its best. Consult your practitioner if:

• There is excessive itching that is constant in nature.
• If there is a strange and foul-smelling discharge with an atypical colour or texture.
• If there are any sores, swelling, or redness in the vaginal region.

Look for the above symptoms. If you experience any of them, seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

It is not just itching; the periods may come up with other surprising symptoms as well. These symptoms are not uniform; what you experience may not be the same as your friends’ experiences. 

Read All You Need to Know About Period Symptoms for a better idea about period symptoms and their management tips.

Even though quick medical fixes might temporarily relieve discomfort, it’s better to seek natural remedies for long-term health. Ayurveda treats the underlying causes of discomfort, providing holistic solutions that are time-tested and efficient.

Nirva Health specialises in bringing the wisdom of Ayurveda to your doorsteps. Customised nutritional guidelines, personal yoga sessions, and clinical-grade natural health remedies are only a few examples of what we can do to help. Such an approach allows a woman to deal with menstrual health effortlessly, full of vigour and self-assurance.

To embrace women’s health, get in touch with Nirva Health. This is where you reclaim your balance, where your health unfolds. Contact us today, and let us show you the power of Ayurveda.

Quoting the words of one of our happy customers:

“I struggled with irregular periods and severe cramps for years. Nirva Health’s personalised care made all the difference….

Wrapping It Up

Let’s be honest: periods are not the easiest. They can cause itch as well, which can make things more uncomfortable. But the good news is that you do not need to sit and suffer in silence. If you know the reasons and causes of itching, then you can manage this situation proactively.

The next time you feel that itch, don’t just shrug it off. Ask: Am I experiencing this due to hormonal changes? Are the products I use the problem? Or is it something else? Some effort and appropriate attention can help eliminate this annoying symptom while allowing you to pay attention to the most important thing—feeling your best, whether you’re on your period or not. Care for your body and yourself, especially during this time of the month.  You’ve got this!