How to Soothe an Itchy Scalp in Menopause

Why Does Menopause Cause an Itchy Scalp?

The hormones strike again! 

(Sounds like the title of a new thriller story. Let's put on that detective hat.)

Yes, it's all about hormones.

When you go through menopause, your hormones start to fluctuate. Eventually, they go into a steep decline. It takes some time for the whole havoc to get stabilised. Until then, you face some mental and physical symptoms.

Such a thing is what you are facing right now - the itchy scalp. It's all because of the steep decline in oestrogen levels.

This hormonal disruption affects the scalp in different ways, such as;

1. Reduced Oil Production: Oestrogen hormone regulates sebum production. Sebum is the natural oil that keeps your scalp and hair moisturised. As oestrogen drops down, sebum production also goes down.

2. Changes in Hair Growth Cycle: Menopause interrupts the regular hair growth cycle. This leads to hair thinning and hair loss.

3. Increased Stress: Menopause increases stress levels due to other symptoms. You would certainly agree to this! Stress also affects the scalp and hair.

4. Genetics: Some women have a genetic predisposition to hair loss or scalp issues.

Symptoms of Menopause on the Scalp

With any of the above physiological pathways, menopausal changes can affect your symptoms. 

• Itching:  Decreased oestrogen makes the scalp dry, which causes itching.
• Dryness: Reduction in sebum makes your scalp dry, flaky and brittle.
• Hair thinning and bald patches: Hair loss can be seen due to differences in the hair growth cycle.
• Redness: Changes in hormones and increased chronic stress can cause redness and inflammation on the scalp.

You can now try to put your finger on the 'why' behind it.

In many cases, finding the root cause of any problem is half the way to solving it. Let's read on to uncover more.

There Could be Other Reasons, Too!

Let's look at this through another lens.

Although the symptoms during this phase would always make you think that it’s all because of menopause, it will help if you consider other causes, too.

• Scalp infections: Fungal or bacterial infections, such as ringworm or folliculitis, can cause itching and redness on the scalp.
• Psoriasis or eczema: These are skin conditions that can cause itching, redness, and scaling on the scalp.
• Allergic reactions: Your scalp may sometimes find the products you use, not fit enough for the scalp type, considering the additional menopausal changes. Hair care products, dyes, or other hair treatments can cause temporary itching and redness on your scalp. In such situations, discontinue their uses. 
• Lice: Find out if lice are the ones giving you a hard time with an itchy scalp. If so, adopt methods to remove them.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Even if it’s the last thing on your mind, yes, even nutritional deficiencies cause itchy scalp. A lack of nutrients like zinc, biotin, or vitamin D will cause an itchy scalp!
• Dehydration: Inadequate water intake can cause discomfort to the scalp. Check your water input.
• Stress: Stress disrupts the body's normal functioning and manifests in different ways, including itchy scalp, redness and reduced immune function to fight against scalp infections.
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances causing thyroid issues will also give you an itchy scalp.

Getting to the bottom of your condition and identifying the root cause will help you address it most aptly. 

And it doesn’t stop with an itchy scalp!

Here are some risks associated with it.

• You could lose more hair. Constant scratching and rubbing of the scalp can cause damage to the hair follicles. 
• You could bring on another infection. By continuously scratching an itchy scalp, you can introduce bacteria or fungus from your fingernails, leading to a secondary infection on the scalp.
• You could scar your scalp with constant scratching and rubbing. 
• You could become more anxious. An itchy scalp can be socially embarrassing and affect your self-esteem. 
• An itchy scalp can cause discomfort and disrupt your sleep. 

So, How Can You Keep Your Scalp Healthy?

Start with these simple steps and see if you find any changes.

• Keep your scalp clean: Clean your scalp regularly (at least twice a week). Use a healthy shampoo or whatever products you use to clean your scalp and hair. Avoid heavy chemicals and harsh products.
• Avoid scratching: You may feel like scratching is the only way to relieve the constant itching, and yes, scratching feels comfortable and soothing. But that's not a great idea! Scratching causes damage to the hair follicles, which can introduce bacteria or fungi to your fingernails.
• Use gentle brush: I prefer a wide-toothed comb or brush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the hair and scalp. Choose a wooden brush if it's available.
• Keep your hair accessories clean - When you use unclean brushes, combs, hair ties, scrunchies, and bands, it accumulates bacteria and other germs. So keep them clean and dry.
• Avoid hot showers: Hot water will dry your scalp and strip it of its natural oils. Use lukewarm water and avoid over-washing.
• Use a natural oil: Before taking a shower, massage your scalp with natural oils like coconut, olive oil or castor oil. This will keep your scalp moisturised and prevent itching.
• Use mild herbal shampoos: Go for milder shampoos that will keep your scalp pH (pH 5.5) balanced.
• Avoid harsh hair treatments: Avoid hair treatments like hair dyes, relaxers and straightens all the time. This will irritate the scalp. If you choose to go for them, then practise some good,healthy techniques that can help you maintain your scalp healthy.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids can help keep the scalp healthy.
• Stay hydrated: Water is an elixir that can heal many things. Sufficient water levels in your body will ensure moisturisation.
• Keep stress levels low: Stress can affect the body's normal functioning, leading to itching on the scalp.

Ayurveda to the Rescue!

In Ayurveda, hygiene and maintaining the body's natural beauty are the first steps taken! 

Need a scoop on daily ayurvedic routines that can help you game up your beauty? Read this article - An Ayurvedic Morning and Night Time Routine for Skin. 

The aim of an ayurvedic routine is to balance your natural level of doshas (body energy). This change in levels or an imbalance is influenced by age-related changes, diet and lifestyle. Knowing your body type or prakriti can also give you the answer to why your scalp behaves differently than your best friend does!  

Vata Predominance

 An imbalance in vata gives you dryness. An overabundance of vata gives you dry, itchy scalp. 

Tips : 

• Practise warm oil scalp massages
• Avoid hot showers
• Avoid harsh hair care products

Pitta Predominance

An imbalance in pitta dosha gives you inflammation and excessive heat production in the body. So, when you have an itchy, red, irritated and inflamed scalp, then know it is from pitta dosha.

Tips :

• Use gentle hair care products.
• Avoid heat.
• Avoid spicy foods.

Kapha Predominance

An imbalance in kapha dosha increases oiliness and congestion. It can lead to an oily and greasy scalp.

Tips :

• Use light, non-oily products
• Avoid oily and heavy foods.

So, it is best that you talk to your Ayurvedic expert and know why your scalp is behaving the way it does!

Ayurvedic Remedies for Relief from an Itchy Scalp

Try out these expert-recommended natural remedies for your itchy scalp.

1. Warm Oil Massage

• Choose your scalp-specific oil based on your body type. Practise warm massage with oils like coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil or a combination of coconut and castor oil. Leave it for 15-30 minutes before washing your hair.

2. Herbal Massage

• You can use herbal powders like neem powder, gooseberry powder or basil leaf powder mixed with warm oil. Apply and leave it on your scalp for 15-30 minutes before washing. These will remove any kind of built-up bacteria or fungus on your scalp.

3. Fenugreek Paste

• Soak a cup of fenugreek seeds overnight. Grind them into a fine paste in the morning and apply it to your scalp before the bath. You can also add two teaspoons of curd to this paste once a week.

4. Lemon Juice

• Being naturally acidic, lemon helps balance scalp pH. Add 4 to 5 drops of lemon juice to your coconut oil or any other oil you use for massage. 

5. Gooseberry

• Gooseberries contain an abundance of antioxidants. It regulates pitta imbalance, preventing any soreness or inflammation. It is also something that helps hair growth.

6. Shirodhara

• This is an ayurvedic treatment where a constant stream of warm oil or any other herbal concoctions are gently poured on your forehead. Undergoing this treatment helps you relieve stress and also improves blood flow towards your scalp and hair follicles.

7. Panchakarma

• Panchakarma is a set of 5 body detoxification procedures. You can undergo panchakarma treatment if you have a chronic scalp condition/ Along with this, other treatments like thalapothichil (covering the scalp with a herbal mixture in the form of a paste ). Go for this after a thorough consultation with an Ayurvedic expert.

8. Herbal Teas

• Along with these, you can regularly consume herbal teas made from liquorice root, fenugreek, and turmeric. This will help soothe your insides, reflecting on the health of your scalp.

There are several other natural remedies which you can consider.

Some other natural remedies you can quickly use are;

1. Apply Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

• Mix ACV with equal quantities of water, and use this mixture to massage your scalp. Leave it there for 15 minutes and rise.
• The acidity of ACV helps balance the pH of your scalp.

2. Massage with Tea Tree Oil

• Choose any carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil, and then mix a few drops of tea tree oil with it. Massage your scalp with this mixture. Leave it for 20-30 minutes before washing your hair. How is tea tree oil good? It has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that will relieve itching.

3. Apply Aloe Vera Gel

• Aloe vera is soothing. Remove fresh aloe vera gel (if not buy organic ones), and apply it directly on the scalp. Leave it for 20-30 minutes before washing your hair.

To Sum it Up

Finding the reason for your itchy scalp is the first step to getting relief from it. Menopause may not be the only issue, but it is one of the causes you must keep in mind. The best way to approach this is to balance your inner dosha, which changes as you age.

Connect with an Ayurveda expert to know what works best for you!