Menopause Itching: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

What Causes Itching During Menopause?

Itching is a common symptom experienced by many women during menopause due to the hormonal changes they undergo.

• The primary cause of itching is the decline in oestrogen levels. A reduction in oestrogen levels leads to a reduction in the production of natural oils in the body. This affects the skin's hydration, leading to dryness and itching.
• As natural oil and collagen production reduce, skin becomes more sensitive to allergens and irritants. This leads to itching and a crawling sensation called formication, especially after mild exposure to triggers that cause allergies.
• Reduced estrogen levels and reduced natural oil production by the skin lead to vaginal dryness followed by itching of the external genitalia, which is called vulvar pruritus. This condition gets aggravated by irritation due to exposure to soaps or detergents.
• The hormonal fluctuations during menopause cause excessive sweating, leading to itching, especially in the neck, chest, inner thighs, and underarms.
• Women of menopausal age experience sagging and thinning skin due to reduced collagen production, which can also result in itching.

Symptoms of Perimenopause: Itching

• Perimenopause itching all over the body parts, generally on the face, neck, chest, back, both limbs, armpits and so on
• Specific itching on the vulva and vagina is associated with vaginal dryness.
• Skin sensitivity and rashes at times
• Dry, flaky skin
• Redness on skin associated with inflammation
• Crawling sensation on the skin, which is also called formication

Common Areas Affected by Itching During Menopause

• Face: As the facial skin is more sensitive, women experience itching on their faces, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin.
• Neck: As the skin on the neck is thinner, itching and dryness will also occur there.
• Chest and Back: Because the chest and back are covered mainly by clothing, they are more prone to sweating and itching.
• Arms and Legs: Both limbs also experience itching due to reduced collagen production, which leads to prickling sensations or formication.
• Scalp: As the scalp gets drier faster and easier, women experience itching and irritation on the scalp. Sometimes, it is also associated with flakiness and dandruff-like symptoms.
• Genital Area: Vagina is the area where itching will be more in the majority of the women. Vaginal itching is known as vulvar pruritus. Some women experience itching both in the inner and outer parts of the vagina.

Treatment Options for Menopause Itching

Menopausal itching of mild and moderate intensity can be effectively managed with natural remedies, proper diet, and lifestyle correction. Excessive itching requires medical supervision and treatment.

A few treatment options include:

• Antihistamines: These help in faster alleviation of itching and pruritus caused by an exaggerated allergic response.
• Over-The-Counter Anti-itch Creams: Creams containing hydrocortisone also help reduce inflammation and itching.
• Herbal Supplement: Supplements containing phytoestrogens (plant-based compounds that mimic oestrogen) like soy, flaxseed, and legumes compensate for reduced oestrogen and help eliminate symptoms like itching and skin dryness caused by low oestrogen.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Nowadays, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is usually done by doctors to address menopause symptoms. HRT can greatly reduce itching. However, it has potential side effects, so it should be considered only after strict medical supervision.
• Vaginal Moisturisers and Lubricants: These topical moisturisers prevent dryness and itching of the vaginal area
• Topical Oestrogen Creams: These creams restore the oestrogen levels of vaginal tissues in approximately two weeks' time period.
• Oestrogen Suppositories: A form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) that deliver oestrogen to the vaginal area directly.  Oestrogen suppositories are usually recommended for more severe cases.

For some women with milder symptoms, menopausal itching can be subsided with natural home remedies, dietary corrections, and lifestyle modifications.

Natural Remedies for Menopause Itching

• Moisturise the skin regularly with creams containing hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and ceramides to hydrate and prevent dryness.
• Oatmeals are known for their dermal anti-inflammatory properties. Soak yourselves in a warm bath, or apply warm colloidal oatmeal onto the skin to help eliminate skin irritation.
• Coconut oil is the oil most suitable for allergy and skin irritation patients. It helps with the oleation of the skin rather than simply hydrating. It is also known for its antimicrobial action.
• Aloe vera gel is yet another instant remedy for skin itching for those who can't use coconut oil because of acne-prone skin. Freshly prepared aloe vera gel provides a cooling effect and soothes skin instantly.
• Try Cold Compresses or ice packs on the irritated skin. This helps reduce the inflammation and itching of the skin.
• Vitamin E oils also help in skin hydration and prevent dryness.
• Use herbal oils like Chamomile, lavender, and tea tree oil in diluted form by adding a carrier oil to the skin. This also helps prevent skin irritation.
• Topical application of neem leaves, either in powder form (leaves dried and powdered)
• Or, as paste form (leaves ground to paste), it helps relieve itching because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Water boiled with neem leaves and crushed turmeric together lukewarm can be used as a wash or douche.
• Dong Quai, an oestrogenic herb, also known as female ginseng, helps eliminate skin issues associated with menopause.

Dietary Inclusions

• Drink an adequate amount of water often. This maintains skin moisture and helps in skin hydration.
• To nourish your skin from within, consume foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids (like cod liver oil, fatty fish oils, flax seeds, almonds, and other nuts).
• Quercetin-rich foods like apples, berries, and green leafy veggies are rich in antioxidants that help reduce skin inflammation and irritation.
• Turmeric is known for its anti-allergic properties. Try adding a pinch to the recipes you cook daily.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Try to avoid extremely hot water when showering. Instead, try using lukewarm. 
• Try to switch to organic, natural, and skin-friendly drugs instead of skin irritants such as harsh soaps or products containing chemicals.
• To reduce skin sensitivity, avoid wearing synthetic fabrics and tight-fitting clothes. Instead, wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres or cotton.
• Stay away from sunlight as much as possible. UV rays from the sun cause skin dryness, eventually leading to itching.

Including the above-mentioned natural remedies, dietary inclusions, and lifestyle modifications can easily manage the condition in most cases of menopausal itching.

Prevention Tips for Managing Menopause Itching

Managing menopausal itching is essential for maintaining quality of life and comfort. Here are some tips to prevent menopausal itching and associated discomfort.

• Drinking plenty of water and Stay Hydrated. Hydration helps your skin moisturise from within.
• Consume foods rich in Vitamins A, C, and E and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, nuts, flaxseed avocados, and so on. These foods improve skin elasticity and reduce itching.
• Moisture regularly. Opt for natural options like aloe Vera gel, calamine and so on.
• Use gentle, unscented cleansers and lukewarm water for skin cleansing.
• Ditch smoking and alcohol intake, as these might dehydrate the skin.
• Regularly exercise or engage yourself in any physical activity to keep stress and menopausal symptoms at bay.

Incorporate the above-mentioned strategies into your daily routines to effectively manage menopausal itching. If it becomes uncontrollable and challenging to manage, seek medical attention as early as possible.

When to See a Doctor

Consulting a doctor is crucial for getting the most appropriate treatment suitably customised for an individual.

Immediate medical attention should be sought when you find the condition escalating. For instance

• If the itching lasts for more than a few days or if other symptoms like swelling, respiratory illness like jaundice, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness accompany it, persistent itching along with these symptoms requires further investigation.
• Prolonged intense itching in the vagina, along with dryness of the vagina, may be due to a condition called vaginitis. It requires immediate medical supervision.
• Sometimes, itching accompanies unusual symptoms like bleeding, heavy discharge, and skin infections. Medical evaluation is mandatory in such conditions for an accurate diagnosis.
• Sometimes, skin texture changes, rashes appear, and a crawling sensation called formication starts. Consult the doctor for further evaluation if the above-mentioned symptoms are present.

Conclusion

Itching during menopause is a manageable symptom. Itching can be managed in most cases with proper hydration from both outside and inside, routine skin care, diet, and lifestyle adjustments. In rare cases, further medical investigations and appropriate treatment may be required.

First and foremost, understand the underlying cause. Based on the cause, remedial measures and strategies can be adopted, improving the quality and comfort of life.