The Itch Factor: Understanding and Addressing Menopause-Related Itchy Skin

Itchy Skin : The Symptom Often Overlooked Yet Highly Bothersome

As women go through perimenopause and menopause, their hormone levels fluctuate, leading to physical and emotional changes. These hormonal shifts can also affect the moisture levels and elasticity of the skin, resulting in itching sensations in different parts of the body, like the arms, legs, face, and scalp.

In addition, vaginal itching may occur due to decreased estrogen levels affecting the delicate vaginal tissues.

Have you ever wondered how a minor symptom like itchy skin can significantly affect a woman's quality of life?

Well, the severity of menopause-related itching at night can range from a mild annoyance to an intense sensation accompanied by a burning feeling. These symptoms can be highly distressing, disrupting daily activities and affecting sleep quality due to the constant urge to scratch, adversely affecting the overall quality of life.

Menopause Itching and Role of Hormones

Hormonal changes have a crucial role in itchy skin during menopause. As women transition from perimenopause to menopause, the decline in estrogen levels, essential for maintaining healthy and vibrant skin, contributes to this symptom.

Why are oestrogen levels important in maintaining skin health?

•  They help regulate moisture levels.
•  Promote collagen production.
•  Enhance the skin's overall elasticity.

So what happens when the level of oestrogen declines in the female body?

Skin becomes 

• Dry,
• Less supple
• More prone to irritation, and    
• Increasingly sensitive. 

When the natural balance of oils and moisture in the skin disrupts during menopause, it compromises the skin barrier. This leads to increased moisture loss, resulting in dryness and itchiness. 

Decreased estrogen levels also reduce blood flow and hinder the skin's ability to repair itself, negatively impacting overall skin health. 

Recognising the influence of hormone fluctuations, particularly estrogen, on skin moisture and sensitivity is crucial for addressing menopause-related itchy skin and implementing effective remedies to restore comfort and nourishment.

Holistic Approach in Healing: Treat Menopausal Itching at Night with Ayurveda

When it comes to addressing menopause symptoms, taking a holistic approach can help you unlock the path to a healthy way of living.

Ayurveda offers a comprehensive system of healing that embraces this philosophy.

In treating itchy skin during menopause, Ayurveda provides specific solutions that can bring relief:

•  Herbal remedies such as neem, aloe vera, and turmeric can be applied topically or consumed internally to soothe the skin and reduce itching.
•  Dietary modifications, such as cooling and hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and coconut water, can help balance the body's internal temperature and support skin health.
•  Lifestyle practices like practising stress-reducing techniques such as yoga and meditation, staying hydrated, and maintaining a regular skincare routine can also contribute to relieving itchy skin. 
• Ayurveda detoxification therapies under panchakarma can effectively treat skin issues associated with menopause by restoring the natural oils and moisture of the skin by removing the accumulated toxins.
• Incorporating an Ayurveda Dinacharya-Daily regimen like Abhyanga- oil massages daily can help improve skin texture.

Knowing some natural remedies that can help alleviate the discomfort caused by vaginal itching during menopause. 

Natural Remedies for Menopause Vaginal Itching

1. Triphala Wash

This involves washing the vaginal area using a solution from Triphala, an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation.

Triphala, consisting of three fruits - Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki (Baheda), and Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan), is well known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. When used as a vaginal wash, Triphala can help soothe and cleanse the area, relieving itching and irritation. 

2. Oil Smearing

Applying coconut oil externally to the vaginal area can moisturise and reduce dryness, alleviating itching. This also helps maintain the moisture content without changing the pH balance of the vaginal skin.

3. Herbal Suppositories

Ayurvedic herbs such as Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) or Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) can be used as herbal suppositories. These help nourish and rejuvenate the vaginal tissues, reducing dryness and itching.

4. Sitz Baths: 

Regular sitz baths with warm water infused with herbal decoctions like chamomile, calendula, or witch hazel - herbs rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties- can relieve itching.

5. Aloe Vera Gel Application

Aloe vera gel, known for its soothing and healing properties, can be applied externally to the vaginal area to reduce itching and inflammation. Its natural moisturising effects can also help alleviate dryness.

6. Neem herbal wash

Neem, a potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory herb, can be used as a wash or applied topically to the vaginal area. These Ayurvedic remedies offer natural and gentle solutions to manage vaginal itching during menopause, promoting comfort and well-being.

Seeking professional help in analysing your condition and planning for better health is highly recommended. Get connected with the Health experts at Nirva Health now!

Relieving nighttime menopausal itching with lifestyle modifications

Nighttime itching during menopause can be incredibly challenging as it disrupts not only the quality of sleep but also the overall health and confidence of a person.

The relentless itchiness can make it difficult to fall asleep, leading to disturbed sleep patterns and subsequent fatigue.

Fear not! Practical lifestyle tips can help manage nighttime itching and promote better sleep.

• Choosing breathable fabrics, such as cotton, for sleepwear can allow for better air circulation and minimise irritation.
• Preferimg loose dresses and changing your panties/undergarments whenever you sweat or it gets wet.
• Maintaining a comfortable bedroom environment, with appropriate temperature and humidity levels, can also alleviate itchiness.
• Hydrating the skin before bedtime using moisturiser or soothing oils can help alleviate dryness and reduce itching sensations.
• Drinking herbal teas made from herbs like liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), or fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) can support hormonal balance and help reduce vaginal itching.

By incorporating these lifestyle adjustments, women can take proactive steps to manage nighttime itching, enhance sleep quality, and awaken feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Wrapping It Up!

In conclusion, managing itchy skin during menopause requires a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes and promotes overall well-being. 

It is also essential to understand the significance of the role of hormones in developing menopausal symptoms. Ayurveda offers many time-tested solutions that prioritise balance, self-care, and mind, body, and spirit interconnectedness. We can find comfort and relief during this transformative phase by incorporating Ayurvedic practices into our daily lives. It is important to remember that everyone's experience with menopause is unique. Seeking guidance from a qualified healthcare professional or Ayurvedic practitioner is crucial for personalised advice and recommendations tailored to your needs.