Menopause Mondays: The Itch OH THE ITCH!

I never buy body lotion. Its not that I don’t use, I have just never had to buy it before. Usually I get gifted some for my birthday and/or Christmas and that usually lasts me. I have sensory issues so I don’t add lotion every day, only when I notice my skin is dry – mostly during winter. A few months ago I had to buy a bottle of body cream. When I did a quick investigation, it wasn’t because I didn’t get gifted any, it was because I was using more of it because my skin constantly feels itchy! A deep dive into this led me to discover that this is largely due to menopause (or perimenopause). Trust me I was surprised as you are that this is, yet another, symptom of this exciting season of life as a woman. So I had to do a bit of a deep dive into this.

Why Does Menopause Cause Itchiness?

The primary culprit behind menopausal itchiness is the dramatic decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health by:

1. Stimulating collagen and oils production, which keeps skin moisturized and plump
2. Supporting the skin’s barrier function, protecting against environmental stressors
3. Promoting blood flow to the skin, ensuring proper nourishment

As estrogen levels decline, these protective mechanisms are compromised, leading to various skin changes that can result in itchiness:

• Dryness: Reduced oil production leads to dry, flaky skin that’s prone to itching.
• Thinning: The skin becomes thinner and more sensitive, making it more susceptible to irritation.
• Reduced elasticity: Loss of collagen can cause the skin to feel tight and uncomfortable.

Common Areas Affected by Menopausal Itching

While itchiness can occur anywhere on the body, some areas are more commonly affected during menopause:

1. Vulva and vagina: Known as vulvovaginal atrophy, this can cause intense itching and discomfort.
2. Scalp: Hormonal changes can lead to a dry, itchy scalp and even hair loss. I am struggling so much with this. I have been using conditioner when washing my hair, which is about once a week but it is still so itchy all the time.
3. Legs and arms: Large areas of skin on the limbs may become dry and itchy. My arms are the worst – my top arm can get so itchy, the only thing that helps is lathering the cream on.
4. Face: Facial skin may feel tight, dry, and prone to itching.

Managing Menopausal Itchiness

Fortunately, there are several strategies to alleviate menopausal itching:

1. Moisturize regularly: Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers to keep skin hydrated. Apply immediately after bathing for best results.
2. Adjust your bathing routine: Use lukewarm water instead of hot, limit shower time, and opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.
3. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help maintain skin hydration from the inside out.
4. Wear breathable fabrics: Choose loose-fitting, natural fiber clothing to reduce skin irritation.
5. Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help prevent skin dryness, especially in dry climates or during winter months.
6. Consider dietary changes: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, which can help improve skin health.
7. Practice stress-reduction techniques: Stress can exacerbate itching, so try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to stay calm.
8. Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid products or situations that worsen your itching, such as certain fabrics, detergents, or environmental factors.

To be honest, I am not so sure about this list – I do all of these things and still the itch persists but I am definitely not saying don’t try them!

Obviously if you are struggling with persistent itchiness that won’t go away or is getting worse, you definitely want to get to your health care provider for some help!

Are you dealing with this? What did you do to ease the itch?