MENOPAUSE ITCHING

Menopause is already a handful for a woman. Menopause itchiness, or pruritus, is another level of inconvenience in a woman undergoing menopause (how much more so if you are living in a country having dry air?! Oh, what a combination!) Menopause itching is one of the complications of menopause that every woman must go through (in varying intensities) upon entering menopause stage.

But fear not, these complications of menopause will eventually subside and be over as naturally as it commenced, but of course it must be addressed with utmost care. You wouldn’t want to be troubled with constantly rubbing or scratching your face, any parts of your body or even that personal part down there, right?!

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life. It has three stages, namely:

Perimenopause or Peri-menopause – The first stage where symptoms start to commence as your oestrogen hormones production starts to decline (oestrogen are powerhouse hormones responsible for the many functions in the body). This stage usually starts between ages 40 – 50 and would go on for quite a few years before you enter the second stage.
Menopause – The second stage and characterized as having no menstrual period for 12 consecutive months (yes, menopause stage is just one whole year); average age for menopause is at 50 (that is around ages 45 to 55). Some symptoms and complications may perhaps intensify largely due to having very few to none oestrogen hormones.
Post menopause – the third stage and at this time some of the symptoms may have subsided yet some complications may start to commence as the body is adjusting to the very few or absence of oestrogen hormones in the body.

Where Can I Expect Menopause Itching?

A decline in the production of oestrogen hormones would have drastic changes in the body especially in the skin. Collagen and oils naturally produced by skin, as well as its ability to keep the moisture through oestrogen is one main factor that helps the skin moisturized and healthy.

A decline or absence of oestrogen would naturally result to dryness and itchiness, hence the complication menopause itching. Then scratching or rubbing your skin will just make it worse. And we need suggestions for relief that we can liken to having a nice cold drink in a very hot summer. (Yes, that is so refreshing, right?!) Yet of course, experiences vary among women. (1)

Menopause itching on skin

Menopause itching may be severe to some while others experience on a mild degree. Sensations such as prickling, or tingling can be felt in the face or some parts of the body is called paresthesia. Skin’s barrier and elasticity decreases as estrogen decreases. Perhaps, scratching the skin irritates it more and resulting skin conditions may be reddening of skin, rashes and skin bumps.

Have you ever felt like insects are crawling under your skin? (Oh, the horror!) They call it formication, a paresthesia of rare type. We can only imagine the discomfort this may bring when you are undergoing menopause stage. (1)

Menopause itching on genitals

Decrease in oestrogen results to vaginal dryness as well as vaginal itching or vulvar prutitus which intensify during the menopause stage. Severe case is vaginal atrophy which is characterized by the thinning of vaginal tissues. Vaginal atrophy feels very itchy and painful, having sex may also be painful because of this. (1)

5 Suggestions You Can Deal With

Menopause Itching

1. Forget about hot showers

Forget about hot showers (at least for the time being), they will just worsen dry skin and menopause itching.

Hot showers will worsen dry skin and menopause itching.

Keep in mind to use mild soap and moisturize your skin after showering or whenever needed. An oatmeal bath can also soothe menopause itching.

2. Use natural skin care products

Natural skincare products which could blend well with your skin are always a go especially when it comes to moisturization and soothing effect.

Natural skin care products blends well to your skin, without the harsh chemicals.

Topical antioxidants such as Vitamin C or green tea. Other moisturizers recommended by the experts include shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid.

3. Eat healthy foods

Hold on to a healthy food intake, yes, more on vegetables, fruits and good fats.

Focus on good fats like salmon and avocado.

Healthy food choices will go a long way to help balance your hormones and alleviate skin itching. More on vegetables, fruits and good fats.

4. Regular exercise

Have a regular exercise, it helps with your bone and skin health.

Exercise helps increase the amount of nutrients and oxygen that make it to your skin like collagen which helps keep a youthful skin. (2)

Collagen gives our skin strength and elasticity.

5. Creams or antihistamines

Medical treatments such as creams or antihistamines.

Have a talk with your physician on what will be the best option.

Have a talk with your physician on what will be the best option for your menopause itching, given with whatever circumstances or health conditions you have.

We really hope you have a graceful menopause journey (yes without menopause itching!). We got this, ladies!

REFERENCES

(1) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322587#types-of-itching

(2) https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/menopause-dry-skin-hormone-connection#1