How To Stop Perimenopause Skin Itching

Perimenopause can be easy and symptom free for some women, but others experience a variety of symptoms including for some, intense itching in various areas of your body. This itching is clinically named pruritus.

It can be both painful and annoying, and unlike other perimenopause symptoms, it doesn't go away quickl

What is the Link Between Perimenopause and Itching Skin?

As you grow older, skin undergoes changes regardless of gender. However, women's skin is influenced by hormones due to the reduction of ovarian hormone production at menopause. This causes accelerated loss of elastin and collagen, and increased dryness which contributes to itching and in more extreme situations a sensation of crawling under/in the skin known as formication.

You may be familiar with how estrogen hormones are essential for the functioning of the female reproductive system. But it's not just about reproduction – estrogen has a significant impact on your skin health as well. It helps by:

Producing collagen, which keeps skin elastic and firm.
Promoting sebum production which keeps the skin moist and oily (Estrogen-deficient skin, 2019).
Reducing inflammation.
Promoting wound healing.

During perimenopause, there is a quick drop in estrogen hormone production. This drop in estrogen decreases skin's collagen content by 2% every postmenopausal year. Additionally the changes in progesterone and testosterone impact skin oil production and perimenopausal women might notice their skin getting dry, breaking out in acne, or getting thinner.

Skin Itching: Identifying Its Causes and Triggers

For any skin condition, it is really important to identify its causes and triggers.

Skin itching mainly occurs when the skin gets dry and scaly. There are different causes of itching skin, for example:

Hormone Changes: estrogen helps your skin stay hydrated and maintains good collagen and elastin, supporting the structure, testosterone helps maintain oils and sebum production
Skin Conditions: Dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, scabies, insect bites.
Nerve Disorders: Herpes Zoster, multiple sclerosis.
Psychiatric Conditions: Anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression.
Allergic Reaction/skin irritation: Wool, chemicals, soaps, and other substances can irritate the skin and cause rashes and itching.
Medical Conditions: Liver failure, bile duct obstruction, hepatitis.
Stretch Marks: Weight gain can be common in perimenopause and can cause stretch marks that can feel itchy.

Perimenopause can exaccerbate existing skin conditions, you may develop new sensitivities or dryness associated with changing hormone levels.

Itchy Skin Triggers

Itchy skin can have triggers, that exaccerbate discomfort and leads to increased scratching and skin damage. Identifying triggers can prevent worsening symptoms.

Here are some of the triggers of itching skin (especially during menopause):

Hormonal changes
Histamine intolerance
Dry air such as from indoor air conditioning or a cold dry climate
Heat and sweating/heat rash
Stress
Prolonged sun exposure/photo-aged skin
Irritants (such as harsh soaps, bodywash, perfumes, or laundry detergents)
Clothing (Wearing tight or synthetic clothing that doesn't allow the skin to breathe)
Allergens
Medications (such as calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers).

Why Is Itching Skin in Perimenopause a Problem?

Besides driving you crazy, itching skin can cause some ongoing issues for perimenopausal women that can persist or worsen post-menopause. This can be due to both the changes in the skin from reduced estrogen levels as well as the consequences of scratching.

increased skin fragility
increased susceptibility to trauma
poor wound healing.

Don't despair, there are many things you can do to reduce perimenopausal skin itching.

Expert Tips for Managing Skin Itching During Perimenopause

Here, we bring you our expert tips, home remedies and medication treatment for skin itching during perimenopause.

Skin itching can be quickly relieved by changing your skincare and diet routines. Here are some easy tips you can follow at home to avoid skin itching during perimenopause:

Keep Your Skin Cool

Give your skin cold compresses: Putting a cold, damp cloth on itchy skin can make it feel better.

If itching bothers you at night, try wrapping the itchy area with a wet towel overnight.

Moisturize Regularly

After you shower or bathe, use a moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Look for fragrance-free moisturizers made for dry, sensitive skin. Natural options like aloe vera gel or coconut oil can help soothe your skin better. Avoid moisturisers containing sodium lauryl sulphate (such as found in prescribed aqueous cream). Sodium lauryl suphate contributes to breakdown of the skin barrier and results in increased irritation and exaccerbation of dermatitis (Influence of Aqueous Cream on skin, protein content and water loss 2011).

Use moisturisers with ceremides if possible, as these are protective fatty acids for your skin barrier.

Oatmeal Bath

Adding oatmeal to your bathwater can help calm itchy skin. Colloidal oatmeal bath is using finely ground oatmeal dissolved in bath water. It helps soften and soothe your skin. You can find colloidal oatmeal in drugstores or online.

Always make sure the water is warm, not hot, as hot water can strip away your body's natural oils and make itching worse.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Eat more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of essential fatty acids that have potent anti-inflammatory properties, support oil production in the skin and support hydration. So, eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, mackerel, chia seeds, walnuts, etc) can reduce itching skin.

Avoid Irritants

Soaps with antibacterial or deodorant properties can strip your skin off natural oils, and healthy bacteria, making it even drier. Also, be careful with products with strong chemicals or perfumes, like laundry detergents, makeup, and skincare items. Check your skincare products at EWG skindeep database to exclude problematic chemicals in your skincare products that may be irritating your skin.

After swimming, rinse off quickly to remove harsh pool chemicals.

Sun Protection

Always use sunscreen when you're outside: The sun's rays can make dry or sensitive skin even worse. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on all the parts of your body that are exposed to the sun, even when it's cloudy.

It won't replace the moisture your skin needs, but it can shield your skin from the sun, which can dry it out more and acelerate photo-aging.

Don't forget to supplement with vitamin D if you are being sunsmart.

Avoid Scratching Your Skin

Don't scratch your itchy skin, even though it feels good: Scratching can hurt your skin, especially if it's already sensitive or red. Instead, try putting something cool on it to make it feel better

Wear loose and soft clothes: Wear clothes made of soft, loose materials like cotton. These are less likely to irritate your skin than clothes made of wool or synthetic fabrics.

Avoid Alcohol or Smoking

Did you know that tobacco smoking and over-intake of alcohol cause dryness of the skin and lead to itchy skin? Smoking also causes constriction of small blood vessels, reducing good blood flow to the skin. Avoid smoking and drink alcohol according to recommendations to reduce skin itching.

Treatments for itching skin in Perimenopause

If you have severe skin itching, home remedies might not be enough, and you may need medications.

Here's are some medications that can help reduce your skin itching:

Antihistamines

Some people with perimenopause itching find relief by taking allergy medications. You can either use an antihistamine cream on your skin or take tablets. This can also help reduce itching at night and improve sleep.

Phytoestrogens

These compounds, called phytoestrogens, are found in plants. They're not exactly like our bodies' estrogen, but they can do some of the same things. You can find them in soy products, flaxseed, and some herbs like red clover.

Scientists are still studying if phytoestrogens help with perimenopause symptoms. However, some research indicates they might help, like HRT, but with fewer side effects.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

For women going through perimenopause or menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be of great help for a number of hormonally mediated symptoms, which could include skin itching. Some women also report reduced itching and more oil to their skin when using natural progesterone capsules.

Research indicates that estrogen does not improve collagen production in sun-damaged skin. So, again, always use sunscreen to protect your skin from sun-damage.

If your itchy skin is caused by a medical condition such as eczema or psoriasis you may be prescribed other medications such as steroid creams or vitamin D analogue creams and these should always be used as prescribed.

Benefits of HRT For Skin Health in Perimenopause

Numerous studies show that topical estrogen increases skin thickness, increases collagen production, increases water content of skin, all of which reduces dryness (Estrogen-deficient skin 2019).

Systemic estrogen therapy also has beneficial effects for the skin (Systemic HRT in postmenopausal women 2000).

It is interesting to note that the optimal prevention of skin aging changes that result in itching skin, occurs for women who start using HRT during perimenopause and into menopause rather than starting to use it after they have had low estrogen levels for some time postmenopause (Skin aging and menopause 2003).

Don't Forget Vulva and Vaginal Skin Itching

Many women going through perimenopause might be unaware of the fact that itching is common in the vaginal area as well. Itching and irritation is commonly due to hormonal changes due to menopause known as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Some women experience cyclical vulva dryness or vaginal dryness in perimenopause especially in the late luteal phase (week before the period) as hormone shifts occur and estrogen drops low.

Vaginal itching responds well to topical estrogen cream or the precursor hormone that is converted in tissues to both estrogen and testosterone. It is a simple way to keep the vaginal skin healthy. It also can benefit from hyaluronic acid which helps maintain water in the vaginal skin.

Vaginal itching can also be due to infection or other causes so if you have concerns, get this checked out by your health professional.

Why Skincare Is Important For Perimenopausal Woman

Skin care is important, no matter your age.

Skin is your very significant barrier against pathogens, allergens and toxins and your skin's integrity is essential for a healthy body.

Having a skin care routine at perimenopause is crucial as the hormonal changes during this time can affect the skin adversely. Perimenopause and itching skin go hand in hand. Additionally, skin becomes drier, thinner, and more prone to wrinkles and acne during this time.

A good skin care routine can improve skin hydration, elasticity, and overall appearance, reducing signs of aging and promoting confidence and well-being during this transitional phase.

Related: Menopause Skin Care

Final Words

A woman's life mostly depends on hormonal changes; puberty, periods, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause.

A decrease in estrogen during perimenopause causes dryness and skin itching. Following a healthy diet and a good skin care routine can reduce skin itchiness and dryness that come with menopause.

Remember,

"Healthy skin is not a luxury, it's a necessity for your wellbeing."

Dr Deborah Brunt is a menopause doctor at Rebelle Health and would love to support you through the perimenopause and menopausal stages, supporting all aspects of your health and wellbeing.

Join our Menothrive Programs to feel great and love your life during peri and menopause.

Dr Deborah Brunt | Rebelle Health | Book Appointment

****Menopause Hormone Therapy should be prescribed by trained medical professionals. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks of using MHT and whether it is right for you. If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your health professional. MHT has benefits and risks. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. For more information refer to the Consumer Medicine Information for estradiol/estriol/progesterone at www.medsafe.govt.nz