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Itchy Skin

Itchy Skin and Menopause

Itchy skin is very common during peri/menopause but many women don’t realise the connection.

Woman itchy skin

Why do we get itchy skin?

Although itchy skin isn’t often associated with hormone imbalance it can be a side effect of fluctuating hormones during peri/menopause.

The technical term for this itchy skin is ‘pruritus’, and as with most things to do with menopause it’s caused by the hormonal changes of perimenopause and our fluctuating levels of estrogen.

Estrogen is related to the production of collagen, the protein responsible for plumpness and suppleness of our skin as well as our production of natural skin oils. Therefore lower levels of estrogen mean the skin produces less collagen and oil leading to drier, itchy skin everywhere including our vagina.

Related: Six ways to Tame Itchy Skin

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Post-menopause


This is the time when menstruation is well and truly over, the ovaries have stopped producing high levels of sex hormones and for many ladies, perimenopause symptoms subside.

Estrogen has protective qualities and the diminished levels mean organs such as your brain, heart and bones become more vulnerable. It’s also a key lubricant so your lips may become drier, your joints less supple and your vagina might be drier. In addition, your thyroid, digestion, insulin, cortisol and weight may alter.

At this juncture, a woman might experience an increase in the signs of reduced estrogen but she should have a decrease of perimenopause symptoms. That said, some women will experience symptoms like hot flushes for years or even the rest of their lives.

Perimenopause

Peri = ‘near’

Most females begin to experience the symptoms of perimenopause in their mid-forties. Your progesterone levels decline from your mid-30s but it’s generally from around 40 that the rest of your sex hormones begin to follow suit. 

Perimenopause is a different experience for every woman and some women may barely notice it. The first indicators are usually changes to the monthly cycle. This means that for some ladies, this can be accompanied by things like sore breasts, mood swings, weight gain around the belly, and fatigue as time goes on.

For those with symptoms it can be a challenging time physically, mentally and emotionally.

Importantly, perimenopause lasts – on average – four to 10 years. The transition is usually a gradual process and many women enter perimenopause without realising.