MANAGING MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS

Chronic Pruritus or Itchy Skin in Menopause

Itchy skin—medically termed pruritus—is a frequently overlooked yet distressing feature of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal transition. Declining oestrogen levels lead to diminished collagen and sebum production, weakening the skin barrier, increasing water loss, and rendering the skin dry, thin, fragile, and hypersensitive

• The itch may arise anywhere: face, neck, chest, back, arms, legs, scalp and even the vulvovaginal area
• It may feel like crawling, stinging, burning or buzzing—sometimes associated with faint bumps or paresthesia .
• Many women report severe nocturnal itch, sleep disturbance and even scratching that breaks the skin despite moisturisation and HRT



Underlying Causes

• Oestrogen decline reduces collagen and skin hydration, compromising the barrier function and leaving skin brittle and itchy
• Stress may exacerbate itching via histamine release, particularly in perimenopause when fluctuations are frequent
• Dehydration, excess caffeine or alcohol, and environmental factors like dry indoor heating further contribute to skin dryness and irritation 

Lifestyle & Self‑Care Strategies

• Avoid scratching: Instead, tap or apply a cool compress to alleviate discomfort; wearing gloves overnight may prevent skin damage.
• Bathing advice: Opt for brief, warm (not hot) showers or baths. Pat the skin dry gently while still damp and apply moisturiser immediately to seal in hydration
• Skincare and fabrics: Use fragrance‑free, hypoallergenic moisturisers and cleansers. Wear loose-fitting cotton or silk clothing; avoid wool and synthetic fibres and perfumed detergents
• Dietary support: Include Omega‑3 rich foods (e.g. oily fish, flaxseed, walnuts), B‑vitamin sources (e.g. green vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins), vitamin C and vitamin E to support collagen production and skin integrity
• Hydration & environment: Drink ample water, reduce caffeine and alcohol, avoid smoking, and use a humidifier if the air indoors is dry—especially in winter

Medical & Supplemental Options

• Topical emollients and creams: Aloe vera gel, coconut oil, colloidal oatmeal (bath soak), and if necessary, short-term mild corticosteroids (e.g. hydrocortisone 1%) or menthol-based cooling lotions may offer relief
• Antihistamines: Non‑sedative antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) have helped many sufferers. Some users benefit from dosing twice daily or combined with Pepcid (famotidine) under medical advice
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Many find that HRT significantly alleviates itching, though some do not respond. Different preparations (oral, gel, patch) and doses may impact effectiveness
• Supplements: Omega‑3 and collagen supplements may support skin health, but topical hydration appears more effective for widespread pruritus

When to Seek Medical Advice

See your GP or dermatologist if:

• The itching persists despite self‑care or significantly affects daily life;
• You experience unexplained rash, swelling, skin lesions, or systemic symptoms;

Blood tests are advisable to assess thyroid, liver or kidney function, or rule out other medical conditions, especially if antihistamines or moisturisers fail