Why Your Skin Itches During Menopause (And What to Do About It)

01

Does menopause cause itchy skin?

When it comes to menopausal symptoms, we’re all bracing ourselves for the hot flushes and mood swings. But menopause and skin itching? That one often catches women off guard. As estrogen levels dip, your skin takes a hit too. In fact, the skin during menopause becomes more prone to issues like dry skin, thinning skin, and that awful itchy skin sensation many women struggle with.

Here’s the thing: estrogen isn’t just regulating your menstrual cycle—it’s a key player in keeping your skin healthy. When estrogen levels fall, your skin loses some of its natural defences, including its ability to retain moisture, produce natural oils, and maintain collagen. This leaves you with skin that feels dry, irritated, and, yes, itchy. Menopause specialist and Australian GP, Dr. Ginni Mansberg explains, “Disruption of the skin barrier due to estrogen loss is responsible for much of your skin’s itch and sensitivity”(1).

Let’s dive into why this happens and, more importantly, what you can do to keep your skin moisturised and soothed.

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02

How Hormonal Changes Wreak Havoc on Your Skin

Changes in hormones during menopause directly impact skin health. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining skin moisture and promoting collagen production, the protein that keeps skin firm and smooth (2). Dr. Mansberg says, "To understand what happens around perimenopause and menopause, you need to understand just how fabulous estrogen is for your skin. Estrogen helps your skin in three broad ways—maintaining your skin barrier, boosting collagen, and inhibiting inflammation"(1).

Estrogen is a protective force for the skin. As it declines, you may notice an impaired skin barrier and particularly the loss of collagen and elastin, causing discomfort(3). This may lead to thinning, sensitive, and itchy skin. Some women even experience formication, a condition where altered skin nerve function causes strange skin sensations, like insects crawling on the skin. To keep your skin healthy and reduce itchiness, it's essential to focus on repairing the skin barrier.

In addition to a disrupted skin barrier, the skin's pH typically increases after menopause. "This rise, which sees the skin shifting from acidic to a more alkaline state, is known to further impair the skin barrier and also make your skin drier and accelerate aging," says Dr. Mansberg(1).

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03

Common Symptoms of Itchy Skin During Menopause

Menopausal women often experience more than just dryness. Itching may also be accompanied by prickling or burning sensations, which can be particularly frustrating. These symptoms, known as paresthesia, are linked to nerve sensitivity caused by hormonal changes(4).

Itchy, dry skin can affect various parts of the body, but the face, chest, and limbs are often the most sensitive. The sensation can be particularly severe at night, leading to sleep disturbances for many women(5). There are estrogen receptors all over the body, affecting the skin on your face, body, and even the vagina. Itchiness and dryness may occur anywhere, and vaginal dryness is particularly common in menopause.

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04

Managing and Treating Menopause-Related Itchy Skin

One of the most effective ways to manage itching and maintain healthy skin is by keeping the skin moisturised. Using a fragrance-free, hydrating moisturiser immediately after bathing can help lock in moisture and prevent the skin from becoming too dry. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help to keep the skin hydrated(6).

It’s also important to avoid hot showers, as hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, worsening dryness. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and limit your showers to 10-15 minutes to help protect the skin’s moisture barrier(7).

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05

Skin Care for Itchy Skin Relief

"If you have a compromised skin barrier, the first thing to do is avoid ingredients that might irritate your already sensitive skin. So I would steer you away from any irritants like prescription vitamin A, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C—at least until your skin barrier (itch and irritation) is fixed," says Dr. Mansberg(1).

Instead, focus on soothing skincare products that can help heal the skin. Aloe vera gel, with its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce inflammation and irritation when applied directly to the skin(8). Similarly, colloidal oatmeal is effective for calming itchy skin. Adding finely ground oats to a warm bath creates a protective layer on the skin, which helps lock in moisture(9).

Herbal supplements like evening primrose oil and omega-3 fatty acids can also support skin hydration from within. These oral supplements contain natural oils that help replenish essential fatty acids, improving the skin’s moisture and elasticity(10). However, it’s important to note that while some women find relief from these supplements, scientific evidence is mixed, so it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting new supplements.

In addition to moisturising skin treatments, don't forget to wear sunscreen daily. "Hands down, the biggest source of aging that you can actually prevent is sun exposure," says Dr. Mansberg(1). In addition to preventing aging and skin cancer, sunscreen will prevent UVA and UVB rays from damaging the skin barrier.

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06

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Medical Treatments

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can also relieve itchy skin by restoring estrogen levels. This improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture and maintain collagen production. However, HRT may not be suitable for all women, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits(2).

For those seeking alternatives, prescription creams and moisturisers may be helpful. These medical treatments can strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and provide long-lasting relief from itching(11).

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07

Lifestyle Changes for Skin Health

Hydration is critical for maintaining healthy, moisturised skin. Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day can help replenish the body’s fluids, supporting the skin’s natural hydration. Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats also promotes skin health, especially foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and flaxseeds(10).

To protect the skin from environmental stressors, use sunscreen daily, avoid harsh soaps, and choose gentle, fragrance-free products to minimise irritation. These steps will help maintain the skin’s barrier and reduce the likelihood of dryness and itching(7).

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08

When to Seek Professional Help

If skin itching persists despite using moisturisers and natural remedies, it’s important to consult a a doctor or board-certified dermatologist. Chronic itching could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, which requires targeted treatment(5). A dermatologist can also perform tests to rule out skin infections or other medical issues that could be contributing to persistent itching(11).

By taking a proactive approach to skincare during menopause, women can manage itching and maintain healthy, comfortable skin. It’s essential to understand that while skin changes are common during menopause, they don’t have to interfere with your quality of life.