Menopause Itchy Skin

Most women enter menopause between their 40s and early 50s. When a woman goes into menopause, her ovaries cease egg production, and her periods end. Her hormone levels, particularly estrogen, decrease. Estrogen is a powerful hormone that affects many body processes, including the skin.

Menopause and Itchy Skin

Estrogen stimulates the formation of collagen and oil. As estrogen production declines, women are more likely to notice uncomfortable tightness, skin irritation, thinning and dryness. Menopause itchy skin may first show up on the face, hands, feet or elbows, but it can occur anywhere. These changes often begin during perimenopause, the period immediately before menopause, and continue throughout life. While it is a permanent change, women do have some control over their skin comfort.

Itchy Skin and Menopause

While you may not be able to restore the skin you had at 21, you can enjoy brighter, more comfortable skin. The symptoms of menopause and itchy skin can often be managed with a healthy diet. Omega-3 fatty acids and other heart health acids can help your skin stay hydrated and reduce your risk of acne and other skin irritations. Look for salmon, eggs, walnuts, flax, soy, sardines and safflower oil.

Itchy Skin Menopause

Another way to protect your menopause itchy skin is to slather on a broad-spectrum sunblock every day. Even if you are not planning on spending hours in the sun or are going out on an overcast day, sunscreen is still essential to keeping your skin looking healthy and feeling comfortable. Use an ounce over all exposed skin. On days you are going outside all day, wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck and decolletage to reduce your symptoms of itchy skin menopause.

When you shower, aim for lukewarm water. While hot water can feel amazing particularly in cooler winter weather, it can open your pores and strip essential oils from your skin. Keep your showers or baths short, and use gentle, soap-free cleansers. Immediately after bathing while your skin is still damp, slather on a rich moisturizing lotion or cream to trap much-needed moisture into your menopause itchy skin.

Itchy Skin During Menopause

Itchy skin and menopause can also affect your face. Itchy skin on your face occurs for the same reasons that it occurs on your body. However, other menopause symptoms can exacerbate it. Hot flashes and night sweats can trigger heat and inflammation in your face, and sweat can further irritate already-inflamed skin. Use a topical serum that contains green tea, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, and use a moisturizer that contains shea butter to alleviate the tightness and discomfort.

Itchy skin and menopause can be irritating, but you have many options. A healthy diet, adequate hydration and regular moderate exercise can combat many menopause symptoms. Itchy skin during menopause can also be alleviated through the use of a natural supplement that supports healthy hormone balance and promotes skin regeneration.