Question: My skin is very itchy and dry. Is this a perimenopause symptom?
Answer: It can be! We have oestrogen receptors all over our skin and in perimenopause skin can be more prone to sensitivity, irritation, and damage. You might notice tightness or itchiness, especially on the face, the lower legs, the vulva and the vagina. All these areas have more oestrogen receptors.
Perimenopause affects collagen, as well as the strength and thickness of the skin, and the skin's ability to hold on to that protective layer of moisture that keeps it supple.
Perimenopause can also increase histamine levels, making you more prone to skin allergies and irritations. You might not be able to wear wool or anything scratchy.
Stress can ramp up histamine levels, as can dehydration. My top tips are Menopause Support tablets and Nettle tea (or you can take Nettle drops in a little water).
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Drink plenty of water because this will help the kidneys flush out excess histamine and uric acid.
Moisturise well. Use good natural moisturisers without nasty ingredients/chemicals.
Eat plenty of good oils in your diet such as good quality fish, and flaxseed.
More advice for you
For more information and advice, head over to our Menopause coach Eileen’s blog, ‘Can menopause cause itching all over?’, where she looks at itchy skin in more detail, including 5 areas of the body that can become itchy during menopause and what you can do to help ease these itches.
You may also find these articles helpful:
3 things that can happen to your skin during menopause
