Menopause and itching can go hand in hand for some women. The relationship between the two primarily corresponds to the occurrence of what are called “hot flashes.” Hot flashes are instances of extreme heat and rapid heartbeat, and are a common side effect of menopause. The hot flashes seem to contribute to problems relating to already dry skin, which can also occur in menopause.
Translated literally, menopause means “monthly cessation”. It stems from the Greek words men, meaning “month”, and pausis, meaning “cessation.” It refers to the cessation of the monthly menstrual cycle as a result of the hormonal changes women go through, usually around middle-age. The main symptoms of menopause are a result of hormonal changes caused by the ovaries ceasing to function. Menopause is a complex, gradual process and affects different women in different ways.
Many hormones are affected by the onset of menopause, but the one most associated with itching is estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for, among many other things, maintaining the elasticity of the skin. During menopause, many women experience dry skin, at least in the beginning. This dryness can occur in many areas, but the primary areas are the vagina, the eyes, and the arms and legs.
Itching associated with menopause is often unbearable and can last anywhere from months to years. The usual treatment for menopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and it replaces estrogen and other hormones. HRT is not without risk, however, and many women choose to forego it. Other treatment options can include using creams or emollients to keep the skin moist, herbal therapy, and homeopathy. It is recommended that itching be treated, regardless of the cause.
The relationship between menopause and itching, as understandable as it may appear with the involvement of estrogen, is not a totally accepted correspondence. Many in the medical community do not consider menopause and itching correlating issues. Often, it is considered more of a psychological issue than a physical one by attending physicians. However, the women experiencing menopause and itching often feel the occurrence of the itching corresponds with the onset of menopause and, more specifically, with the onset of hot flashes.
If a woman is experiencing unexplained itching, she may want to check for other symptoms including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. These symptoms can indicate the onset of menopause, occurring before the final menstrual cycle or after. Other symptoms can show up as well, including thinning hair, increased abdominal fat, and vaginal itching.