Menopause, the not-so-glamorous rite of passage for older women like me, often feels like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s keep lifeinteresting!” While I was ready for the classics—hot flashes and mood swings—nothing quite prepared me for theitching.
Oh yes, girls, I’m talking about that annoying, unrelenting “menopause itching and burning skin” phenomenon. Out of all the menopause symptoms, this was the worst for me, and I am still fighting dry skin daily. So, grab your cup of tea, and let’s dive into this strange phenomenon we call menopausal symptoms.
Table of Contents
The Enemy: (Menopause Itching and Burning) Hormonal Imbalances and How to Navigate Them
Hormonal Changes & Low Estrogen Levels
I have written another article about Menopause in-depth, and you can read it here, but let me summarise it quickly: Menopause kicks in when our ovaries decide to retire, dramatically reducing estrogen production. This hormonal dip leads to a host of changes, including the thinning of the skin and a noticeable lack of natural oils. It’s like someone took the moisture dial on my body and cranked it to “desert.” By the way, this is a common symptom of menopause. Your menopause experience might look slightly different, but at the end of the day (if you are a woman), will need to go through some kind of menopausal transition and I am sure I will see some comments on this, where we will share a common enemy.
Hormone imbalances can be treated with the right medical advice. You can choose between herbal supplements or opt for hormone replacement therapy. The latter I believe should only be explored if you really have no choice, because it does more harm than good. Make sure you choose a proper healthcare provider that will consider your medical history because if you have a heart problem, you probably want to avoid this treatment.
Itchy Skin Everywhere
Think of your skin as a well-hydrated sponge. Now imagine someone wringing it out. That’s what menopause does to our bodies. Itchy skin becomes one of the most common symptoms of menopause as our estrogen levels plummet, leaving our skin dry and sensitive. You will also realize you have itchy areas you never knew you had, and sometimes it will be caused by an allergic reaction that you did not anticipate, like wearing a colorful panty. If that is not enough, you will soon realize your nails, hands, scalp, and even your hair feels dry. It will change your daily life and you will either need to turn to medical treatments or make a good choice by changing your lifestyle to help you navigate your new reality.
Vaginal Dryness and Atrophy
Ah, vaginal dryness—a headliner in the menopause circus. As your body magically goes through the hormonal shifts, you will soon see the effects of reduced estrogen on the vaginal walls tissue, making it thinner, less elastic, and prone to irritation. The official term, vaginal atrophy, sounds like something from a sci-fi horror movie, but trust me, it’s all too real. You will have a lot of vaginal changes, things like dryness, not being able to be aroused during sexual intercourse anymore. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can either opt for water-based lubricant or silicone-based lubricant. Both are effective, but you need to choose what is best.
It is also important to understand that not all vaginal symptoms are caused by Menopause. There might be other underlying causes that can only be identified by a professional caregiver. Even things like stress levels can affect your quality of life.
Yeast Infections, Vaginal Infections, Tract Urinary Tract Infections
The itch isn’t always about dryness. Low estrogen levels can also disturb the balance of our natural flora, leaving us vulnerable to yeast infections and other vaginal infections. It’s like Mother Nature forgot to send us the “How to maintain your pH post-menopause” manual. Try to avoid things like colorful panties, or harsh soaps, and make sure your husband cleans up well before the act. Oh, and do not forget what you learned as a little girl. When you do number 2, make sure you wipe the right way and do not leave anything behind. Yes, I know it sounds gross, but we need to talk about this. A wonderful solution to this is a bidet. Get your husband to install one on your toilet. Believe me, you will thank me later. It is the best way to clean properly without any harsh chemicals or toilet paper.
You will also notice more urinary tract infections as you progress through menopause. That burning sensation leaves you wondering if you accidentally sat on a campfire. Again, this can be caused by wiping the wrong way, bubble bath, or using scented toilet paper or fancy fabric softeners. All of it can cause an allergic reaction. By the time I figured this out, my laundry routine looked like a science experiment, because I never had such infections on this scale prior to menopause.
Treatment Options: Because Scratching is Not a Plan
Estrogen Creams / Vaginal Creams
Topical estrogen creams can work wonders for vaginal dryness and atrophy. Think of them as a spa day for your vaginal tissue. Just don’t expect cucumber slices down there – LOL. There are many different types to choose from. Just make sure whatever you choose does not alter your vaginal ph.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Home Remedies
HRT can help stabilize hormone levels and alleviate the itch caused by hormonal changes.
Consult your doctor to find out if this option is suitable for you. I try to avoid HRT, mostly because it increases the risk of heart disease and many other problems.
Colloidal Oatmeal & Oatmeal Baths
An oatmeal bath isn’t just for kids with chickenpox. Adding colloidal oatmeal to warm water can soothe dry, itchy skin.
Silicone-Based & Water-Based Lubricants
Say goodbye to discomfort during intimacy with lubricants designed for sensitive skin. Silicone-based lubricants are long-lasting, while water-based options are gentle and easy to clean.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and staying hydrated can improve the production of natural oils, easing both itchy skin and vaginal dryness. In my other post, I summarised the solution to Menopause symptoms in 4 words: Eat Healthy and exercise Regularly. When you have gone through menopause you have to adjust. The sooner you accept that you need to embrace lifestyle changes, the better you will be able to control your symptoms without any drug administration.
Avoid Irritants
Switching to personal care products like hypoallergenic laundry detergents and unscented toilet paper can minimize vaginal irritation caused by allergic reactions.
Laugh Through Menopause
My motto in life. If you cannot control something, then move on and embrace it. Sometimes, the only way to cope with menopausal itching is to find the humor in it. After all, what’s life without a little laughter—even if it’s at the expense of our dwindling estrogen levels? Start treating yourself with more respect. Take a warm bath, ask your husband to bring a cool compress, dabbing your body to cool down during a hot flash (you never know how this could enhance your sex life). Eat foods that are rich in collagen to help your body cope. Take up activities that you enjoy. If you hate exercising, then do not do that. There are many forms of exercise. I swim, that is my favorite activity and it is the easiest on your joints.
MyFinal Word: You’re Not Alone
To all my fellow postmenopausal women battling the itch and burn, remember: you’re not alone. Whether it’s an oatmeal bath or a hormone replacement therapy consultation, there are plenty of ways to find relief. And if all else fails, at least we can bond over our collective disdain for scented toilet paper.
What’s your go-to remedy for menopause madness? Let me know in the comments—let’s swap survival tips and maybe a chuckle or two!
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