A drop in estrogen levels during menopause can cause your body to produce less collagen and natural oils, leading to itchy skin. Home remedies and medical treatments may help ease discomfort.

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can cause many uncomfortable, well-known physical symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats.

Some people may also experience changes to their skin, such as itchy skin. Known medically as “pruritus,” itchy skin may occur during perimenopause (the transition to menopause) and continue shortly after menopause.

Dry, itchy skin may be the most common skin complaint among people experiencing menopause.

During menopause, hormonal changes include a loss of estrogen. Estrogen is related to the production of collagen, an essential building block of skin, and natural oils that keep your skin moisturized. The lack of collagen and natural oils can cause your skin to become thin and itchy.

Itchiness may become more pronounced as menopause progresses. That’s because your skin starts to produce less sebum, an oil that keeps your skin moist.

Itchy skin can occur on any part of your body but is more likely to occur on your:

  • face
  • limbs
  • neck
  • chest
  • back

You may also experience itchy skin on your elbows and the T-zone of your face.

Other skin changes during menopause

During menopause, you may also experience additional changes to your skin, such as:

If itchy skin symptoms persist for 3 days or more, you may wish to visit a doctor. They may ask you how long your itchy skin has persisted and which parts of your body are affected.

A doctor may run tests to rule out other medical conditions that can cause itching. These tests may include:

Experts recommend the following home remedies to help alleviate itchy skin during menopause:

  • Moisturizers: A high quality moisturizer helps hold water in your skin’s outermost layer, which can alleviate drying and itching. Experts recommend choosing one that contains a low-pH emollient, like lactic acid, urea, or glycerin, to match the skin’s acidity.
  • Oatmeal baths: Adding colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath and soaking for at least 10 minutes may help alleviate and soothe itchy skin. You can also find colloidal oatmeal in many natural beauty and bath products.
  • Shorter baths: It may seem counterintuitive, but bathing or showering for too long can dry out your skin, making it more itchy. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends limiting baths and showers to 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Gentle soaps: Some soaps contain chemicals that may irritate your skin. Consider mild soaps or ones that use natural (plant oils) like aloe vera or cocoa butter.
  • Humidifiers: A humidifier can increase moisture in the air to help your skin feel less dry and itchy.

Sometimes, home remedies may not be enough to manage your itchy skin. A healthcare professional may recommend:

  • Over-the-counter anti-itch creams: An OTC hydrocortisone cream with at least 1% hydrocortisone may work well for soothing inflamed, itchy skin. You can find this in most drug stores.
  • Prescription corticosteroids: A doctor may prescribe a topical corticosteroid to treat inflamed, itchy skin. These come in various forms, and you may apply them as an aerosol, gel, cream, or lotion.
  • Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT): Previously known as hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), MHT is a popular treatment for many menopause symptoms, including itchy skin. A 2017 review notes that MHT is a viable treatment option for people in perimenopause who experience occasional itching. However, you may want to weigh its benefits against its side effects and risks.

You may be able to take steps to prevent or reduce your risk of itchy skin during menopause. Consider the following tips:

  • Eat a nutritious diet: A balanced diet rich in natural foods is essential to healthy skin. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also important for keeping skin supple and moisturized. Some supplements may also have beneficial effects on the skin.
  • Avoid hot showers: Showering or bathing in hot water robs your skin of precious oils needed for supple, moisturized skin. Shower in cool to lukewarm water. Use gentle soaps, and moisturize after showering to lock in your skin’s moisture.
  • Avoid scratching: Though it may be tempting to scratch your itchy areas, try to avoid scratching as much as possible. Consider keeping the area covered with a cool compress, which can also provide additional relief. Keep your fingernails well-trimmed, and wear gloves at night to prevent harsh scratching in your sleep.

General menopause skin care tips

Here are some additional tips to improve the look and feel of your skin during menopause:

  • Get plenty of sleep and rest.
  • Reduce stress.
  • Wear sunscreen daily.
  • Avoid tanning beds.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol use, which can both dry the skin.
  • Get regular exercise to help regulate hormones.

Just because you’re experiencing menopause doesn’t mean it’s the cause of your itchy skin. Other causes to consider include:

Other conditions that may lead to itchy skin include:

Which antihistamine is best for menopause itching?

Antihistamines can help with allergy-related itching, which is often caused by increased histamine in the body. Histamine may play a role in menopause itching, but the extent is unclear.

Research into antihistamines and menopause itching is lacking. However, sedative antihistamines, like hydroxyzine, have proven to be the most effective in managing chronic itching. A doctor needs to prescribe hydroxyzine.

What supplements might help with menopause itching?

Some herbal supplements, like genistein, act as phytoestrogens in the body, which may help replenish estrogen in the short term. While some research links phytoestrogens to reduced itching in other populations, research specific to menopause itching is lacking.

Other herbal supplements, like maca root, may encourage the body’s natural production of hormones.

Talk with a doctor before taking any herbal supplements.

When can I expect menopause itching to stop?

Itching due to hormonal changes in menopause can continue into postmenopause, but symptoms typically lessen over time.

Itchy skin may be a symptom of menopause. Several home and medical treatments are available to help with the discomfort it causes. Lifestyle changes can also help reduce your risk or the severity of your itchiness.

If you’re experiencing itchy skin during menopause, your symptoms should subside shortly after you transition beyond menopause.