Itchy Skin and The Menopause: Itching to be rid of the creepy-crawlies

Itchy Skin and The Menopause
QUESTION: I have noticed that I now have dry, itchy skin. I never used to. Is this related to menopause?

RESPONSE: The answer is yes and no. The decline in estrogen can contribute to dry and itchy skin menopause, but so can aging in general. Your skin is itchy because it's dry.

The best solution for this problem is very simple: Moisturize as much as you can. The difference between a prune and a raisin is moisture.

Keep your showers and baths tepid. The hot water is drying to the skin. (I promise you that I won't be listening to my own advice because one of the pleasures in my life is a nice hot bath or hot tub.)

After your bath, while your skin is still moist, moisturize.

Stress and insomnia can also cause itchy skin. Natural methods to help you relax may help. Try yoga, meditation, herbs, fitness, journaling your gratitude for life.

Estrogen affects how your body regulates water, and so, naturally, a fluctuation in estrogen will also mean a fluctuation in your hydration. On top of that, if you are sweating due to Hot Flashes or Night Sweats you will have an increased need for more water.

Here are some other possible causes of itchy skin menopause:

• Hypothyroidism
• Skin cancer
• Diabetes
• Vitamin deficiency
• Side effect of some medications

Click here to read an article about the Benefits of Water.

Drink eight glasses of water a day, and more if you sweat.

Exercise and sweating also helps because it keeps the pours open and moist, as long as you rehydrate.

A lot of women who complain of itchy skin also have problems with an itchy scalp.