Yes, itchy skin can be a symptom of perimenopause and menopause. The NHS lists "skin changes, including dry and itchy skin" among menopause symptoms, and says itchy skin is common after the menopause and usually gets better over time (NHS menopause symptoms; NHS itchy skin).
Gentle everyday skin care usually helps, but it's worth knowing when itching should be checked.
Key takeaways
- Dry, itchy skin is a recognised menopause symptom. In a UK survey of working women aged 40–60 with menopause symptoms, 53% reported skin changes such as dryness, acne or itchiness (CIPD, 2023).
- Simple steps come first: unperfumed moisturisers, short lukewarm showers and loose cotton clothing (NHS; British Association of Dermatologists).
- Itching isn't always hormonal. It can occasionally be a sign of iron deficiency, or of thyroid, liver or kidney problems (NHS; BAD).
- See a GP if itching affects daily life, doesn't improve with self-care, covers your whole body or comes with an unexplained rash (NHS).
Why does menopause cause itchy skin?
During perimenopause and after menopause, changing hormone levels affect many parts of the body, and the skin is one of them. The NHS includes dry and itchy skin in its list of menopause symptoms (NHS).
Age plays a part too. Dry skin is the most common cause of itching overall, and it's especially common as we get older, according to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). So menopause and ageing skin can add up.
Itching is rarely the only change. If you're also noticing hot flushes, disturbed sleep, mood changes or changes to your periods, our guide to perimenopause symptoms explains the wider picture.
Where you might feel it
| Area | What you might notice | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Arms, legs, back, chest | Dry, tight, flaky or itchy skin | The most common pattern with dry skin |
| Ears | Itchy, dry or scaly skin in or around the ear canal | Can also be caused by eczema, water, earplugs or infection (NHS) |
| Vulva and vagina | Itching, dryness, discomfort during sex | A separate menopause symptom with its own treatments (NHS) |
| Scalp and hairline | Itching, burning or tenderness | If your hairline is also receding, see a GP (see menopause hair loss) |
Itchy ears and menopause
The skin in your ear canal can become dry and itchy too. There's little research looking specifically at itchy ears in menopause, but the NHS lists "itching and irritation in and around the ear" and "scaly skin in and around the ear" as symptoms of outer-ear inflammation, which can be triggered by eczema, water, earplugs or infection (NHS).
To protect your ears:
- don't use cotton buds or your fingers inside your ears
- see a pharmacist or GP if you also have pain, discharge or changes to your hearing, and call NHS 111 if there's swelling around the ear (NHS)
What helps menopause itchy skin
The first steps are the same whatever the cause (NHS; BAD):
- Moisturise often. Use an unperfumed moisturiser (emollient) several times a day, not just after a shower.
- Keep washing short and lukewarm. Bathe or shower quickly, no more than once a day, and avoid perfumed soaps and bubble baths.
- Don't scratch. Pat or tap the skin instead, keep your nails short, and hold something cool, like a damp towel, on itchy areas.
- Choose soft clothes. Loose cotton or silk is kinder than wool, synthetic fabrics or tight clothing.
- Ask a pharmacist. They can suggest suitable creams or an antihistamine.
If itching comes with other menopause symptoms, a clinician can look at the whole picture. Options include lifestyle changes, talking therapy and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The NHS says HRT's benefits usually outweigh the risks, but risks include a small increase in breast cancer risk with combined HRT and blood clots with tablets (NHS).
Could it be something else?
Most itching around menopause is dry skin, but other causes are worth ruling out if the itch is widespread or you feel unwell.
| Possible cause | Other clues |
|---|---|
| Iron-deficiency anaemia | Tiredness, more hair shedding than usual; heavy periods are a very common cause (NHS) |
| Overactive thyroid | Anxiety, feeling hot, weight loss, a fast heartbeat, itchiness (NHS) |
| Liver or kidney problems | Itching across the whole body (NHS; BAD) |
| Eczema or another skin condition | A rash, scaly or inflamed patches |
| Medicines | Some medicines can cause itching (BAD) |
When to see a GP
See a GP if (NHS):
- the itching is affecting your daily life or sleep
- it hasn't improved with self-care
- you have an unexplained rash
- the itching is all over your body
Also see a GP if you have any vaginal bleeding after menopause (12 months or more since your last period) (NHS).
To keep track of what you're noticing, try our perimenopause checklist. If you'd like to talk it through with a GP who focuses on menopause, our online menopause clinic can help you understand your symptoms and your options.
Honest FAQs
Is itchy skin a sign of perimenopause?
It can be. The NHS lists dry and itchy skin among the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause (NHS).
Why are my ears itchy during menopause?
The skin in your ear canal can become dry like skin elsewhere, and eczema, water or infection can also cause itchy ears (NHS). Avoid cotton buds, and see a pharmacist or GP if you have pain, discharge or hearing changes.
How long does menopause itchy skin last?
The NHS says itchy skin after menopause usually gets better over time (NHS). Menopause symptoms overall usually last 7 to 9 years, sometimes longer (NHS).
What's the best cream for itchy skin in menopause?
An unperfumed moisturiser (emollient), used several times a day, is the usual first step (NHS).
Can itchy skin be a sign of something serious?
Occasionally. Itching can be linked to thyroid, liver or kidney problems, though this is uncommon (NHS). See a GP if the itch is all over your body, comes with a rash, or doesn't settle.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always speak to a qualified clinician about your own symptoms.
