Itching during menopause

Itchiness during menopause is more common than many people realise, yet it often gets less attention than other menopausal challenges like hot flushes.

If your skin or intimate areas feel drier and itchier than usual, you’re not imagining it, and you’re certainly not alone. Luckily, there are simple, soothing ways to ease the discomfort.

Below, we’ll explore why itchiness can happen, the difference between intimate versus general skin itching, practical tips to find relief and when it might be worth checking in with a healthcare professional.

What causes itchiness during menopause?

Fluctuating levels of the hormone oestrogen are the main reason itchiness can show up during perimenopause (the months or years before your periods stop).

Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining the thickness, elasticity and moisture of the skin and mucous membranes. When levels fall, these tissues can become thinner, drier and more delicate, making dryness and itchiness more likely.

These hormonal changes also affect the vaginal and vulval tissues. Lower oestrogen means less glycogen in the vaginal lining, fewer lactobacilli (‘good’ vaginal bacteria) and a higher vaginal pH. Together, these changes can contribute to vaginal dryness, itching and discomfort.

Vaginal itchiness in menopause

Intimate itching in midlife is often linked to what’s sometimes called ‘genitourinary syndrome of menopause’ (GSM) – a group of vulval, vaginal and urinary symptoms caused by long‑term oestrogen deficiency. Common signs include vaginal dryness, soreness, itching, pain during sex and needing to wee more often.

GSM usually develops gradually. The underlying changes – thinner, less elastic tissues, shifts in vaginal microbiota (the community of bacteria that naturally live in the vagina) and changes in pH – help explain why the area can feel dry, sensitive or itchy.

It’s important to remember that not all vulval itching is hormonal. If itching comes with a thick white discharge (often cottage-cheese-like), irritation around the vulva and vagina, or soreness and stinging during sex or when you wee, it could be thrush (a common vaginal yeast infection). Treatments recommended by a pharmacist can help, but if this is the first time you have had these symptoms, it's important to visit your GP for a diagnosis.

General skin itchiness in menopause

Menopause can bring changes to your skin beyond the intimate area, and many people notice increased dryness or itchiness around this time.

Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. Skin isn’t just a protective layer – it’s full of cells that are sensitive to hormone changes, especially oestrogen. There are lots of tiny ‘docking sites’ for oestrogen, particularly in the genital area, face and legs.

When oestrogen levels fall around perimenopause, these skin cells may:

• Make less collagen and natural oil
• Hold on to less moisture
• Become thinner, drier and more easily irritated

These changes help explain why dryness, itchiness and loss of elasticity can appear in both your skin and intimate area during menopause.

Dry and itchy skin is rarely serious and may improve with simple self‑care. Occasionally, persistent or widespread itch can be linked to an underlying condition, so if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always worth checking in with a healthcare professional.

How to relieve itchiness during menopause

There are a number of simple steps you can take which may help to manage menopausal itching:

Stay hydrated and moisturise

Use an unperfumed moisturiser or emollient regularly. Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it. They form a protective layer that helps lock moisture in. Ideally, emollients should be applied regularly, 3–4 times a day. Applying emollients after washing your hands, bathing or showering is ideal, as this is when your skin needs moisture most.

Choose cool or lukewarm baths or showers, and try not to stay in the water too long. When drying off, gently pat (rather than rub) your skin.

Avoid using perfumed soaps, deodorants or moisturisers.

Choose breathable fabrics

Wearing loose, breathable fabrics such as cotton or silk can help your skin feel calmer. Try to avoid tight, synthetic or wool layers next to the skin.

Try not to scratch

Itching can be incredibly tempting to scratch, especially at night, but scratching can irritate skin further. If you can, gently pat or tap your skin instead, and keep your nails short to minimise accidental damage.

If an area feels especially irritated and itchy, holding something cool on the skin – for example, a damp flannel or towel – may bring some soothing relief.

Soothe intimate itch

Wash the vulva (the skin outside the vagina) with warm water and, if needed, a mild, unperfumed wash or a soap substitute. Avoid douching and perfumed products, as well as creams, lotions or moisturisers that aren’t developed specifically for use in intimate areas, as these can cause further irritation.

Vaginal moisturisers for everyday comfort

Vaginal moisturisers are non-hormonal options that can help relieve dryness and discomfort.

Used regularly (often several times a week, regardless of sexual activity), they help restore moisture, support the vagina’s natural pH and replace some of the comfort usually provided by natural lubrication.

Non-hormonal products like CanesMeno® Hydration and Comfort Gel are designed to relieve vaginal dryness, itching and burning.

Lubricants to make sex more comfortable

Lubricants can provide short-term relief during sexual activity by reducing friction and easing discomfort. They may be water, silicone or oil-based.

If you use latex condoms, avoid oil-based lubricants as they can weaken the latex – so it’s always worth checking the label.

Vaginal oestrogen treatment

Vaginal (local) oestrogen can be used to manage symptoms associated with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and can be prescribed by your doctor or bought from a pharmacy.

By improving blood flow, local oestrogen can boost natural lubrication, support a healthier balance of vaginal bacteria and restore a more typical, slightly acidic pH. This can help with vaginal dryness and irritation.

If you’re considering vaginal oestrogen, your pharmacist, GP or a menopause specialist can guide you through the options and help you decide what feels right for you.

When to see a doctor about itchiness during menopause

Itchy skin during menopause isn’t usually a sign of anything serious.

Still, it’s important to seek help when you need it. You should see a GP if itchy skin:

• Is affecting your daily life
• Doesn’t get better with self-care or keeps coming back
• Appears alongside a new rash, lump or swelling that worries you
• Involves most or all of your body
• Is severe

It’s also a good idea to speak to your GP if you’ve had vaginal dryness and itching for a few weeks and the things you’ve tried aren’t helping, or if you’ve noticed other intimate symptoms such as unusual discharge, bleeding after sex or any bleeding after menopause.

You can also speak to a pharmacist for advice about treatments and things you can do.
And remember, you don’t have to wait for things to feel ‘bad enough’ – a pharmacist can also offer advice on treatments and simple steps that may help.

You deserve to feel comfortable and confident at every stage of menopause. If you’d like more guidance, explore the CanesMeno® hub – a supportive space designed to help you feel more you.

Important information: The CanesMeno® Guide provides education about menopause stages and signs. It does not replace advice from your doctor and is not a diagnostic tool. Always read the label of any product and, if symptoms persist or worsen, speak to a pharmacist or GP.