Menopause and itchy skin, is this a symptom ?

[Littlemissnutmeg]

I'm 38 and have been diagnosed as menopausal. Have lots of meno symptoms, now a new one has appeared. I keep itching all over my body and head. Is this normal ? Had blood tests to rule out other conditions, all fine. I'm suffering quite badly from anxiety at the moment, could this be a possible cause of the itching ?

I am 39
Both anxiety and itchy skin are symptoms on the list of 35 perimenopausal symptoms. (I have most of the symptoms)

Now, I'm 43 and have ridiculous itching on my throat and chest, especially at night, that no-one has been able to explain....

Me too, i am 39 next month. My god this is so shit for us!!!

An allergy perhaps Notify ? I read that women can develop allergies in menopause.

My Dr insists I've got ages yet!

I know I really can't handle alcohol anymore. That came on suddenly, one day I could do 7 pints at a go the next I was sick as a dog on half a bottle of wine and haven't had more than a couple of glasses since.

Your'e 43 and although that seems too young for menopause believe me, it really isn't!! A lot of doctors refuse to believe it's menopause if your'e under age 45 but i was diagnosed as menopausal last week. I'm 38!!!! I thought i was years away from meno but unfortunately not! I too can't seem to handle alcohol anymore, i don't even get merry like i used to, just depressed and tired. I would go back to your doctor and insist for hormonal blood tests which can tell you if menopause is near. Are you having any menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, irregular periods ?

Do I really need to know though? What difference would it actually make to me?

I've been night sweats since DS1 was born 13 years ago (although not so much recently, now you mention it!) Periods as regular as they ever were.

Well if you are having no symptoms that are really bothering you then don't worry about it, just leave it a while. It's agood sign your periods are still regular as usually they begin to go wonky when menopause is close.

Intense itching can be a sign of oestrogen deficiency (google formication).

I had it terribly and it was only getting my HRT right that stopped it. creams and antihistamines didn't work at all and believe me I tried them all! I also became really unable to tolerate alcohol

The only other tip I have is to keep a bottle of aloe vera gel in the fridge, it was the only thing that gave me mild relief. Hope that helps.

Thanks ITwillbebetter, i'll give that a go. I remember my ex mother-inllaw complaining of itching in menopause but she was in her 50s! Normal age! It's so unfair to be going through this at just 38!

littlemiss I feel your pain, I was only 39 when I hit menopause (surgical due to hysterectomy) I feel 102 most days now!

I was diagnosed at age 37 and no reason for it. No surgery, never smoked, took drugs or drank much alcohol. Was extremely fertile up until mid 30s, had 3 children. Really don't understand how it came on to be honest at my age. Do you not take HRT now then, if you don't mind me asking ?

Yes I still take HRT. I'm really struggling though with other menopausal symptoms though, it can be tough getting the balance right and I'm not there yet! Oestrogel has been the best so far. Are you on HRT or just trying to get through it? I couldn't cope without it, my quality of life would be dreadful.

I was prescribed Prempak C last week, although i haven't taken it yet as doctor told me to start on my next period. I was diagnosed as perimenopausal just over a year ago but had been trying for a baby so was holding off from taking the HRT. Obviously not much chance of getting pregnant now and meno symptoms are getting worse so will definately starting the HRT. I realise i do need it as i feel so run down, anxious and low almost all the time and not enjoying life.

littlemissnutmeg it's the same for me. I don't drink, exercise am the right weight and eat well. I have 4 dc I honestly have almost ALL the symptoms. I am 40 in April although I feel much older :(
My symptoms were there mildly until I had my gallbladder removed last May. The symptoms have then got stronger and stronger. I had my FHS blood taken today. However I have felt the best today than I have felt for weeks!
I just want a conclusive result to explain what's going on.

Let me know your FSH results Fidelma, you never know they may come back completely normal!

I don't want them to be normal anymore iykwim!!!

For unpleasant menopause symptoms use Progesteril fast-absorbing hormonal balancing cream.

Do you use the cream ailsaferndandes8
Is it natural? What's in it?

I think itchy skin is a symptom of menopause, read somewhere it is because the skin is drier, so moisturise and drink plenty of water.

I know it’s an old thread, but this is worth mentioning. A relative ( in her fifties) had intense itching, especially after showering. She put it down to the menopause. A random blood pressure test offered in a chemist led to a blood test which revealed blood cancer, in which too many red blood cells are produced by the bone marrow which had caused the itching. Of course, in most cases itching will be a symptom of menopause , but it’s a good idea to consult your GP and request a blood test, and not assume it’s just the menopause!