I might scratch off my itchy nipples!

[PutDownThatLaptop]

I am 45 and my nipples have developed a raging itch. I feel like scratching them off. Is this normal to be so itchy? Periods still heavy but slightly closer together.

Itchy skin all over is a meno symptom - it's called formication ( careful of typos here!) but it's more like ants crawling on the skin. My gran evidently used to complain of it according to my mum.

But if it continues you ought to see your GP. Itchy nipples or breasts where there is a rash can be a sign of breast cancer, so keep an eye on this.

I thought it would need to be just one nipple for breast cancer?

There is a liver condition associated with persistent fatigue and itching, too. Main people who get it are middle aged women. PBC.

I itch all over, and sure it is the start of the menopause. It drives me mad. I can't sleep because of it. I should go to the doctor really.

yes you should go, especially if it's driving you batty.. because as link I just posted shows, menopause may not be reason at all.

It would I assume be both breasts if it were cancer but I'd still be 'breast aware'. Is it anything 'obvious' like a new bra, change in washing powders, sweating more or a skin condition like eczema?

It is both nipples and it varies throughout the monthly cycle. My legs also itch madly below the knee but that is every day. Nothing seems to help with either issue.

I was bothered by this for several months, in my case I realised that it was caused by washing my hair whilst in the shower.
Have to faff around now bending over shower to wash hair, but itching has gone.

Wow that's a thing I never considered, I will try that.