Itching!

[BlueSodaPop]

Im 45 assuming perimenopausal. Periods are regular enough, a few days out here and there. Sore breasts but I take evening primrose oil and starfish which helps lots. But I've started itching. First my foot i thought i had been bitten. Then my legs and now this morning my chest, I feel like i want to rip the skin off. Is this menopausal symptom and what can i do apart from hrt which i can't take?
. Ive also had sore heavy legs and groin pain without even exercising, thats gone today but now im itching instead

I'm having similar issues- I take Antihistamines most days which do really help. Plus lots of water and magnesium.

It can be a menopause symptom as your body produces less oils as your oestrogen levels decrease which can make your skin dry and itchy. It might be worth getting your iron levels checked though as I had the most awful itchy skin which was keeping me awake at night even on HRT. Turns out I had a severe iron deficiency and once my levels were up the itching stopped.

Can be a hypothyroid symptom, which often comes on in middle age. Have you had a blood test and seen the results? You can bump along the edge of subclinical levels for a long time.

Which antihistamines do you take? Piriton makes me fall asleep and feel drowsy all day

Im waiting on the results but thats a good idea ill get a copy of results

Try cetirazine or loratidine.

I used to take a hairbrush to my legs! It’s so awful, I hope you get some relief soon.

Can you recommend one that doesn’t make you sleepy but helps with the itching? Every antihistamine I’ve found that actually works for itching, makes you drowsy

Those are Piriton!

Piriton is chlorphenamine. First generation antihistamine, and a 'drowsy' one.

Loratadine and cetirazine are second gen non-drowsy antihistamines. The latter is available under the Piriteze brand, but generics are cheaper.

Fexofenadene is a third gen antihistamine. Some people find it more effective than first and second gen, but it's still under patent so is a lot more expensive.

Yes it is definitely a symptom, I scratched my legs to pieces the other day. It’s due to dry skin I think.

Agree with the antihistamine suggestion. I also find the Aveeno for very dry skin with the navy blue lettering / bottle top helpful, especially when I can’t stop itching and an antihistamine won’t take effect immediately.