Itchiness & perimenopause - is it a thing?

[BlackSwan]

I've started to get itchy armpits, hands & feet. Scalp too. It's annoying & I'm trying hard not to scratch.
I was wondering if I might be developing eczema, which I've never had before.
But then googling suggests this could be menopause related (I'm 47)??

Any ideas if it's related and in any case how to deal with it?

My mums only real menopause symptom was itching - she had long standing eczema, but it wasn't the eczema as such, but terrible itching. She treated it topically with menthol cream but it took years to settle down. If I were you I'd go on HRT and see what happens

Wow ! I’m the same! Never made a link

Yes my skin isn't red or erupting, its just itchy.
I think I need to speak to the dr about HRT. I'm so ignorant - do you start HRT before menopause? I still have periods.

It's definitely a thing, something to do with lower hormone levels making skin dryer and therefore itchy.

It is absolutely a thing. Unfortunately, for me, HRT made no difference at all. Citalopram did the trick, no idea why. Makes me really reluctant to come off it as the itching was so unbearable at night

Yes very much so and I will warn you about inner ears itching. It also means you are more at risk of getting ear wax build up so look after your ears.

Hi

Any of you have a recommendation for shampoo/treatment for itchy scalp?

Thanks - literally tearing my hair out 😀