Itchy skin at night during menopause

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute or replace advice from a medical professional.

Itchy skin at night during menopause: causes and solutions

The hormone changes that occur during menopause can cause many uncomfortable symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. Menopause can also cause many changes to your skin, as a drop in oestrogen levels means your body makes less collagen and natural oils that support your skin health. Read on to find out more about menopause and itching, including the symptoms of itchy skin at night and how to ease itching with the correct skincare and lifestyle changes.

Understanding itchy skin during menopause

During menopause, you may experience hot flushes, excessive sweating and, more unexpectedly, itchy skin on your body (medically known as pruritus). This is due to your body’s declining oestrogen levels. Oestrogen is the hormone in charge of regulating your skin health. It does this by stimulating the production of natural oils that keep your skin moisturised and collagen that maintains your skin's strength and elasticity. So, when these collagen and oil levels drop during menopause, it causes your skin to become drier and thinner than before and can leave it feeling itchy.

Can menopause cause itchy skin at night?

It’s true that menopausal itching can get worse at night. The combination of dry skin plus night sweats and hot flushes can intensify itching and make it harder to sleep. Heightened stress and anxiety during menopause can also increase the histamine levels in your body, leaving your skin feeling extremely itchy and irritated. You may notice itching in areas like your face, arms, legs, neck, chest and back, but it can affect any part of your body.

Key symptoms of itchy skin at night during menopause

Along with itching at night, you may notice other skin symptoms, including:

• The feeling of your skin crawling or unusual skin sensations
• Dry patches
• Skin rash
• Bumps on the surface of your skin
• Redness

How to ease itching at night during menopause

If itchy skin at night is disrupting your sleep and having a negative effect on your daily life, try out these skincare and lifestyle tips that may provide some relief.

Skincare tips for nighttime relief

• Take lukewarm showers or baths; overly hot water can leave menopausal skin feeling dry and flaky. Bathe or shower for no longer than 15 minutes.
• Avoid harsh body washes and soaps; instead, opt for ingredients of natural origin and products that are gentle on skin. Sanex Skin Therapy Anti-Itchiness Shower Oil is free from fragrance and colourants and has been specially created to reduce irritation and leave your skin feeling nourished.
• Adding colloidal oatmeal to your bath can also help to soothe itchy skin.
• For skincare, use gentle cleansers and emollient moisturisers that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Avoid anything that will strip your skin’s natural oils, like exfoliants or foaming cleansers.

Lifestyle tips to minimise menopause itching at night

• Use a humidifier in your room at night. This will help to add some moisture back into the air. A cooling pillow, cotton sheets and a fan in your room can also help your sleep experience.
• Wear cotton pyjamas; synthetic fabrics like polyester can cause you to sweat more.
• Use a cool compress or a cool gel pack to soothe areas during a flare-up.
• Prevent dehydration in menopause by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Try to drink two litres per day to hydrate your skin from the inside.
• Eat a healthy diet including lots of fruits, vegetables and whole foods. Foods like cucumber, celery, watermelon and strawberries have a high water content and can give your skin some extra hydration.
• Foods rich in vitamin E can boost skin health, like avocado, almonds, hazelnuts and pine nuts.
• Avoid scratching as much as possible. Keep your nails trimmed short or try wearing gloves at night to prevent you from scratching and breaking your skin in your sleep.

When should you see a doctor?

If you’ve tried out natural remedies for menopause and itchy skin and the problem is impacting your daily life, you can make an appointment to see your doctor. They may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can help with menopause symptoms. However, HRT isn’t suitable for everyone, so speak to your doctor about whether this could be a good option for you.

If you have a persistent rash, lump or swelling, it could be a sign of something more serious, so, in this case, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about menopause and itchy skin, and how to ease itching:

How to ease itching at night during menopause

To stop itchy skin at night during menopause, try out emollient creams and moisturisers that will add hydration to your skin. If this doesn’t help, speak to your doctor about trying antihistamines to stop the itch or starting hormone replacement therapy that can help with all of your menopause symptoms.

How many women experience itchy skin at night during menopause?

A study in 2022 showed that as many as 64% of women report skin problems when attending menopause clinics. This can include problems like itching, flushing, excessive sweating, dermatitis and acne that are associated with the loss of oestrogen.

Does menopause itching ever stop?

If left untreated, itchy skin in menopause can persist for years. However, with proper skin care and by following our tips above, you can help to reduce the impact of this uncomfortable symptom. Itching can continue post-menopause, but symptoms usually lessen as time goes on. If your itching becomes unbearable, speak to a pharmacist or make an appointment to see your doctor.