Menopause Matters Forum

General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: Jan1163 on October 29, 2015, 11:49:50 AM

Title: Is itching/prickly skin another menopause symptom?
Post by: Jan1163 on October 29, 2015, 11:49:50 AM
Hi, I noticed yesterday when I woke up that I was a bit itchy round my upper body, mainly face and neck/shoulders, but a bit on my arms as well.  I've been having hot flushes for about a month/6 weeks and get very hot at night.  It's not relentless itching that's driving me mad, more like little prickles from tiny pins and a feeling of dry and tight skin.  I've taken an anti-histamine this morning, in case it helps.  There's no visible sign, no rash or redness or anything.  The only thing I can think of to cause a reaction is a new shampoo, but I wouldn't think that would affect my arms.

Like many of you, I get over anxious about my health and whenever a symptom presents itself, jump to the very worst possible case scenario.  I was awake last night worrying about pancreatic cancer, because of having stomach problems (I do have IBS) and itching. 
Title: Re: Is itching/prickly skin another menopause symptom?
Post by: CLKD on October 29, 2015, 12:56:24 PM
Yep.
Title: Re: Is itching/prickly skin another menopause symptom?
Post by: Taz2 on October 29, 2015, 02:20:51 PM
Hi Jan - lack of oestrogen can cause dry, itchy skin along with dry hair too. I do find that when I'm not on HRT this is much more noticeable. Use a good quality body lotion every day to help your skin.

I know what you  mean about worrying about aspects of your health. I think that the sort of itching you get from liver or pancreatic problems is an all-over itch which is really distressing. A friend's daughter had this when she had a liver problem. She literally scratched her skin red-raw.

Taz x
Title: Re: Is itching/prickly skin another menopause symptom?
Post by: Jan1163 on October 29, 2015, 03:34:43 PM
Aww thanks folks, that's reassuring.  :)  I've actually been working a lot on hair condition and combating dryness, using non-sulphate and silicone conditioner for a couple of years, I soak with coconut oil overnight weekly, and I've just swapped to henna/indogo, rather than chemical dyes, so I maybe wouldn't notice it so much on my hair.   The prickling has actually been much better today, since I took the anti-histamine this morning.  Wish I could get rid rid of the health anxiety, I try my best to manage it, but it's always there ready to pop up and torment me, whenever I have any niggling little symptom. 
Title: Re: Is itching/prickly skin another menopause symptom?
Post by: CLKD on October 29, 2015, 05:38:35 PM
We have threads on most things it seems  ::)
Title: Re: Is itching/prickly skin another menopause symptom?
Post by: Dorothy on October 29, 2015, 06:20:58 PM
Oh yes, no topic is too bizarre - I logged in the other day and clicked on 'unread since last visit' and collapsed into giggles at the weird and wonderful list of topic headings  ;D
Title: Re: Is itching/prickly skin another menopause symptom?
Post by: CLKD on October 29, 2015, 07:11:00 PM
Sometimes we talk about menopause  ::)
Title: Re: Is itching/prickly skin another menopause symptom?
Post by: mandypepe on October 29, 2015, 07:20:51 PM
This is an interesting discussion. Ive realised I'm tickly all down my arms, face, neck, back and breasts . It's as though a little spider is walking along my skin when it's my arms. But my back and breasts are more itchy feeling rather than tickle.  I still don't know totally if I'm perimenopausal but this could be a symptom to add to my others.
Title: Re: Is itching/prickly skin another menopause symptom?
Post by: CLKD on October 29, 2015, 07:45:47 PM
Yep.  As oestrogen levels drop everything gets dry ……..
Title: Re: Is itching/prickly skin another menopause symptom?
Post by: Briony on October 29, 2015, 10:13:03 PM
This is an interesting discussion. Ive realised I'm tickly all down my arms, face, neck, back and breasts . It's as though a little spider is walking along my skin when it's my arms. But my back and breasts are more itchy feeling rather than tickle.  I still don't know totally if I'm perimenopausal but this could be a symptom to add to my others.


Google 34 symptoms of peri menopause. You'll be amazed how many are familiar!