Itching, burning of the skin, in the intimate area at menopause

At a certain age, during menopause, most women face such a problem as itching during menopause. This symptom is part of the climacteric syndrome, so you need to understand its root causes in order to find the best options for eliminating or at least reducing the intensity.

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Causes menopausal itching

All changes in women's bodies during menopause are caused by age-related hormonal changes. For example, according to recent studies, high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during menopause reduce bone density and increase the risk of developing postmenopausal osteoporosis.

And the causes of itching during menopause are age-related involution of the ovaries, which is expressed in a decrease and then complete cessation of steroidogenesis, that is, the production of estradiol, estriol and estrone. Among the many physiological functions of these sex hormones, gynecologists note not only their effect on tissue estrogen receptors in the uterus, mammary glands and genitals of women of childbearing age, but also stimulation of the formation of cells of the mucous epithelium of the vagina and ensuring the production of mucus - to maintain the necessary moisture and pH level.

What happens during the natural hypoestrogenism of menopause? Blood circulation in the tissues of the vagina and all organs of the genitourinary system slows down, which leads to deterioration of tissue trophism; the pH of the vagina shifts to the alkaline side, and its mucous membrane dries out, becomes thinner and partially atrophies. This is the pathogenesis of urogenital atrophy and such a symptom as itching in the intimate area during menopause.

In addition, among the hormonal features of menopause, which ultimately cause itching of the labia during menopause, as well as itching in the vagina during menopause, of no small importance is the fact that a sharp reduction in the synthesis of estrogens reduces the formation of fibrillar protein of connective tissues and skin collagen, and also reduces the content of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), iron and copper in the blood plasma.

Without regeneration of collagen fibers, tissues lose elasticity; low levels of free T4 lead to a lack of oxygen in all tissues, and with a deficiency of iron and copper in the blood, the condition of bone tissue, vascular walls, skin and mucous epithelium worsens. In particular, this reduces skin moisture, worsens the function of its sebaceous glands and provokes skin itching during menopause.

According to researchers, from an etiological point of view, itching during menopause is neurogenic in nature. With age - due to the gradual fading of the hypothalamic-pituitary secretion of sex hormones and the absence of estrogen - the sensitivity of receptors of other hormones involved in the regulation of various biochemical and physiological processes decreases. Specifically, this concerns the regulation of the interaction of the main neurotransmitters - serotonin, endorphin and catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine).

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Symptoms menopausal itching

The first signs of itching are that extremely unpleasant sensory sensations - numbness, crawling and tingling - cause an unbearable desire to get rid of them by scratching the itchy place. And in this, the symptoms of itching during menopause are no different from the symptoms of itching of any other etiology.

According to women of this age group, itching in the genital area, in particular itching of the labia during menopause, as well as itching of the skin during menopause, often begins to bother immediately after washing in the bath or taking a shower.

While vaginal itching during menopause most often begins after urination, during and after coitus. In addition to itching, patients usually complain of burning, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) and painful urination.

The most typical consequences of climacteric itching are persistent hyperemia and scratching up to the appearance of eroded areas of the skin and mucous membrane. And complications occur in the case of infection with pathogenic microorganisms and the development of inflammation. After all, vaginal dryness and a decrease in its acidity increase the susceptibility of the mucous membrane to infection.

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Diagnostics menopausal itching

For a gynecologist, there are usually no special problems with diagnosing this symptom of menopause.

In doubtful cases, blood tests are taken for hormones and the possible presence of infections that cause STDs; a smear from the vagina or cervical canal.

And in any case, differential diagnostics are necessary, since itching during menopause can be both a side effect of some medications and a symptom of genitourinary infections, vaginitis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, dermatoses, skin allergic reactions to hygiene products or food products, as well as one of the manifestations of vitamin A or D deficiency.

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Treatment menopausal itching

Drug treatment of itching during menopause primarily uses dermatotropic drugs for local use.

Ointments containing corticosteroids can be used: Comfoderm (Advantan) with methylprednisolone, Afloderm cream with alclomethasone, and Prednitop (Dermatop) with prednicarbate - recommended to be used once a day for two to three weeks. Posterisan forte ointment (with hydrocortisone) is used twice a day.

Dimethindene gel (Fenistil) is a drug that blocks H1-histamine receptors; it can be applied to itchy areas up to four to five times a day.

Hormonal intravaginal suppositories Estriol (Ovestin) compensate for estrogen deficiency during menopause: one suppository is inserted into the vagina per day. This drug is contraindicated in thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities, endometriosis, fibromatosis, any forms of mastopathy and uterine bleeding. The side effects of Estriol suppositories include not only irritation of the vaginal mucosa, but also the development of gallstone disease with bile stasis, deep vein thrombosis, acute cerebrovascular accident and even myocardial infarction.

There are also moisturizing vaginal gels (Gynodek, Replens, Montavit). And for more comfortable sexual intercourse and prevention of itching after it, gynecologists recommend using lubricants that replace the natural lubrication of the vaginal mucosa.

Rosehip seed oil can be applied locally; capsules with evening primrose oil can be taken internally – one or two capsules per day. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the body receives vitamins A, B6, B12, C and E.

Among the remedies offered by modern homeopathy, doctors name such ointments for relieving itching as Cikaderma, Iricar and Calendula.

Folk remedies

Those who prefer folk remedies should start by increasing their water intake – up to two liters per day.

It is also recommended to take a decoction of Veronica officinalis and nettle (a tablespoon of herbs per 250-300 ml of boiling water) internally - drink during the day, in three doses. Or tea with viburnum berries.

Herbal treatment may include medicinal plants such as elecampane, wild pansy, red clover, horsetail and burdock (roots). Decoctions of St. John's wort, chamomile, string and calendula are recommended for sitz baths for itching in the genital area. And skin itching during menopause can be soothed by an infusion of watercress leaves (two tablespoons of the herb per half a liter of water, drink 130 ml before each meal) or dyer's broom (10 g of the herb per glass of boiling water, take a tablespoon three times a day).

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Prevention

Preventive measures in the form of consuming essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish, flaxseed, nuts, eggs, etc., will help maintain the lipid barrier of the skin.

You should avoid hot baths and showers, prolonged sun exposure and solarium visits, smoking and alcohol.

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Forecast

The prognosis largely depends on the health of women at the time of menopause. Although vaginal dryness and itching during menopause is one of the most common symptoms, noted by 80% of women entering menopause.

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