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

At a certain age, during the menopause, most women face a problem such as itching with menopause. This symptom is part of a 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 of the itching with menopause

All changes in the body of women during menopause are due to age-related hormonal changes. For example, according to recent studies, a high level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during menopause reduces bone density and increases the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

And the causes of itching with menopause are the age-related involution of the ovaries, which is expressed in a decrease and then a 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 the tissue receptors of estrogen in the uterus, mammary glands and genitals of women of childbearing age, but also stimulation of the formation of cells of the mucosal epithelium of the vagina and ensuring the production of mucus - to maintain the necessary humidity and pH.

What happens with natural hypoestrogenia for menopause? Blood circulation in the tissues of the vagina and all organs of the genitourinary system slows down, which leads to a worsening trophism of tissues; The pH of the vagina is shifted to the alkaline side, and its mucosa is drained, thinned and partially atrophied. This is the pathogenesis of urogenital atrophy and its symptom such as itching in the intimate zone with menopause.

In addition, among the hormonal features of menopause, which eventually cause itching of the labia in menopause, and itching in the vagina with menopause, it is important that a sharp reduction in the synthesis of estrogens reduces the formation of fibrillar protein of connective tissues and skin of collagen, and also reduces the content in the blood plasma thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), iron and copper.

Without the regeneration of collagen fibers, the tissues lose their elasticity; a low level of free T4 leads to a lack of oxygen in all tissues, and when there is a deficiency in the blood of iron and copper, the condition of bone tissues, vascular walls, skin and mucosal epithelium deteriorates. In particular, it reduces the moisture of the skin, worsens the function of its sebaceous glands and provokes itchy skin with menopause.

According to the researchers, from the etiological point of view, itching with climax has a neurogenic character. With age - due to the gradual extinction of the hypothalamic-pituitary secretion of sex hormones and the absence of estrogen - the sensitivity of the 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 (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine).

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Symptoms of the itching with menopause

The first signs of itching are manifested in the fact 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 in menopause are no different from the symptoms of itching of any other etiology.

According to women of this age category, often itching in the genital area, in particular, the itching of the labia in menopause, as well as the itchy skin with menopause, begin to disturb immediately after washing in the bath or taking a shower.

While itching in the vagina with menopause usually begins after urination, during and after coition. In addition to itching, patients usually complain of burning, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) and painful urination.

The most characteristic consequences of climacteric itching are persistent hyperemia and scratching up to the appearance of eroded skin and mucous areas. A complication occurs in the case of infection with pathogenic microorganisms and the development of inflammation. After all, the dryness of the vagina and a decrease in its acidity increase the susceptibility of the mucosa to infection.

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Diagnostics of the itching with menopause

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

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

And in any case, differential diagnosis is necessary, since itching during the menopause can be both a side effect of certain medicines, and a symptom of infections of the genitourinary system, vaginitis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, dermatoses, skin allergic reaction to hygiene products or foods, and one of the manifestations of a deficiency of vitamin A or D.

[6], [7], [8], [9]

Treatment of the itching with menopause

Medical treatment of pruritus with menopause, first of all, uses dermatotropic drugs for topical application.

Ointments containing corticosteroids can be used: Komfoderm (Advantan) with methylprednisolone, Afloderm with alclomethasone cream, and Prednitop (Dermatop) with predkinbartom - it is recommended to apply once a day for two to three weeks. Ointment Posterizan forte (with hydrocortisone) is used twice a day.

Gel Dimethinden (Fenistil) refers to drugs that block H1-histamine receptors; it can be applied to itching places up to four to five times a day.

Hormonal intravaginal suppository Estriol (Ovestin) replenish the deficiency of estrogen in menopause: one suppository is introduced into the vagina within 24 hours. This remedy is contraindicated for thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities, endometriosis, fibromatosis, any forms of mastopathy and uterine bleeding. Among the side effects of estriol suppositories are not only the irritation of the vaginal mucosa, but also the development of cholelithiasis with bile stasis, deep vein thrombosis, acute violation of cerebral circulation and even myocardial infarction.

Also, there are moisturizing vaginal gels (Gynodec, Repellence, Montavit). And for a more comfortable sexual intercourse and preventing itching after it, gynecologists recommend using lubricants that replace the natural lubrication of the vaginal mucosa.

Locally, you can apply rosehip oil seed; Inside take capsules with evening primrose oil (an ointment) - one or two capsules per day. In addition, you need to take care of the intake of vitamins A, B6, B12, C and E.

Among the remedies offered by modern homeopathy, doctors call such ointments for relieving itching, like Cicaderma, Irikar and Calendula.

Alternative treatment

Those who prefer alternative treatment should start with increasing water intake - up to two liters per day.

Also, the inside is advised to take a decoction of Veronica officinalis and nettle (a tablespoon of herbs for 250-300 ml of boiling water) - to drink during the day, in three sets. Or tea with berries of viburnum.

Treatment with herbs can include such medicinal plants as elecampane, tri-colored violets, clover meadow, spiny stalk and burdock (roots). Broth of St. John's wort, camomile chamomile, sequins and marigolds is recommended to use for sedentary baths with itching in the genital area. And the skin itch with climax helps to soothe the infusion of leaves of watercress (two tablespoons of herbs for half a liter of water, drink 130 ml before each meal) or gorse dye (10 g of grass for a glass of boiling water, take a tablespoon three times a day) .

[10], [11]

Prevention

The lipid barrier of the skin can be prevented by the use of essential fatty omega-3 acids, which contain fatty fish, flaxseed, nuts, eggs, etc.

It should avoid hot baths and showers, long exposure to the sun and visits to the solarium, smoking and alcohol.

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Forecast

The prognosis largely depends on the state of women's health at the time of the onset of menopause. Although dryness and itching in the vagina with menopause is one of the most common symptoms, which is noted by 80% of women entering menopause.

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