I Am Thankful For:
Finally falling asleep
Mammogram done
Comfy pants
Perogi
My husband home from his work trip
Getting a lot accomplished
Weekends
A good check-up for one of my little dogs
Bear sightings
Relaxing mornings
Mammogram showed no changes
Replacement cabinets arrived
Libraries
Foggy mornings
Countertop measurements done
The dogwood leaves are beginning to change color
This post is meant to share what I have learned about menopause based on my own experience. It is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking help because of something you read on this website.
No one warned most of us that perimenopause could make our skin feel like it’s crawling. Just when we thought we had a handle on the hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep struggles, along comes the relentless itch. It’s not just dry skin—it’s that maddening, can’t-sit-still kind of itch that shows up on your arms, legs, scalp, or even in places you’d never expect. If you’ve been scratching your head (literally) wondering what’s going on, you’re definitely not alone.
Estrogen plays an important role in the production of natural oils and collagen. Dropping estrogen during perimenopause causes a reduction in collagen and oils causing thinner and drier skin.
Be gentle with your skin during this season of life. Limit the time you spend in baths or the shower and keep the water as cool as your comfort level allows. Use gentle, fragrance-free soap or cleansers. Moisturize your skin with nourishing lotions or creams with ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides. Stay well hydrated. Avoid excessive alcohol use. If the itching is severe or persistent- talk to your doctor about finding relief.
For some women, it's not just a simple itch. It's a tingling sensation - as if bugs are crawling on your skin. And yes, it is just as creepy feeling as it sounds. This sensation is a common occurrence during perimenopause, but it can be a symptom of other things - from a side effect of some medications to anxiety. So, if you are experiencing this buggy feeling, it's best to discuss it with your medical professional.
The scalp can be particularly sensitive to these changes due to the large number of oil glands in the area which become less active during perimenopause. This can cause not only an itchy scalp, but dry and brittle hair. Using a moisturizer shampoo and conditioner, avoiding sulfates and other irritating ingredients, using leave-in scalp treatments, and staying well hydrated may help to lessen these symptoms.
For many women, one of the most surprising symptoms that occurs during perimenopause is itchy ears. Declining estrogen affects the moisture levels in mucus membranes and can lead to itching in both the inner and outer ear. The skin of the ear canal is especially sensitive and all these changes can make it more prone to dryness and itching. You can try a gentle moisturizer on the outer ear area, but take care not to get it inside the ear canal. If the itching is intense or painful, talk with your doctor about lubricating ear drops, topical treatments, or other options for relief.
The persistent itchiness of perimenopause and menopause, while frustrating, is a common and manageable symptom. Listening to your body and seeking guidance when needed is key.
Have you experienced itching during perimenopause or menopause?
I Am Thankful For:
The scent of fresh basil
Quickly finishing my errands
Everyday is a step closer to completing projects
Texts from my grandson
Little lizards in the driveway
My husband bringing home dinner
The full moon
My daughter stopping by with my grandsons
My little dog sitting in the sun
A relaxing morning
My dad celebrating another birthday
Making a decision
A cute outfit
Library days
Talking to my grandson on the phone
Countertops are ordered
Picked out the new faucet
If you grew up in the '70s and '80s, like me, you know the joy of toys that didn’t need Wi-Fi or a touchscreen to be fun. The ones that kept us entertained for hours, sparked our creativity and inspired childhood adventures - even if they were only in our mind.
I Am Thankful For:
Getting compliments
Taking a chance
The smell of fresh rosemary
End of the month
The cabinets are going up
Laughing
Foggy mornings
August beginning
The deck railing is installed
A new microwave
A burger topped with lettuce and tomato from my garden
Cooler temperatures
A rainy Sunday
Family
Pie
My new glasses are ready
Rest
Receiving a book I have been wanting to read
Lunch with my husband
Sushi
A break from the rain
