Vaginal Itching and Menopause: How to Find Relief

Your skin has become dry, thinning, and itchy. Worst of all, and maybe you’re even embarrassed to talk about it, you have started experiencing vaginal, vulvar, and clitoral itching.  

You need to know that these are common symptoms of menopause, including the vaginal itching. Up to 99% of women going through perimenopause and menopause complain of skin-related issues. As with the majority of bodily changes associated with biological transition, fluctuating and declining estrogen levels are responsible for your changing skin. 

Alloy can help you get relief from vaginal itching during menopause. Complete our quick and easy medical review to begin a conversation with a menopause-trained doctor who can prescribe the treatment you need, including estradiol vaginal cream designed to treat vaginal dryness and itching.

What Causes Vaginal Itching During Menopause?

The hormonal changes of menopause usher in a period of increased skin aging which in turn can cause you to experience itching on your face, body, and genital area. The thinning of the skin and vulvovaginal tissues, sometimes referred to as vaginal atrophy, actually puts the sensitive nerve endings (causing itching, pain during sex, and burning) and blood vessels (causing redness and easy bruising) closer to the surface. This can even result in urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Low Levels Of Estrogen

Estrogen plays an important role in skin health by promoting the production of natural oils that keep your skin smooth and moisturized. As your estrogen levels begin to decline, decreased oil production causes your skin to become drier, flakier, and itchier.

Decrease In Collagen 

Collagen, a protein that serves as one of the building blocks of your skin, keeps your skin from sagging and keeps it looking plump and youthful. Collagen production is partially regulated by estrogen, and during menopause, this production is diminished.

Itching Symptoms during Menopause

Itching symptoms during menopause can vary depending on the area or region of the body involved. 

Generalized Itching

As the skin on your face, torso, arms, and legs begins to change, itchiness may be accompanied by other skin-related symptoms. You may notice a rash marked by redness and small bumps. Some women, in addition to itching, experience tingling, numbness, or burning of the skin. These symptoms are called paresthesias.

Genital Itching

Vaginal itching, also known as vaginal pruritus, can develop or worsen during menopause. Symptoms can include burning, pain, discomfort, or itchiness of the vagina and the vulva. 

Other Causes for Vaginal Itching During Menopause

Outside of fluctuating hormone levels, there are several other causes of vaginal itching during menopause that may need to be considered.

Irritation from Soaps, Detergents, and Other Chemical Irritants

A number of chemical irritants can cause vaginal itching. Soaps, laundry detergents, creams, and scented toilet paper are all potential culprits underlying your discomfort.

Infections

Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and some STIs are associated with vaginal pruritus and often accompanied by vaginal discharge. If you have vaginal discharge and itching, you should see your doctor for an in-person evaluation.

Lichen Sclerosis

Lichen sclerosis is a rare inflammatory skin condition that causes thin white patches and fissures to form on the skin, especially around the vulva. This condition is associated with significant itching and is most commonly diagnosed in postmenopausal women, though it can occur in women of any age. Women suffering from lichen sclerosis may report that their genital itching is worse at night and that they are experiencing cracking and bleeding of the vulvar and perianal skin. 

Vaginal, Vulvar, or Cervical Cancer

Itching or burning sensations in the vagina and vulva areas can rarely be associated with vaginal, vulvar, or cervical cancer. Again, these conditions will commonly present with bloody vaginal discharge.

Tests for Vaginal Atrophy

With genitourinary syndrome of menopause, commonly known as vaginal atrophy, , the vaginal walls become thin, dry, and inflamed due to decreased estrogen levels during menopause. Your healthcare provider may perform several tests to determine if vaginal atrophy is contributing to your discomfort. 

They may administer a pelvic exam to assess the condition of the vaginal tissues and a pH test to measure acidity levels in the vagina, which often fluctuate during menopause. In some cases, a small sample of vaginal tissue may be taken for further analysis. By performing diagnostic tests, your doctor can identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment options for relief.

How to Treat Vaginal Itching During Menopause

If you are experiencing vaginal itching during perimenopause or menopause, Alloy can help you find relief. Start your journey to feeling better today. Fill out our assessment, and a menopause-trained doctor will review your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment based on your specific needs.

Get Menopausal Hormone Treatment from Alloy

Alloy provides an array of high quality, proven menopause treatments that combat myriad menopause symptoms, including vaginal itching.

Menopause Hormone Treatment (MHT) can help supplement your body’s decreasing levels of hormones. MHT is safe and effective for the majority of healthy menopausal women and is available in the form of estradiol vaginal cream, pills, patches, sprays, and gels. For the treatment of vaginal itching, estradiol cream is typically the most appropriate.

Estradiol Vaginal Cream 

Estradiol vaginal cream is an FDA-approved plant-based form of estrogen. Topical estradiol is very effective in treating vaginal dryness and will help relieve your vaginal itching. As very little topical estradiol gets into your bloodstream, you will not experience relief from other systemic menopausal symptoms you may be experiencing.  

If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms, including vaginal itching, dryness, or irritation, estradiol vaginal cream may be a good choice as a stand alone treatment or alongside MHT. Treatment with estradiol vaginal cream requires a prescription, and you will need to use the cream as directed by your doctor for up to 12 weeks before you experience its full benefits. Additionally, patients will need to continue maintenance therapy for as long as they desire to prevent and treat vaginal atrophy.

Estradiol Pills or Patches

Estradiol is a plant-based, bioidentical form of estrogen that can be taken orally in pill form, transdermally in patch, spray, or gel form, or applied topically as a vaginal cream. Estradiol pills, patches, sprays, and gels will increase the amount of estrogen circulating in your bloodstream, allowing your entire body to benefit. Along with alleviating your vaginal itching, estradiol pills and patches will help provide relief from any hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and mood swings that you may be experiencing. The pills are taken once daily and the patches are applied twice per week.

Estradiol Spray (Evamist®)

Estradiol Spray (Evamist®) is an innovative, FDA-approved hormone therapy option for women navigating the challenging symptoms of menopause, including vaginal itching. This transdermal spray delivers a plant-based, bioidentical form of estrogen directly through the skin, offering a convenient and effective method for managing menopausal symptoms.

Evamist® is sprayed onto your forearm, where the estradiol is absorbed into the bloodstream, providing systemic relief from menopausal symptoms. This method of application ensures a controlled release of estrogen into the body, helping to mitigate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and of course, vaginal discomfort and itching.

The use of Evamist® can offer significant relief for those suffering from moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. Its ease of use makes it a preferred choice for many women looking for an alternative to pills, patches, or creams. Starting treatment with Evamist involves a simple application once a day, with the potential for dosage adjustments based on your symptom relief and tolerance.

Estradiol Gel

Estradiol gel is another transdermal option for total symptom relief. It’s a gel you apply to your skin once daily. 

Ways to Prevent Skin Itching During Menopause

There are several steps you can take to help prevent skin itching during menopause, including:

• Avoid hot showers

• Avoid potential skin irritants

• Wash with a mild soap and rinse with warm water

• Avoid scratching

• Pat skin lightly after bathing to dry off

• Avoid fragranced skincare products

• Decrease alcohol & nicotine intake

• Wear loose, soft fabrics when possible 

• Avoid douching

If You Are Experiencing Vaginal Itching During Menopause, Alloy Can Help Relieve Your Symptoms 

Alloy’s menopause experts can help you find relief from vaginal itching and any other menopause symptoms that you are having. An Alloy doctor will evaluate the answers you provide on your assessment, and will make the best treatment recommendations for you.

Sources

Thornton MJ. “Estrogens and aging skin.” Dermatoendocrinol. 2013;5(2):264-270. doi:10.4161/derm.23872

Caro-Bruce E, Flaxman G. “Vulvar pruritus in a postmenopausal woman.” CMAJ. 2014;186(9):688-689. doi:10.1503/cmaj.130665

Raef HS, Elmariah SB. “Vulvar Pruritus: A Review of Clinical Associations, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Management.” Front Med (Lausanne). 2021;8:649402. Published 2021 Apr 7. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.649402