Dry and itchy skin and ears

• During menopause, oestrogen levels decrease. This results in reduced collagen and skin oil production, causing the skin to become drier, age more quickly, and be prone to itching. The ears may also become itchy.
• Smoking, sun exposure, hot showers, unsuitable skincare products, medications, and other health conditions can also contribute to dry skin.
• Many women describe the itch as stinging or tingling, often affecting the face, neck, back, chest, ears, or scalp. This can be bothersome and disrupt sleep.
• A healthy lifestyle and proper skincare can help. Supplements may provide additional support.
• Hormone therapy is another option. It replenishes the oestrogen and progesterone deficit, reducing symptoms such as dry skin, itching, and hot flushes.

During menopause, the ovaries produce less oestrogen and progesterone. The decline in oestrogen, in particular, impacts the skin. Lower oestrogen levels mean your body produces less collagen. Collagen is a protein that keeps the skin supple, elastic, and hydrated. When collagen levels drop, the skin may age more rapidly.

Additionally, the sebaceous glands produce less skin oil, making the skin drier. Dry skin is more prone to itching because the skin barrier is compromised, making it more sensitive to external irritants. This itching can occur anywhere on the body (including the ears) and is medically referred to as pruritus.

Even during perimenopause, oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate, which can lead to the first signs of dry skin and skin ageing. As menopause progresses, the likelihood of dry, itchy, and ageing skin increases.

Many women describe the itch as stinging or tingling, often on the face, neck, back, chest, or scalp. It can be bothersome, disrupt sleep, and make daily life more challenging. You are certainly not alone: dry skin is common among women over 65 and is often accompanied by other menopausal symptoms. The duration and severity of symptoms vary from person to person.

Hormones are not the sole factor. Smoking, sun exposure, hot showers, and unsuitable skincare products can exacerbate skin issues. Medications or other health conditions can also affect your skin. It is important to consider all possible causes of your symptoms.

Smoking narrows blood vessels and reduces circulation, which dries out the skin. Excessive sun exposure or tanning accelerates skin ageing and damages the skin (use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily).

Hot showers or baths strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to flake. Skincare products containing alcohol or fragrances can irritate the skin. Instead, opt for products with active ingredients such as retinol, collagen, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, or vitamin E.

There are various ways to effectively address dry, itchy, flaky skin and itchy ears. You can support your body naturally with healthy nutrition, sufficient exercise, and rest. Additionally, supplements, medications, and hormone therapy (HRT) may help.

When your hormone balance changes during menopause, it can affect your energy levels, sleep, digestion, and metabolism. Healthy nutrition, sufficient exercise, and rest can help prevent or alleviate symptoms. Small adjustments can already make a noticeable difference in how you feel.

When using medications or supplements, a balanced lifestyle supports your body in absorbing nutrients and processing medications, making these treatments more effective. Experts recommend the following for dry and itchy skin and ears:

• Ensure adequate vitamin E intake. This helps prevent moisture loss in the skin. Vitamin E can be found in almonds, avocados, hazelnuts, and pine nuts.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. They contain vitamin C and antioxidants. Vitamin C supports collagen production, while antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals. Vitamin C is especially abundant in kiwis, citrus fruits, red peppers, blueberries, and leafy greens.
• Include healthy fats in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep your skin hydrated. Good sources include walnuts, chia seeds, avocados, and oily fish. Supplements such as fish or algae oil can also be beneficial.
• Drink enough water. At least 1.5 litres per day keeps your skin well-hydrated. It may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked.

During menopause, the hormones oestrogen and progesterone in your body fluctuate and largely disappear once your periods have completely stopped. This can cause symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, or dry and itchy skin and ears. For bothersome symptoms, hormone therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment. By replenishing the hormone deficit, symptoms are reduced. This helps restore balance in your body, giving you energy and peace in your daily life.

Hormone therapy is always prescribed by a doctor and tailored to your personal situation to ensure the treatment is safe and effective.

Many women are unaware that, in addition to hormone therapy, there are proven effective hormone-free medications to relieve menopausal symptoms. While hormone therapy can address multiple symptoms simultaneously, hormone-free medications often target a specific symptom. For example, certain antidepressants (SNRIs) for hot flushes, anti-inflammatory drugs for joint pain, or antacids for heartburn.

Hormone-free medication is always prescribed by a doctor. It can be a good option for those who cannot or do not wish to use hormone therapy. These medications work directly on the symptom without affecting your hormonal balance, allowing you to target your symptoms and support your body.

During menopause, changes occur in how your body produces energy, builds muscle, and repairs the skin. You can naturally support these processes with high-quality supplements. Magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 are recommended for every woman going through menopause. Supplements can also target specific symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep, and dry and itchy skin and ears.

The effectiveness of supplements can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as lifestyle and health. The quality of the product also determines how well it works. Choose high-quality supplements without unnecessary fillers.