For the last 7 months I have suffered from external vaginal itching which began from a thrush infection caused by antibiotics and has never really gone. My thrush went away a while back, but the itching has stayed — pin sharp, hot and very uncomfortable! I only use water to clean there, and my wash powder hasn’t changed either. Has anyone else suffered increased itching like this? Could it be related to menopause? I’m 48.
– Anon, Wales
Anon,
Oh yes!!!! the itching can be terrible. I also have eczema and being in menopause has made the itching worse. In menopause, it’s all about hormones and your body is ceasing to make certain hormones. My skin is dryer than usual. So my dermatologist has me using cetaphil cleanser and lotion and for the itching I’m on aveeno cortisone cream. I notice that my skin will itch for weeks at a time and suddenly stop. But, I guess that’s the hormones trying work itself out. Your not crazy Anon, but I would take the itching over the menopausal anxiety any day. I’ve been in full menopause since 37 and now I’m 39 and it sucks. But we will get through this. If you haven’t already, My obgyn found that taking a women’s health probiotic has helped with restoring gut and vaginal health and help with BV and itching after antibiotic use. However, antibiotics can cause even worse symptoms and at the same time, it can be hard to figure out if it’s really menopause or a side effect from the antibiotics.
Robin how do you know if your in full menopause, does the period stop? I am 37 and have a lot of symptoms.
Hi, the uncomfortable itching could be hormone related, yes, or Bacterial Vaginosis (infection). You should see your Doctor or a Gynaecologist to eliminate other reasons for this.
In the meantime, try not to scratch, wash daily with plain soap or just water and use a cold pack and or flannel to cool the area xx Good luck ?
Hi, yes I’ve had the same. At times it’s unbearable. Because of lockdown I haven’t been able to see a doctor recently but believe that it’s hormone related. Previously, doctors were saying it’s excema but I’ve kept track and don’t think so. It’s got worse over the years as I’ve been approaching menopause. It’s not itchy all day every day but mainly at night. Have you found a pattern? I only use water to clean, wear cotton underwear but no luck so far. Good luck
It’s not just down below that’s itching, at times I could scratch my skin off mainly my sides and my back. Now and again I itch so much it’s like little welts appear. Anyone else facing such a thing I honestly think I’m going mad at times on this bloody journey!
I get itchy all over. It seems to happen at certain times of month, like right before my period. It’s especially bad down below, but that is not the only problem area. I have problems in my low back as well.
Definitely hormonal – took me two years for my doctor to realise even though I had tols them it was. There are remedies and a way out x
Thank you for the insight you shared – I’ve just started getting itchy for 3 weeks a month and it’s horrible. This post will help me talk with my doctor.
Sounds similar to my experience. Worse when I was due on, more pronounced at night, only on my arms, back, chest and crazy vaginal itch.
Did all the creams, removed harsh soaps, cotton underwear etc. It all cleared up once I was put on the progesterone-only pill and low-level anti-depressants. Also take high dose omega-three oils. All good now – there is a way out.
Yes. the itching can be really bad and I’m sorry to say can last months. I buy an over the counter cream which can help.
Aqueous cream used as soap is less of an irritant
It’s definitely related to menopause! I’ve had it since 45, I did complain to GP once, she prescribed steroids but I didn’t use it. Instead I occasionally apply Chinese cream for skin conditions very occasionally. It helps instantly and magnificently. You can find it in reputable Chinese herbal store.
Itching appears when skin goes dry. Reduction of the hormones, used to oil the skin, causes dryness. Water cleanses but dries the skin so, moisturise the area lightly with “white soft paraffin in light liquid paraffin 50/50”. It’s neutral and without aromas or chemicals. Chemicals in creams are irritants.
As a rule of thumb wear only pure cotton or silk. Wash frequently. And the most important – don’t scratch, as it will irritate the skin and will multiply the problem.
The bottom line be positive, you can deal with it and it won’t bother you. Good luck!
Yes it’s such a nuisance! I notice that sleeping without underwear, with or without a loose pijama really helps.
Oh boy. Itch itch itch. What we women have to go through. Sometimes I itch so much all over my body I could scratch it all off. I’m 53 now and my periods stopped about 10 years ago but every time I have a blood test my gp tells me I’m borderline menopausal!! What the heck is that supposed to mean?? Gotta go back to doctors soon to get this sorted. Driving me bonkers.
I’ve just a BV infection which thankfully wasn’t itchy but raw and sore, then the antibiotics have given me thrush. In the past before peri menopause I’d suffered with vulvodynia for many years which was very painful as well, burning stinging pain all the time until I had surgery……it determined what I could wear and it ruled my life.
Anyways I’m so sorry to hear about your pain and discomfort, but is it more than itchy? You need to get some specialist support who knows about Vulvar diseases.
I have the same. Coconut oil works for me.
The Monistat creams will help to relieve some of theitching temporarily. But with Bacterial Vaginosis there can be a presence of ‘clue cells’ which will only be cleared with an antibiotic to truly rid yourself of it. See a doctor. Relief is immediate and long lasting!
Yes I think for me it’s part of menopause have a chat with your GP I also find to much sugar in my diet does not help KY jelly can be soothing my go put me on Oestrogen vaginal tabs definitely helped good luck ?
You can get vaginal gel for this
Hi Anon, I was like that, constant antibiotics, found good probiotic helped. Not had bout of thrush in 3 yrs, thank god… Also vaginal dryness occurs with low oestrogen. My GP prescribed Vagifem 10 micrograms pessary, insert like tampon. Must say helped me so much, use it twice a week. Please don’t suffer, seek help & advice.
What is a good probiotic to take and what about over the counter medication for the itch! Has anyone tried Kindra it is a moisturizer for the vagina? I’ve been read in about it?