Hormone ughs

Q:

Ever since menopause, I’ve been dealing with this chronic—and seriously embarrassing—itch. No amount of lotion has eased my constant need to scratch. I need relief!

A:

You can blame estrogen for that itch. The hormone plays a key role in the production of oils and collagen that keep skin hydrated and elastic, so when estrogen levels reach their lowest after menopause, dryness and itching on delicate skin of the vulva (a condition called pruritus) are common.

Fortunately, I can suggest a few natural ways to ease the itch. Researchers reporting in the British Journal of Nutrition found that fatty acids in flaxseed and borage oil boost skin hydration and reduce irritation by

25%, so I recommend adding 2 Tbs. of freshly ground flaxseeds to salads and smoothies daily, as well as supplementing with 1,000 mg. of borage oil. And since B vitamins are essential for the production of healthy skin cells and can help lock in moisture, consider taking a daily B-complex supplement.

As an extra measure of precaution, avoid the use of harsh soaps on vulval skin since they strip away skin oils to make dryness and itching more likely. And since drugstore lotions sometimes contain fragrances and preservatives that can aggravate sensitive skin to intensify pruritus, I advise skipping those and instead smoothing on natural options such as coconut, avocado or olive oil two to three times daily—especially after showering or bathing, which locks in moisture while skin is still damp.

These steps should substantially ease your itch within a week. If they don’t, or if you notice additional symptoms such as vaginal discharge or red or white patches in your vulval area, I advise seeing your gynecologist to rule out other causes and explore additional treatment strategies.