How can menopause affect your skin?
Oestrogen plays a really important role in keeping our skin healthy. It helps support the skin's structure, including collagen, which gives our skin strength and firmness. It also helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity. [1]
So, when oestrogen levels start to drop during perimenopause and menopause, this can have quite a big impact on how our skin behaves.
It can become drier, more sensitive and much itchier. This is partly because the skin's protective barrier can become less effective, making it more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
But why might this happen in your ears?
The skin inside the ear canal is very delicate and can become dry and irritated quite easily. However, there is currently limited evidence to suggest that itchy ears are a direct menopause symptom.
We do know that itchy skin in general can be associated with menopause [2], so hormonal changes could be one possible reason. But it's important not to automatically assume that everything is connected to your hormones, as there are other possible causes.
Other reasons why your ears might be itchy
There are several things that could be causing that irritating itch.
1. A build-up of earwax
One of the reasons could be a build-up of earwax.
And, of course, what do we often do when that happens? We start digging around with a cotton bud!
But this can actually make things worse. You can end up pushing earwax further into the ear canal or removing too much of it.
Earwax is there for a reason. It helps protect and lubricate the inside of the ear canal, so removing too much can leave the delicate skin more vulnerable to irritation.
The NHS has some useful advice about earwax build-up and how to manage it safely.
2. Eczema and dermatitis
Another possible cause is eczema or dermatitis.
The skin around the ear and just inside the ear canal is a common area for these conditions to occur.
You might notice itching, dryness or flaky skin, which can become quite uncomfortable.
Contact irritation is another possibility. This can be caused by things such as hair dyes, shampoos and other haircare products that come into contact with the skin around your ears.
And remember, as hormonal changes can affect your skin, you may find that products you have used for years suddenly start to cause irritation or sensitivity.
3. Hearing aids and earphones
If you wear hearing aids, earbuds or earphones, these could also be worth considering.
Sometimes, wearing these for long periods can cause irritation or discomfort around the ear canal, particularly if they are putting pressure on the skin or rubbing against it.
If you notice that your ears become itchy after using them, it may be worth looking at whether they could be contributing to the problem.
So, could itchy ears be connected to menopause?
Well, let's look at the bigger picture.
It's worth remembering that itchy ears aren't currently recognised as a specific menopause symptom. However, we do know that falling oestrogen levels can affect the skin, making it drier, more sensitive and more prone to itching.
If your itchy ears started around the same time as other menopause symptoms, and you're also experiencing itchy skin elsewhere, there is a possibility that hormonal changes could be playing a part.
But don't automatically assume that menopause is the cause. There can be other explanations, so it's important to consider what's happening and get any persistent or troublesome symptoms checked.
Have you experienced itchy ears during menopause?
It's certainly something you might not immediately associate with perimenopause or menopause, but it seems to be something that many women in our We Talk Menopause community have experienced.
Have you had itchy ears? Did you discover what was causing them, and was there anything that helped?
We'd love you to share your experiences. Your story might be just what another woman needs to hear to realise she's not alone.
Sources:
1. Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 2: skin disorders - PMC
2. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms - NHS
Other articles you might find helpful:
Signs Your Skin Issues Are Hormone-Related - Menopause & Perimenopause Skin Symptoms
My skin is very itchy and dry. Is this a perimenopause symptom? Q&A
