I have been itching since my first son was born 16 years ago and I've seen an allergist - no luck, dermatologist - aquagenic puritis YEAH...ALLERGIC TO WATER, NOT! Gynocolgist and allergist agreed that it is a hormone and histamine reaction - too much production of each. Here's my dilema...hitting 45 I think I've hit menapause or early stages of and the itching is out of control. Legs, arms, heat, water, change in clothing - any thing that that changes my environment. I am asking for a dr. referral to see a reproductive endocronologist, but I am not hopeful. You can bet if men had this hormonally related issue, there would be something other than it being "a symptom of menapause" attached...there would be a multimillion dollar business built around it - E.D. and VIAGRA sound familiar? I CAN'T TAKE IT! Thank you for letting me vent AND if there are any other avenues or suggestions, please pass them on.

It is amazing to see others are having this problem. I started the arm itching 4 years ago! I attributed it to hard water and itching after a shower. Then it continued. I had a complete hysterectomy in June and if anything it's worsened.The itching I mean! My back and shoulders have now joined in the fun. Has anyone tried that Eucerin body wash? I think I will. I am about to freak out!

Have you tried Benadryl?

~Zig

I share the sypmtoms most of you mention and have found something to relieve the itch:

ALOE VERA JUICE

A thick cream prevents the onset but when things get out of hand I use a spritzer filled with the juice or cotton balls to dab it on and then rub it in.

It also comes in gel, but the one I found was thickened with Carrageenan, which I am extremely allergic to. You can also find Aloe in its natural form in some grocery stores.

Please try it. It has changed my life and my scars are now healing.

Good luck.

Hi, Im glad Im not alone, Ive been having the itchies since my late thirties. At first I thought I was drinking too much orange juice and getting a reaction!! But no I stopped the juice but the itchies continued. Then I thought that the cats had a bad dose of fleas, but it wasnt that either. When it happens I can be scratching my head one minute and my foot the next, its literally all over. Im 51 now and still getting it, in fact Ive had it the past few days. Funny thing is it comes and goes. I can go within it for months, then it comes back again. The only relief I have found is through having a bath, then scrubbing myself dry with the towel and applying baby oil. Im sure its connected to hormonal changes in the body, but of course I cant be certain.

After struggling through about 4 months of rash I have come to the conclusion that I am sulfite sensitive. If I recall correctly there was another posting on this forum where the woman had mentioned the same.

I had noticed a reaction to wine and beer, but lately was CURED during a move, while I was not taking my supplements. It turns out the Glucosamine and Condrointin that I take for my joints contains SULFUR. After doing some research online I found out that rashes are a common side effect for this supplement.

I am now trying a variety of Glucosamine that is derived from vegetables instead of shellfish and is sulfur free. Condrointin, on the other hand seems to have it no matter what.

Now the challenge of figuring out how to avoid a long list of preservatives and medications.

Hope this helps.

I started with itchy arm when I was 39, the same time I started perimenopause. I went to both my primary doctor and my gn. Neither knew what it was. I was prescribed creams and pills. Nothing worked. After reading Suzanne Somers new holistic book, my sister informed me that extreme itching, especially in the arms is a definate sign of menopause. The estrogen levels are decreasing, causing the itching. I was thrilled to hear that I wasn't going insane! I'm 45 now and in full menopause. The itchy arm wreaks havoc on my life. I've actually found blood on my sheets due to extreme itching in the middle of the night! I have cuts and scars all over my arm. It's only one arm. It starts around the elbow, then after a week it starts to move up the arm until it reaches the top of my shoulder and onto my back. The only thing that works for me is putting something ice cold on it. An ice pack or anything really cold. Anything that will numb it. The side of a nice cold beer works well too. I have noticed that in comes in stages. When I have itchy arm, I don't have the flashes, and vice versa. I don't know why. I actually prefer the hot flashes over this persistant need to itch the flesh off my arm. Ladies, try the ice pack- I hope it works for you.

So far, it looks like my best estimate for triggers, is that I am extremely sensitive to Sulphites or Sulphur, MSG and preservatives in general. I also seem to react to all forms of alcohol.

My condition dramatically improves avoiding these or foods that have been processed where these exist.

I know it sounds extreme, but it really helps.

The range is so vast that it took me a long time to figure this out. I am going to attempt hormone therapy.

Will keep you posted.

I started itching early last year when attempting to quit smoking. It didn't twig that this may have been related to cause until again attempting to quite this year. As far as I know I'm not going through menopause..I'm only 35!?


Though....I've tried to quit smoking quite a few times in my life and it's only this year that I can add this symptom to the already lengthy list of others.

Wow, I've had this for about 6 years. And yes, it can drive you insane. I have tried everything also. Creams, lotions, alergy medicine, etc.

I also use estrogen, testosterone, progesterone.......nothing works but ice....

Its really embarassing when you are in public and your arm starts to itch and you cant quit itching.
I too have scars....never a rash...its like under your skin a prickly, crawly itch.

There has to be something out there for it.....

i dont ususally itch while im awake, but when im sleeping it absouletly drives me nuts, i wake digging at my stomach, neck and back it seems like something burning inside my skin. I havent seen the doctor yet but gonna assume its definetly MENOPAUSE!!!!!!!!!! 46 yrs old and really no defenite signs of menopause except somewhat irregaular periods. Guess I should be happy no hot flashes, maybe some mood symptoms but to many things gone wrong to figure out if its menopause or the other things wrong!

I have been suffering for over a year with itching that was so severe that I couldn't sleep. It felt like bugs biting me. I read some of the posts here and tried (out of desperation)the Silk milk (soy). It stopped in four days. I love the chocolate - it tastes like Yoohoo. It has been over a week now and still no itching. I am holding my breath that this continues to work. But for now I am thrilled. Thanks to whoever made that wonderful post.

I have read these pages and I am so pleased I am not alone with this awful problem and I feel for everyone of you who are also suffering.
Today I visited my doctor with my itching, I told him I thought it was something connected with the menupause, he scowled, frowned and asked if I had any pets, yes I replied, he then asked who else in the house was itching, Nobody I said, he said well I can't believe that nobody else is itching cos I think you have caught Scabies from your dog. What a load of claptrap and I told him I did not agree with him and my dog was not itching either. He just ignored me and prescribed scabies ointment, well at �£7.10 I decided not to waste my money, instead I took my dog to the Vet and asked him to check him for scabies, telling him of my Doctors comments, he laughed so loud he frightened the dog. He said I am not a Doctor so I cannot diagnose you but you definitely DO NOT have scabies and neither does your dog have mange or scabies.
Please Please all you male doctors out there, give us a break, we are not all stupid women with things crawling under our skin or aliens in our brains. If you don't know or can't be bothered with womens problems then DONT TREAT US.

Rant over, now I need a lady doctor who understands and can offer constructive advice.

The itching crawling skin has driven me crazy for the past several years, and especially prior to my period. I am in the peri-menopause state, have PMS, irritability, more anxiety, mild depression, chronic fatique and my migraine headaches have worsened. I have asked all my doctors...I'm hypothyroid, but have normal levels with my Synthyroid, I will have my hormone levels checked again, tried natural hormone replacement therapy( with no added benefits!waste of $$$). Also known as Maca that helps treat peri-& menopause symptoms. Leutin was also recommended, Black cohosh, plus a multi vitamin, calcium, vit. D,& E, C,and a B complex vit. for fatique, energy and so on. I take vitamins, but the article sounded interesting and I'm going to try the herb to see if the crawling ant sensation will be relieved, and any extra benefits. Benadyl, helps some plus my Lyrica but I feel so tired!!! I want a boost in life!! Any other such remedies or information would be appreciated. Sincerely, D.White

I'll say it again...BENADRYL works wonders...

I have itching on my arms - drives me crazy - dr. suggested that it was all in my head but says if it continues she will send me to a dermatologist. I believe it is due to post menapausal levels of hormones or lack thereof. When mine gets really bad, I use an ice pack on it - seems to be the only thing that gives me temporary relief.

Benadryl may help some...but does not phase MY!!skin crawling bug biting sensation that starts early evening and especially prior to my Period. I've eliminated Meds. such as Wellbutrin, (side-effect for me itching), but STILL have itching. I'll be having blood work to check hormone levels. I'm Hypothyroid, take Synthyroid, but my levels are perfect.
Have Sympathy for those who have more difficulty with the Peri-and Menopausal Years!! It's a Challenge!! and not so Pleasant to live with...D.White

I am 49 and have been experiencing the wonderful world of menopause for @ 5 years now. At times the hot flashes we so bad they were accompanied with nausea and instant lack of energy. I am now experiencing itching, it started out 2 years ago on my jaw line & neck, with dry skin patches at times. It now is on the back of my neck, ears and all over my face. There is a rash on the back of my ears and back of my neck also. I can't see a rash on my face but I can feel it very bumpy if I rub my face. Is there anything that has worked for anyone? I have used cortizone a cream which seems to sooth it sometimes. I am so glad I found this web-site!

Do alot of the Perimenopause symptoms go away after you reach Menopause? Benadryl, is like candy...it does not phase the itching crawling sensation that drives me insane. I've tried Lyrica, but was always HUNGRY!! and immediately gained 10-15 lbs. in a month. I have Insomnia, Migraines, Fatique and so on...I want to be like my OLD SELF Again!!
I've tried NHRT and did not seem to help. I am waiting for my blood work results.. check my hormone levels. D.WHITE

To Sabys: I would have your Hormone levels checked. You may have an allergy to something? Have you had allergy testing?
I'm Hypothyroid, and have dry itchy skin that has driven me crazy since my 30's. You are young. I'd discuss this with your Dr? I found that when I increased my Wellbutrin, my skin was crawling. If your taking any Medications, I'd check their possible side-effects. I used to take Lyrica for the burning sensation and a Benadryl at bedtime for the itching. I gained weight and was always hungry, so I stopped taking it.. Good Luck, D.WHITE