Itchy breasts is not the most well-knownmenopausesymptom, but it’s not uncommon, either.
This article provides information on the causes and treatment of itchy breasts during menopause.
AH86/Getty Images
Causes of Itchy Breasts
Breast tenderness and discomfort are common symptoms during perimenopause and menopause.
AH86/Getty Images
For many people, dry, itchy skin is one of the first symptoms of menopause to occur.
Other Menopausal Breast Changes
Hormone changes during menopause cause the breasts to undergo many changes.
In addition to dry, itchy skin, other changes include:
Do Itchy Breasts Mean Cancer?
What Can I Do About Itchy Breasts?
Many home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can sort out the issue.
Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for itchy skin.
Applied topically, corticosteroids stop itching by reducing irritation and inflammation.
The treatment works by suppressing the actions of certain immune cells that trigger the itch response.
Topical corticosteroid treatments containing 1% hydrocortisone can be found over-the-counter (OTC) at most drugstores.
For especially itchy or irritated skin, your healthcare provider can prescribe a stronger corticosteroid for symptom relief.
Topical anesthetics work by numbing the nerves at the site where the cream is applied.
Topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine ointment, are only available by prescription.
Take care to use anesthetic cream exactly as your healthcare provider directs you to.
However, HRT is never recommended solely as a treatment for menopausal skin changes.
If keeping the skin moisturized does not provide enough itch relief, an OTC corticosteroid ointment should be helpful.
If not, ask your healthcare provider about prescription-strength medications, such as hormone replacement therapy.
Nair P.Dermatosis associated with menopause.J Midlife Health.
2014 Dec;5(4):168-175. doi:10.4103/0976-7800.145152
National Cancer Institute.Breast changes and conditions.
2019 Jun;5(2):85-90. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.01.001
National Cancer Institute.Understanding breast changes and conditions.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America.Breast cancer symptoms.
NYU Langone Health.Medication for eczema & dermatitis.
National Institute of Health.Lidocaine ointment.
National Cancer Institute.Menopausal hormone therapy and cancer.
