Why Are My Ears So Itchy? The Menopause Connection Nobody Talks About

Menopause |
4 min read

Written By

Brittany Dick

Published

May 04, 2026

Medically reviewed by

Alyssa Dweck MS, MD, FACOG, MSCP, Chief Medical Officer

Preparing for perimenopause may have you bracing for hot flashes and unexpected mood swings, but there are some symptoms experienced during this transitional time that few women talk about—like itchy ears, specifically experienced in menopause.

Here, Bonafide Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Alyssa Dweck, talks more about itchy ears in perimenopause and menopause, and why menopause skin changes can occur in midlife.

What Causes Itchy Ears in Menopause?

According to Dr. Dweck, there’s a reason why more than 60% of women report menopause skin changes during this transitional period.¹ From acne and itchy scalp, to psoriasis and dry skin, menopause may impact skin health in a variety of unexpected ways.²

“Though less talked about, itchy ears is one of many symptoms perimenopausal and menopausal women might report,” says Dr. Dweck. “This itchy sensation can occur in the ear canal as well as on the external skin surfaces of the ear.”

The most common reason this occurs, according to Dr. Dweck, is underlying hormonal changes, like declining estrogen and testosterone, that may cause skin to become dry, thin, and more prone to irritation and itchiness.^3,4

“Both increasing age and lower estrogen levels are associated with the skin becoming thinner and more delicate during menopause,” Dr. Dweck explains. “Both estrogen and testosterone levels, which are both naturally lower during menopause, can influence skin health, including skin in, and around the ears.”

Causes of Itchy Ears in Perimenopause

How do hormonal changes experienced during the menopause transition contribute to ear itchiness, exactly? Dr. Dweck clarifies that declining levels of estrogen and testosterone may contribute to:^{5, 6, 7, 8, 9}

Lower production of collagen, a skin-protective protein in the body that decreases by 30% within the first five years of menopause
Lower production of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that keeps skin soft, elastic, and moisturized
Decreased oil and sebum production, which may reduce skin volume, firmness, and hydration
Dry skin due to reduced hydration levels in the skin

Dr. Dweck adds that the chances of experiencing skin itchiness during menopause are even greater for women who may have experienced, or are experiencing other skin conditions that occur with age, like eczema and several skin rashes that can occur during menopause.¹⁰

“Some women might notice their skin becomes itchier due to allergies or dermatitis, a skin irritation typically caused by an external irritant, that can develop alongside age and menopause,” Dr. Dweck continues. “This can result in itchy skin, particularly in the ears, nose, and throat.”

How to Manage Itching in Menopause

Fortunately, there are a myriad of ways to manage the many forms of perimenopause itching, inclusive of itchy ears, often with a few simple changes in routines at home.

Management for itchy ears and dry skin experienced during menopause may include: ^{11, 12, 13, 14, 15}

Moisturizing. Step one, according to Dr. Dweck, is to moisturize—but not just any basic lotion will do the trick. Consider looking for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Hydrating. Internal hydration is an important factor in skin health as well, according to Dr. Dweck, as chronic dehydration may decrease skin hydration. Do your best to drink plenty of water per day and be mindful about adapting your water intake based on environmental temperature, medication use, and activity levels.
Hormone Therapy. Your healthcare provider likely won’t recommend hormone therapy for itchy ears and skin as a primary indication, cautions Dr. Dweck. Research has shown that those on systemic or topical hormone therapy may experience an improvement in skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration, but more research needs to be done in this area to determine the definitive benefits of hormones for this symptom set.

When to See a Healthcare Provider for Perimenopause Itching

Dry skin, along with itchy, dry eyes and itchy ears experienced in menopause are not uncommon, explains Dr. Dweck, but some menopause skin changes may warrant seeking the advice of a medical professional.

“For allergies or dermatitis-related conditions, your healthcare provider may prescribe systemic or topical antihistamines or steroids,” Dr. Dweck says. “Evaluation by a dermatologist is recommended for persistent, recurrent, or worsening symptoms.”

Additionally, if you notice new or changing skin lesions or rashes, or if itchy ears and skin are impacting your daily quality of life including your ability to sleep, be sure to contact your primary care physician or dermatologist for guidance on how to manage your symptoms.

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