Itching after menopause

What is after-itching during menopause and why does it occur so frequently?

Itching during menopause primarily arises from hormone-related changes in the skin and mucous membrane barrier, which make the anal area more sensitive and prone to irritation.

At the onset of perimenopause, estrogen, progesterone, and androgen levels change. These hormonal fluctuations affect not only the vaginal mucosa but also the skin of the anal area. The region becomes drier, thinner, less elastic, and more reactive to friction, moisture, clothing, bowel movements, or local irritations. This results in persistent itching, often accompanied by burning, a feeling of tension, or microlesions. Anal itching is a typical symptom in this life phase, often hormonally influenced but unrecognized.

What hormonal changes cause anal itching during menopause?

The decline of estrogen leads to thinner, drier, and more vulnerable skin, making itching in the after area particularly easy to occur during menopause.

When estrogen levels drop, the skin loses moisture, blood circulation, pH stability, and regenerative capacity. At the same time, sebum production decreases, leading to dryness, microcracks, and increased irritability in the anal area. Fluctuations in progesterone and androgens also influence the tendency for inflammation and mucous membrane stability. This hormonal imbalance promotes the development of anal itching, especially when additional mechanical or infectious factors are present.

What symptoms are typical for anal itching during menopause?

Typical after-itching during menopause is characterized by dry, irritated skin, recurring itching, and a burning sensation that often intensifies after bowel movements.

In addition to the classic itching, additional symptoms often occur that are due to hormonally induced mucosal changes. Many affected describe the feeling of irritated or "raw" skin as well as microscopic fissures that hurt under strain.

Typical complaints:

• Persistent or nocturnal itching
• Burning, rubbing, or stabbing
• Dryness and feeling of tension
• Irritation after bowel movement
• Redness, swelling
• small cracks (microfissures)
• Weeping or slight wound secretion

What causes can additionally intensify anal itching besides hormones?

In addition to hormonal changes, external stimuli such as friction, moisture, infections, or proctological conditions intensify anal itching during menopause.

Many factors act simultaneously in the anal area, so hormonal dryness is only part of the problem. Particularly relevant are stool habits, hygiene, clothing, infections, or skin diseases.

How does itching after menopause differ from other proctological conditions?

Itching during menopause primarily arises from hormone-related changes in the mucous membranes, while proctological conditions have structural causes such as nodules, tears, or inflammations.

To avoid misinterpreting the symptom, differentiation is crucial:

When does itching during menopause become dangerous and when should one seek medical advice?

Medical clarification is necessary if the anal itching persists, oozes, bleeds, becomes inflamed, or is associated with severe pain. Dangerous courses are rare but possible, especially if infections, abscesses, or larger fissures are present.

Warning signs:

• Bleeding
• weeping areas
• Severe pain
• Hard lump
• Fever
• Recurring infections
• Sudden intense burning

What diagnostic methods does medicine use for anal itching in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal age?

The diagnosis of anal itching during menopause is based on a combination of physical examination, medical history, and the exclusion of other proctological causes.

Typical diagnostic steps:

• Inspection of the anal skin
• Proctoscopy
• Swabs in case of suspected infection
• Assessment of mucosal atrophy
• Clarification of hormonal status

Which treatment is most effective for anal itching during menopause?

The most effective treatment for anal itching during menopause combines mucous membrane regeneration, irritation reduction, and targeted local care. For symptomatic treatment, the following are especially important:

• Gentle anal hygiene
• Regulated bowel movements
• Moisture buildup (e.g., hyaluronic acid)
• Anti-inflammatory products
• Avoidance of irritants
• Regeneration of the mucosa

This is where CANNEFF® SUP Suppositories come into play.

How do CANNEFF® SUP suppositories work for itching in the menopause?

CANNEFF® SUP Suppositories work for anal itching during menopause through the combination of CBD and hyaluronic acid, which simultaneously soothes, hydrates, and supports mucous membrane regeneration.

The combination is especially suitable because:

• CBD acts anti-inflammatory and soothing
• Hyaluronic acid binds moisture and stabilizes microcracks
• the suppositories evenly moisten the entire anal area
• local irritations are reduced
• the barrier function is restored

These properties make CANNEFF® SUP a sensible option for menopause-related skin atrophy in the anal area.

How can one prevent itching after menopause in the long term?

Prevention of itching after menopause is based on mucosal protection, stable digestion, and low-irritation daily habits.

What role do stress, gut health, and sleep play?

Stress and lack of sleep worsen anal itching during menopause because they affect digestion, skin barrier, and inflammation tendency. Chronic stress = more diarrhea/constipation = more friction → more itching.

Connection between anal itching & vaginal dryness?

Anal itching and vaginal dryness often occur together during menopause because both are caused by the same hormonal mucosal atrophy. The anal tissue reacts similarly sensitively as the vaginal mucosa.

Connection with hormone therapy or hormone-free alternatives?

Anal itching can improve under hormone therapy, while hormone-free alternatives like CANNEFF® SUP locally strengthen the mucosal structure. Both approaches complement each other mechanistically without excluding one another.