Perimenopause symptom no one talks about… itchy ears!

This has come up so many times in conversations with women my age lately, and hardly anyone realises it can actually be linked to perimenopause.

As oestrogen drops, it causes changes in skin and hair follicles — including the delicate skin inside the ears. The result? Random, relentless itching that feels impossible to scratch properly.

I genuinely think this is one of the most common symptoms no one warns you about.

What’s worked for me (and loads of others)

A simple clean of the ear opening with a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton Q-tip can give almost instant relief.

Important bit:
Only ever do a gentle swipe around the outer area — no deep dives into the ear canal, as that can cause damage.

If it burns, that can sometimes mean infection, but also remember that if you’ve been scratching for weeks the skin will already be sore and broken, so some stinging at first is normal. Once the itch settles and the skin heals, you shouldn’t feel burning anymore.

If you do keep getting burning or discomfort, it’s worth popping to the pharmacy or GP to rule out infection.

Supporting things hormonally

Because the issue comes from falling oestrogen levels, it might be worth looking at ways to support hormones naturally if you’re not ready for HRT yet.

Dong Quai, often called the “female ginseng,” has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to support women’s hormonal health. It’s commonly taken to help with cycle changes, hormonal balance and some perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Many women find it helps take the edge off fluctuations while their body adjusts during this transition.

Alternatively, as a really natural and gentle option and something I personally recommend for general hormone balance at any age is Borage Oil (from the starflower plant) — a sort of stronger cousin of evening primrose oil. It’s known for anti-inflammatory benefits and many people find it helps with some of the other perimenopause niggles too — achy joints, bloating, mood dips and general sluggishness.

Perimenopause symptoms are often much wider reaching than we realise, and sometimes the smallest tips shared between women make the biggest difference.

Just sharing what’s worked for me and friends — if you’re struggling with itchy ears, you’re definitely not the only one!

If you want to try any of these products just click on the link.