Makati ang tenga at balat for no reason? Menopause skin, explained

Estrogen helps skin hold water, make oil and keep its collagen. When it falls, skin gets thinner, less elastic and loses water more easily, which can lead to dryness and irritation. Skin collagen drops fast after menopause: nearly a third is lost in the first 5 years, according to a 2022 dermatology review (Kamp et al.).

Dry skin itches, and the ear canal is no exception: it is lined with thin skin and makes wax that can change in texture. Some women also feel prickling, tingling or "ants crawling" on the skin with no rash at all. This is called formication. It is often mentioned as a menopause symptom, but there is little good research on it, and it has other causes too, so mention it to your doctor.

The Philippine climate adds its own twist: heat, sweat, aircon (very drying) and frequent bathing with strong soaps can all strip the skin.

Filipinas on Reddit list "itchy ears! brain fog. hair loss" among their perimenopause surprises, and others mention that their sweat started to smell different. These are lived experiences, not evidence, but you are clearly not the only one.

Itch is a symptom of many conditions. Rule these out, especially if the itch is strong, widespread or lasts more than a few weeks:

• Eczema, contact dermatitis and allergies. New soaps, detergents, hair dye, earrings or earphones are common triggers. Red, scaly or weeping patches point to a skin condition, not hormones.
• Fungal infections. Very common in hot, humid weather, including in the ear canal and skin folds.
• Thyroid problems. Both under- and overactive thyroid can cause dry or itchy skin. A TSH test costs ₱490 per test (Exact Check). See Perimenopause or thyroid?.
• Liver and kidney problems. Less commonly, itchy skin is a sign of thyroid, liver or kidney problems (NHS). Widespread itch without a rash that does not settle needs blood tests.
• Iron deficiency and anemia. A known trigger of hair shedding (DermNet), and worth checking if your periods are heavy or you also feel very tired.
• Diabetes. Dry, itchy skin and frequent infections. HbA1c costs ₱475 per test (Exact Check).
• Medicines. Some blood pressure, pain and cholesterol medicines can cause itch or dry skin.
• Earwax build-up or ear infection. Pain, discharge or reduced hearing need an ear check.

Prices checked October 2026.

• Gentle skin care and moisturiser: the standard first step. The NHS advises an unperfumed moisturiser or emollient used regularly, cool or lukewarm baths or showers, and no perfumed soaps (NHS). A dermatology review also suggests low-pH emollients, short nails and avoiding irritants for itch after menopause (Kamp et al.). Moisturise right after bathing, pat dry and avoid scrubbing.
• Hands off the ear canal: standard advice. The NHS says not to push cotton buds or fingers into your ears, and to treat conditions like eczema that affect them (NHS). Cotton buds also push wax further in (NHS). If ears itch a lot, a doctor can check for wax, fungus or eczema and suggest drops.
• Treating what you find: Strong evidence. Eczema, fungal infections, thyroid problems and iron deficiency all have effective treatments.
• Sun protection: low risk, sensible. Sun adds to skin aging on top of the hormone changes, so shade, hats and sunscreen are worth the habit.
• HRT: Limited evidence for skin and itch. Studies of estrogen HRT found more skin collagen and thicker skin, seen as early as 3 months (Kamp et al.), but the review authors say more research is needed, and skin alone is not a reason to start it. If you also have hot flashes, night sweats or poor sleep, it is worth discussing. Read HRT for menopause.
• Collagen drinks, evening primrose and "glow" supplements: Not enough evidence for menopause skin. See our honest supplement guide.

Non-hormonal options for other symptoms are in non-hormonal treatments.

• Itch all over the body with no rash, especially with yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or weight loss
• Itch that keeps you awake for weeks, or does not settle with moisturiser
• Ear pain, discharge, hearing loss or ringing
• A new mole, or a mole that changes shape, colour or bleeds
• A rash with fever, blisters or swelling of the face or lips (go to the emergency room now)

A menopause-literate doctor or dermatologist can sort out hormones from skin conditions. Start with the symptom checker to see your other symptoms in one place.