Itchy Ears Are the Surprising Perimenopause Symptom No One Talks About

You’ve heard all about hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia. But there’s one perimenopause symptom no one seems to be talking about: itchy ears. Though it may not get as much attention as other menopausal bothers, it’s more common than you think. We spoke to our experts to find out more about why this occurs and how you can manage ear irritation.

Itchy ears and perimenopause

While it’s not one of the common symptoms more frequently associated with perimenopause and menopause, hormone changes often cause itchy ears. In a recent TikTok video , menopause and women’s health content creator Mary Claire Haver, MD, OBGYN, FACOG lists itchy ears as one of the “menopause symptoms no one talks about.” And the comment section was filled with women who agreed.

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What classic perimenopause symptom bothers you most?

“I thought I was crazy for how itchy my ears are!,” wrote one viewer. “I wake up in the middle of the night scratching the inside of my ears!”

“No one believed me when I said my ears were super itchy. I was put on HRT [hormone replacement therapy] and it has saved my ears,” said another.

If you find yourself scratching at your ears during perimenopause, it’s likely not just a random sensation. Declining estrogen levels during perimenopause can cause the mucus membranes in the ear to dry out, explains Karyn Eilber, MD , a Professor of Urology and Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. This often causes hot flashes , which can make blood vessels dilate and cause swelling in areas of the body with thinner skin, such as the ears.

Declining estrogen levels also decrease collagen production, which is essential for healthy skin and elasticity, adds Kecia Gaither, MD, OBGYN, FACOG, Director of Perinatal Services/Maternal Fetal Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx. This affects sebum (oil) production in the skin, which can exacerbate dryness, she adds.

Remedies for itchy ears during perimenopause

Thankfully, you don’t have to walk around day in and day out with one finger in your ear. There are plenty of natural, over the counter and prescription treatments you can choose from to manage itchy ears during perimenopause.

Ask about estrogen cream

Dr. Haver reports success amongst patients who use estrogen cream to limit itchy ears during perimenopause. This can be either in the form of estrace or estradiol cream (typically used to treat vaginal atrophy) placed on a Q-tip and gently placed in your ear two to three times a week.

Use a humidifier

Using a humidifier can relieve itchy ears during perimenopause by adding moisture to the air and preventing excessive dryness,, says Dr. Eilber. It may also help to turn down your air conditioning in the summer months, which can have a drying effect, she adds.

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Opt for aquaphor

You can apply Aquaphor , a skin protection and healing ointment, on delicate areas on the body such as the ears, Dr. Eilber notes.

Try soothing oils

“A few drops of warm (not hot) coconut oil can help moisturize the ear canal and alleviate itchiness, as it has both hydrating and antimicrobial properties,” explains Po-Chang Hsu, MD , consultant at Alpas Wellness.

Vitamin E oil applied to and around the ear can provide moisture and relieve dryness and itchiness. Pure vitamin E oil can also be helpful, and should be applied gently with a clean cotton swab, he adds.

Apply Aloe Vera gel

Applying a small amount of cooling and hydrating aloe vera gel to the outer ear (avoiding the ear canal) soothes irritation and reduces inflammation, says Dr. Hsu.

Limit your use of earbuds

Limiting use of devices such as earbuds can reduce further irritation or buildup of moisture in the ear canal, which can worsen itchy inner ear symptoms, Dr. Hsu explains.

Keep reading for more on perimenopause:

Struggling to Stay Awake? Perimenopause Exhaustion May Be the Reason Why

The Best Exercise Routine for Perimenopausal Women To Burn Fat

What Is Perimenopause? MDs Share Symptoms and What To Ask Your Doctor

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan .