Skin and Hair in Perimenopause

Dry, itchy skin and thinner hair are both common in perimenopause and after menopause. They're linked to changing hormone levels. You're not imagining it, and you're not doing anything wrong.

For skin

• Moisturise straight after washing, while your skin is still slightly damp
• Choose unperfumed products, which are less likely to irritate
• Short, warm showers rather than long, hot ones
• Sunscreen on bright days, all year round

For hair

• Be gentle: go easy on tight styles and lots of heat
• Eat a varied diet with enough protein and iron-rich foods
• Give it time: hair grows slowly, so changes take months to show

When to see your GP

If you're worried about hair loss, or your skin is very itchy, sore or not getting better, see your GP. Hair loss can have other causes, such as low iron or stress, which are worth checking. The NHS also suggests seeing a GP before paying for treatment at a commercial hair clinic.