Why does itching appear before your period and what to do?

Perhaps most women can complain of varying degrees of discomfort before the start of a new monthly cycle. For some, it manifests itself as increased irritability and fatigue, for others - abdominal pain and intestinal disorders. Less common complaints are itching before menstruation: unpleasant sensations sometimes occur in the area of the external genitalia, or even throughout the body. This symptom is alarming: is this the norm or a disease?

Can there be itching before menstruation?

In some cases, the female body tries to indicate the existence of a particular problem with uncharacteristic symptoms. For example, itching may appear before menstruation - inside the vagina or on the external genitalia. Indeed, this happens, and this symptom cannot be ignored.

There may be many reasons for this phenomenon: we will tell you about it further. One thing is clear: it is necessary to visit a doctor. Often women think: if there are no other symptoms, then a slight itch before menstruation can be considered a normal variant, or one of the manifestations of allergies or signs of stress. Is it possible that itching before menstruation is normal?

If the unpleasant symptom occurs systematically and does not disappear within three or four cycles, then you need to draw the appropriate conclusions and still visit a doctor. After all, the causes of the problem are far from always harmless or do not require treatment, but they can aggravate the situation and seriously harm your health. It is good if the unpleasant itching sensations disappear on their own, just as they appeared. If this does not happen, then you need to look for the original cause of the problem.

Causes itching before your period

From all of the above, it becomes clear that there are many reasons for itching before menstruation, and all of them must be taken into account before making a diagnosis.

• Thrush, or candidiasis, is a fungal infection that primarily manifests itself as itching, as well as the appearance of characteristic cheesy vaginal discharge. This itching can be disturbing both before menstruation and during and after sexual intercourse. [ 1 ]
• Hormonal imbalance is a disorder that many women simply do not think about. In fact, the hormonal influence can be quite strong and manifests itself in a variety of symptoms, including itching. In the second phase of the monthly cycle, there is often an excess of estrogens against the background of low production of progesterone. This causes fluid retention in tissues, the appearance of edema, potassium deficiency, and water-electrolyte metabolism disorder. After normalization of the hormonal balance, all of these symptoms disappear.
• Inflammatory processes in the genital area – for example, colpitis, vaginitis, cervicitis. Such diseases can be accompanied not only by itching, but also by leucorrhoea – liquid vaginal discharge. [ 2 ], [ 3 ]
• Sexually transmitted infections, diseases that are sexually transmitted - in particular, we are talking about gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes. [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]
• Allergic processes are a common cause of itching before menstruation. Allergies can be caused by pads, hygiene and detergents, tampons, and even underwear.
• Insufficient hygiene of the genitals, perineal area.
• Somatic diseases (heart disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease, trauma).
• Nervous breakdowns, stress and depression, neuroses.

Risk factors

There are many known causes of itching before menstruation - both harmless and pathological, caused by some diseases. However, in some people, with the same cause, itching appears, while in others it does not. Why does this happen? The fact is that certain risk factors play a significant role, which significantly affect the intensification of unpleasant symptoms. Most often, we are talking about the following factors:

• weak immunity, hypothermia, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency;
• improper hygiene care (insufficient or, conversely, excessive), too dry and sensitive skin;
• the presence of bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs), long-term or incorrect treatment with certain medications (especially dangerous is the chaotic use of medications without indications, with a violation of the dosage, etc.);
• insufficient daily fluid intake, dehydration;
• exposure to chemical agents;
• tendency to allergies, wearing synthetic underwear;
• frequent or severe stress, depression, nervous breakdowns;
• periods of strong hormonal fluctuations (recent abortions, taking hormonal drugs, age after 45, etc.);
• excess weight, endocrine diseases;
• heredity.

Pathogenesis

There can be no single pathogenetic mechanism by which itching appears before menstruation, because there can be many reasons for this problem. Most often, the problem is “blamed” on changes in hormonal levels: approximately a week before the onset of menstruation, the ratio of estrogens and progesterone in the body changes. In this case, it is the imbalance of hormones in the female reproductive system that regulates the monthly cycle that has an effect.

The situation is aggravated by a lack of certain vitamins, such as retinol, pyridoxine, as well as magnesium, calcium and zinc.

Experts' opinions on the pathogenesis differ. For example, the possibility of a violation of the water-electrolyte balance or the production of prostaglandins, as well as a hyperadrenocortical mechanism of development are considered.

As practice shows, itching before menstruation most often bothers women with unstable weight. In other words, the risk group includes both patients with obvious excess weight and those who constantly follow one or another diet, or sharply lose weight, or sharply gain weight.

Symptoms

Women often believe that itching before menstruation can only indicate a pathology if it is accompanied by a rash or flaking of the skin. But this is not entirely true: itching often occurs without additional symptoms, or is accompanied by other signs that are most often not associated with each other.

• Itching of the labia before menstruation, associated with hormonal imbalance, may additionally manifest itself with other symptoms. For example, periodic failures of the menstrual cycle, scanty (or, conversely, heavy) bleeding, unpleasant sensations during sexual intercourse, dry mucous membranes, pronounced PMS, and in some cases - the inability to get pregnant are characteristic.
• Itching in the vagina before menstruation is most often associated with an inflammatory process or with sexually transmitted diseases. For example, trichomoniasis is characterized by redness on the labia and in the groin, swelling of the genitals. With gonorrhea, there are yellowish or pinkish-yellow discharge, as well as itching and even pain. With genital herpes, a small rash appears around the anus, the inguinal lymph nodes enlarge.
• Itching in the perineum before menstruation can be caused by the fusion of two disease processes: allergies and disorders of the autonomic nervous system. The key pathological symptom is precisely itching - pronounced, interfering with normal life, work and even sleep. The skin of the perineum over time becomes dry, inflamed, rough, and sometimes areas of hyperpigmentation appear.
• Itching of the skin of the body before menstruation, redness and peeling, disturbance of the general condition can be observed with some dermatological problems that tend to worsen on certain days of the cycle, when hormonal changes and a natural decline in immunity occur. In any case, this is a reason to contact a specialist.
• Itching in the anus before menstruation can be caused by such problems as helminthic invasions, proctitis, hemorrhoids. It is also often associated with non-compliance with personal hygiene rules. Additional symptoms of helminthic infestation can be frequent digestive disorders, anemia, weight loss, and the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
• Itching and discharge before menstruation are in most cases caused by colpitis - inflammation of the vaginal tissue. Colpitis can be caused by various infectious agents, including fungal flora and sexually transmitted infections. The main symptoms, in addition to itching, are abundant mucous or purulent discharge, swelling, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and pain in the lower abdomen.
• Before menstruation, itching and white discharge with a foreign odor is a symptom indicating the presence of inflammation. The inflammatory process can be limited to the vaginal cavity, or localized in the uterus, appendages. The discharge can be not only white, but also greenish, cloudy, yellowish. The smell can be "rotten fish", sourish, or putrid.
• Itching and brown discharge before menstruation sometimes bother with endometriosis. This disease is also characterized by various pains (lower, upper abdomen), the appearance of blood clots during menstruation, frequent inflammatory processes, pronounced PMS, and in some cases - infertility.
• Itching before menstruation without discharge and odor often indicates an allergic reaction that develops, for example, when using hygiene products (pads, tampons, intimate gels, etc.). Additional signs include slight swelling of the genitals, redness of the mucous membranes, and the appearance of rashes such as urticaria.
• Itching and burning before menstruation often indicate a violation of personal hygiene rules. This may be either insufficient or excessive hygiene of the genitals. Thus, many women on the eve of menstruation begin to diligently observe hygiene rules, wash themselves several times a day. Particularly stressful is washing with too hot water, as well as douching and irrigation with infusions or decoctions, or medicinal antiseptic solutions. As a result, the skin becomes dry and hypersensitive, itching appears.
• Severe itching before menstruation, as a sign of vaginal dysbacteriosis, may be accompanied by painful sensations during intercourse, cutting and pain in the genital area, heavy or light spotting. Without treatment, vaginitis and cystitis often develop, and dysbacteriosis becomes chronic.
• Before menstruation, cheesy discharge and itching are a sure sign of exacerbation of fungal pathology. Cheesy discharge usually has a sour smell, and itching bothers not only before the onset of menstruation, but also after sexual intercourse. Additionally, the general condition may worsen, headaches may appear.
• Before menstruation, burning in the urethra appears due to chronic urethritis or cystitis. The diseases are accompanied by pain and cutting during urination, redness at the exit of the urethra, the presence of pus or blood in the urine, discomfort in the lower abdomen.

Depending on the prevalence of certain symptoms, the doctor prescribes appropriate diagnostic measures, and only after that makes a final diagnosis and prescribes treatment.

Diagnostics itching before your period

The basic criterion for diagnosing itching before menstruation is the regular cyclicity, periodicity of this symptom, its connection with menstruation (disappearance at the end of the bleeding period).

The doctor should take into account all additional symptoms, clarify the nature of the menstruation. An important diagnostic link can be the keeping of a kind of diary by the woman, where she should track her condition over several cycles, noting any changes and symptoms associated with itching and menstruation.

Laboratory tests must include a study of hormonal levels, namely, the level of estradiol, prolactin and progesterone. Other tests are prescribed depending on the presence of other complaints and symptoms. These may include general clinical studies (blood, urine), allergy tests, and blood sugar determination.

Instrumental diagnostics are carried out as part of additional examination. It may include:

• assessment of ovarian functionality;
• electroencephalogram;
• X-ray of the skull, sella turcica.

If necessary, consultation with a neurologist, dermatovenerologist, endocrinologist, or infectious disease specialist is recommended.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics are carried out:

• with dermatological itching (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, dermatoinfections);
• with systemic itching (in liver diseases, chronic renal failure, blood diseases);
• with neurogenic itching (disorders of the peripheral and central nervous system);
• with psychogenic itching.

For example, hormonally conditioned dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, cholestasis, iron deficiency anemia, and age-related changes can also cause limited itching sensations.

If it is impossible to establish the cause of itching before menstruation by diagnostic means, then the presence of an idiopathic disorder is indicated.

Treatment itching before your period

Women who regularly experience itching associated with the onset of menstruation are advised to lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits, normalize their work and rest schedule, and prevent stress. During the second phase of the cycle, a diet should be followed that limits the consumption of carbohydrates and salt. Particular emphasis should be placed on a healthy, full night's rest, regular walks in the fresh air. Physical activity will also be beneficial - in particular, cycling, swimming, yoga, aerobics.

As a medical treatment, depending on the underlying disease, the doctor may suggest:

• taking oral contraceptives or progestin drugs;
• taking antiestrogens (Tamoxifen) or antigonadotropins (Goserelin);
• homeopathic remedies (Cyclodinone, Remens);
• sedatives (valerian extract, motherwort tincture), tranquilizers (Phenibut);
• diuretics (Furosemide);
• analgesics (Ibuprofen, Nimesil);
• vitamins;
• antihistamines (Cetirizine, Loratadine);
• psychotherapy.

Medicines that a doctor may prescribe

• Ketoconazole is a systemic antifungal drug that is usually prescribed at 200-400 mg per day. The duration of therapy may vary, depending on the extent of the fungal infection. Ketoconazole is not used in case of hypersensitivity to the drug. Possible side effects when taking it may be abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, sleep disorders.
• Novo-Passit is a sedative and anxiolytic drug that effectively calms, relieves mental stress, and relaxes smooth muscles. Novo-Passit is successfully used to eliminate increased neuromuscular excitability, as well as for dermatoses that are accompanied by itching. The solution is taken 5 ml three times a day (sometimes the dose is increased to 10 ml). Side effects include a feeling of fatigue, dizziness, digestive disorders, and muscle weakness. If digestive disorders occur, the drug should be taken with food.
• Cetirizine is a systemic antihistamine that is taken 10 mg at a time, during dinner. The indication is various types of itching, including idiopathic. As a rule, Cetirizine does not cause drowsiness if taken in recommended doses. Headaches and dry mouth are rarely noted.
• Remens is a complex homeopathic remedy that is successfully used to eliminate PMS, hormonally-induced itching before menstruation, and as part of complex therapy for inflammatory processes in the genital area. The standard course of treatment is 3 months. Remens is taken 10 drops three times a day (unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor). Side effects are almost non-existent: the exception is hypersensitivity to the composition of the drug.
• Phenibut is a drug that can affect neurogenic itching. It relieves nervous tension, normalizes sleep, and improves the functional state of the brain. Phenibut is taken before meals, 250-500 mg three times a day, for 14-21 days. In rare cases, at the very beginning of treatment, side effects such as headache, dizziness, and nausea may bother.

Vitamins

Taking additional vitamins can help relieve itching before menstruation, because many processes in the body are inextricably linked to what and in what quantities a person eats. Women who are bothered by unpleasant sensations during this period should increase the percentage of foods rich in zinc, calcium, and B vitamins in their diet.

As the new menstrual cycle approaches, the female body begins to experience a deficiency of potassium and magnesium, which directly affect the state of the vascular network. The source of these minerals are bananas, greens, nuts, seeds, apricots, bran. If necessary, you can take pharmaceutical drugs - for example, Magne B ₆, Magnikum, Asparkam, Panangin.

In addition to minerals, before menstruation there is an additional need for tocopherol, or vitamin E. This vitamin is present in nuts, cereals, vegetable oils, and also in pharmaceutical preparations - for example, Aevit.

To ensure a full effect, you need to supplement your diet with iron, ascorbic acid, vitamin B ₁₂, and calcium.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy can be prescribed in combination with drug treatment and psychotherapy, which allows to reduce the dosage of drugs while maintaining the maximum therapeutic effect. Physical procedures normalize the functionality of the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system, stabilize the hormonal background and the psycho-emotional state of the patient.

• The transcranial electroanalgesia method involves the use of pulsed currents, which have a calming and analgesic effect and stabilize the functioning of the nervous system.
• Electrosleep – affects the brain using low-frequency pulsed currents, which reduces the excitability of the nervous system and improves pituitary hormonal function.
• The galvanization method involves the use of direct electric current, which has a calming effect and reduces the excitability of the brain.
• Medicinal electrophoresis with sedatives on the collar area has a calming and tonic effect.
• Acupuncture and reflexology affect bioactive zones, providing an antidepressant and analgesic effect.
• The use of a contrast or circular shower eliminates the effects of stress, improves the general state of the immune system, relieves tension, irritability, and normalizes sleep.
• Coniferous, iodine-bromine, radon baths have a calming effect, normalize the functionality of the reproductive organs, relieve pain, and stabilize hormonal levels.
• Therapeutic massage reduces the excitability of the nervous system, has a relaxing effect, and optimizes metabolic processes.

Folk remedies

Alternative medicine can also help combat itching before menstruation, offering a wide range of recipes. You can get acquainted with them right now:

1. Infusion of dandelion rhizome. To prepare it, brew 1 tbsp. of dried root with 200 ml of boiling water, keep under the lid for about half an hour, filter. Then take 100 ml of the remedy twice a day before meals. Treatment should be started approximately 10 days before the expected first day of the new monthly cycle.
2. Infusion of red rowan berries. Wash 2 tbsp. of berries, pour 500 ml of boiling water and leave under the lid until completely cool. Then filter the infusion and drink a little during the day.
3. Fennel seed infusion. Take 1 tbsp of seed, pour boiling water (0.5 l), keep under the lid for 20 minutes. Take warm during the day.
4. Ivan-tea decoction. Pour 1 tbsp of the plant into 500 ml of water, place on low heat, bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover with a lid and leave for an hour to infuse. After this, filter the remedy and drink 100 ml before meals.

Herbal treatment

You can supplement traditional treatment by taking various useful herbal infusions. They can be prepared from the following plants:

1. Juniper berries, yarrow herb, licorice root.
2. Hawthorn flowers, immortelle herb, chamomile flowers, motherwort herb.

The above herbs are taken in equal quantities. Then take 2 tbsp of the mixture, pour 500 ml of boiling water and leave in a thermos for half an hour. Cool the infusion, filter and take a little during the day, regardless of meal time.

Some women manage to soothe the itching before their period with lemon balm tea. Take 2 tablespoons of dried lemon balm leaves, pour 250 ml of boiling water over them, and leave under a lid for an hour. Drink this tea twice a day, between meals.

In addition, an infusion of cornflower flowers can also be useful. Pour 1 tbsp of flowers with 250 ml of boiling water, leave under the lid for half an hour. Then filter the infusion and divide it into three portions: for morning, afternoon and evening use.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy can offer many remedies to get rid of itching before menstruation. The choice of the drug is entirely the specialist's business, since the prescription is carried out taking into account the constitutional features of the woman. The intake of the selected remedy in high potency begins a day before the onset of unpleasant sensations.

The drugs of choice may be:

• Pulsatilla is used for itching associated with scanty and irregular periods, chilliness, swelling and a tendency to tearfulness.
• Sepia is suitable if itching in the genitals is accompanied by a constant feeling of fatigue, nausea, tachycardia, migraine, and burning pain.
• Lachesis is prescribed to patients prone to irritability, talkativeness, and unexplained anxiety.
• Graphites is suitable for eliminating itching in patients prone to obesity, owners of dry and rough skin. They experience itching before scanty periods, characterized by unpleasant sensations in the vagina and/or anus.
• Conium will help with significant endocrine insufficiency, as well as in cases where itching before menstruation is accompanied by engorgement of the mammary glands.
• Nux vomica can be used by strong-willed patients with a masculine character.
• Causticum is suitable in cases of itching in the urethra, as well as cystitis and urinary incontinence.

Complications and consequences

Lack of treatment or incorrect treatment tactics for itching before menstruation can lead to the development of serious complications. Such complications can be divided into two groups:

1. Close consequences in the form of external infectious processes, chronic fungal infections, intimate problems.
2. Remote consequences in the form of genitourinary infections (cystitis, urethritis, nephritis, inflammation of the reproductive organs), infertility.

The indicated pathologies can manifest themselves in complicated and chronic forms of itching, which is recorded in medicine relatively rarely.

Prevention

Preventive measures to prevent itching before menstruation should always be comprehensive. At the same time, specialists immediately indicate a whole list of methods that can not only prevent the problem, but also reduce the manifestations of existing itching.

• Hormonal drugs.

They are taken only as prescribed by a gynecologist, and never on your own. This applies to both hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives.

• Sedatives.

It is recommended to take such remedies shortly before the onset and during menstruation. Tinctures of valerian or motherwort, viburnum bark, peony rhizome, and mint tea are ideal.

• Elimination of bad habits.

Itching before menstruation often bothers those women who have one or more bad habits - for example, smoking, drinking alcohol, or drinking a lot of strong coffee during the day. Therefore, such habits should be abandoned as soon as possible.

• Proper nutrition.

Eating only healthy food is the basis for feeling good. It is recommended to severely limit or completely exclude from the diet such products as weak foods, pastries, soda, excessively fatty and spicy dishes.

• Physical activity.

A physically active life has a noticeable effect on women's health - in a positive way, of course. Walking, sports training, outdoor games, swimming, cycling - all this not only improves metabolic processes, but also activates the production of serotonin and endorphin - substances known to many as "happiness hormones". In addition, an active life reduces the desire to eat unhealthy foods.

• Timely and complete rest.

Throughout the entire cycle, including before menstruation, you should not forget about quality rest. And this is not only a healthy night's sleep: you can undergo a course of massage procedures, take a relaxing bath, take a leisurely walk in the park. It would seem that there is nothing complicated. But in such a simple way you can prevent many problems with the nervous system, including itching before menstruation.

• Developing stress resistance.

In moments of conflict situations, it is important to be able to competently escape stress, or not allow the situation to develop unpleasantly, if possible.

• Timely treatment of diseases.

To ensure that itching before menstruation never bothers you, it is important to see a doctor in time and treat any illnesses - inflammatory or allergic processes, fungal infections, dysbacteriosis, etc.

Forecast

Itching before menstruation is a serious problem that reduces a woman's ability to work and worsens her quality of life. In some cases, the problem can even lead to mental breakdowns. If you detect regular signs of itching, you need to visit a doctor and get examined. The doctor will perform differential diagnostics with similar pathologies, after which he will prescribe the necessary treatment measures. But self-medication can significantly worsen the situation. In the presence of a disease and in the absence of adequate treatment, the problem can progress, and in the future, the symptoms will expand. In addition, the course of background pathologies can worsen - for example, inflammatory processes in the reproductive system.