Perimenopause and eczema: Is there a connection?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, the point at which a person stops having menstrual periods.
Healthcare professionals consider someone to be in menopause if they previously menstruated and have not had a period for 1 year. However, perimenopause can last several years.
People may notice many changes in the body during perimenopause, including changes to the skin.
While perimenopause does not directly cause eczema, people in this phase of life may experience hormonal changes that can affect the skin and cause eczema symptoms to worsen. A person in perimenopause may even experience eczema for the first time.
A person can take some steps to manage symptoms such as itching and dryness and reduce the skin irritation that eczema often causes.
On average, people may experience symptoms of perimenopause or menopause between 45 and 55 years of age. During this time, the structure and function of the skin change as estrogen levels decrease.
Structural changes cause the skin to become thinner, drier, more sensitive and wrinkled, and less elastic. Changes that affect the skin’s function include decreased barrier function, slower wound-healing capabilities, and difficulties with immune response and temperature regulation.
As all these changes occur, the skin can become more susceptible to some conditions, including eczema.
While some people may experience eczema for the first time during perimenopause or menopause, people who already have eczema may notice that their symptoms flare up during this time. In fact, eczema can return during menopause, even after years of remission.
Estrogen is one of the most important hormones for maintaining the skin’s moisture. It promotes the skin’s natural production of sebum, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and other oils. As production of these substances naturally decreases, the skin is less able to retain moisture. As a result, a person may experience skin dryness, irritation, and possibly eczema flares.
Collagen production also changes during this time. Collagen is a protein found throughout the body that has various functions, including helping to maintain skin elasticity.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the skin loses about 30% of its collagen in the first 5 years after menopause and another 2% per year for the next 20 years.
Some perimenopausal symptoms, such as
A person’s healthcare team can offer the best advice on how to manage their specific symptoms.
Wash with products that are gentle on the skin, and try not to use harsh soaps, which can increase dryness and irritation. Avoid excessively hot baths or showers. After washing, gently pat the skin dry.
It is essential to keep the skin well moisturized during perimenopause. A person may need to switch to a heavier moisturizer if they have particularly dry skin.
If a person experiences vaginal dryness, they can try using a lubricant. Using an unscented product can reduce the chances of eczema flares.
Keeping cool as much as possible can help a person avoid sweating and the associated skin irritation. A person may want to try wearing breathable fabrics, using a handheld fan, or using lighter bedding to reduce sweating.
A nutritious, balanced diet can help reduce the chance of eczema flares.
A person might choose to limit highly processed foods, which may contribute to inflammation in the body. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, including fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, may help reduce inflammation.
Getting enough sleep is vital to help the skin repair damage from eczema.
Good sleep hygiene habits
Keeping the bedroom as cool and comfortable as possible and wearing pajamas made from a breathable fabric, such as cotton, silk, or bamboo, can also be beneficial.
Stress can trigger or worsen eczema flares. According to a 2025 research review, people with eczema may have as much as a three-times-greater risk of depression and anxiety than those without eczema. These conditions can further contribute to stress.
Activities such as meditating, exercising, or taking part in an eczema support group may help people manage stress.
If a person is experiencing an eczema flare, they should contact their doctor as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of a person’s eczema, a doctor may recommend topical steroids or other medications.
A person can ask also their primary care doctor for a referral to see a dermatologist, who can offer a more varied treatment course.
During perimenopause, estrogen and collagen levels can begin to drop, causing skin changes such as dryness. These changes may trigger or worsen eczema symptoms.
Habits such as maintaining a gentle skin care routine, managing stress levels, and getting enough sleep can help a person manage eczema flares.
Someone who is experiencing severe or worsening eczema should contact a doctor as soon as possible to get appropriate treatment.