A. Itchy urticarial body rashes: Itchy
skin and rashes are common in menopause. They happen because the balance of hormones in your body
changes. As the skin becomes thinner and drier, it becomes more vulnerable to
damage and various skin conditions. The hot and itchy patches come
during menopause also scientifically known as Autoimmune
progesterone dermatitis is a rare, cyclical mucocutaneous hypersensitivity reaction to peak levels
of endogenous progesterone
seen in the luteal phase
of the menstrual cycle. Or rather we can say Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis
characteristically presents as a rash that
appears 3–4 days before menstruation when progesterone levels peak. The rash
resolves within a few days after the onset of menstruation as progesterone
levels reduce, only to recur just
before the next period. This cyclical pattern may not be apparent in women with
irregular menses.
Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis resolves at menopause and
progesterone-containing hormone replacement therapy should not be prescribed. Skin symptoms may include rash, swelling, itching,
hives, and red, flaky patches. Urticarial
patches also known as hives, weals, welts, or nettle rash – are a
raised, itchy rash that appears on the skin. It
may appear on one part of the body or be spread across large areas. The rash is
usually very itchy and ranges in size from a few millimeters to the size of a
hand. More severe symptoms can include open sores, wheezing, and an asthma-like
reaction.
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| [Urticarial body rashes during menopause] |
Diagnosis is based on the symptoms, clinical exam, and skin test. Symptoms
usually start 3-10 days before menstruation and resolve 1-2 days after
menstruation ceases. Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is
predominantly a condition of young adult women with a mean age of onset of 27.3 years; it has also
been reported in adolescents after the menarche and in older premenopausal women. It often, but not always,
occurs in women who have previously received exogenous progestogens, such as oral
contraceptive pills or fertility treatments. It may present in
pregnancy or the postpartum period. There is no genetic risk.
The cause of autoimmune progesterone
dermatitis is not known. Hypotheses include-
1. Exogenous progestogens may trigger a type 1 (immediate)
hypersensitivity reaction with the formation of progesterone-specific immunoglobulin E
(IgE) antibodies and a mast cell-mediated response, which may
target progesterone receptors expressed above the basal layer on keratinocytes.There
may be a type 4 (delayed) hypersensitivity reaction to progestogens.
2. Sensitised
patients then have cyclical symptoms due to an ongoing autoimmune response to
the elevated levels of progesterone seen in the luteal phase of the menstrual
cycle.
3. The cause in patients with no prior exposure to exogenous progestogens is
unclear.
B. Hot flashes: Hot
flashes are a common symptom experienced by many women during menopause. They
are characterized by a sudden feeling of intense heat, which can cause
sweating, rapid heartbeat, and sometimes chills. Hot flashes typically last a
few minutes but can occur several times a day or night. The exact cause of hot
flashes is not fully understood, but they are thought to be related to the
hormonal changes that occur during menopause. As the body's levels of estrogen
and progesterone decline, it can cause changes in the way the body regulates
temperature, leading to hot flashes. Hot flashes can be mild or severe and can
impact daily life, especially if they occur during sleep and disrupt sleep
patterns. Some women may also experience other symptoms during menopause, such
as mood changes, vaginal dryness, and difficulty sleeping.
C. Hot Flashes Management: "Hot flashes" and "Hot flushes" are used to describe the same symptom experienced by many women during menopause. In the United States, the term "hot flashes" is more commonly used, while in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world, the term "hot flushes" is more commonly used. Regardless of the term used, hot flashes or hot flushes refer to a sudden feeling of warmth or heat, often accompanied by sweating, rapid heartbeat, and sometimes chills. This sensation typically lasts a few minutes but can occur multiple times a day or night, and can disrupt daily life, particularly if they occur during sleep and disturb sleep patterns.
There are several
ways to manage hot flashes, including lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers like spicy foods and alcohol, and hormone therapy, which can help
regulate hormonal changes and reduce symptoms. It's important to talk to your
healthcare provider about your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that works
best for you.
Hot
flashes themselves typically do not cause rashes or itching on the body.
However, excessive sweating that can occur during a hot flash can sometimes
cause irritation or a rash. This is particularly true if the skin is already
sensitive or prone to irritation. It's also possible that the rash and itching
you are experiencing are unrelated to hot flashes and may be caused by another
condition.
Some possible causes of rashes and itching include allergies,
infections, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. If you're
experiencing persistent rashes or itching, it's important to speak with a
healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate
treatment.
Rashes with
itching come and automatically disappears at night most probably a woman experiencing are related to hormonal changes that occur during pre-menopause.
Changes in hormone levels can affect the skin and make it more sensitive, which
can lead to rashes and itching. However, it's also important to consider other
potential causes of the rashes and itching, such as allergies or skin
irritants. It's also possible that the rashes and itching are unrelated to
premenopause and could be a symptom of another condition. If the rashes and
itching persist, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment. They may recommend a
topical cream or ointment to soothe the skin or other medications or
treatments to address any underlying conditions.
Hot flashes are a common
symptom during premenopause and menopause. Here are some ways to manage hot
flashes -
1. Dress in layers: Wear lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics
that can be easily removed if you feel hot.
2. Stay cool: Use fans or air
conditioning to keep your environment cool. Try to avoid warm environments,
such as hot baths or saunas.
3. Exercise regularly: Exercise can help regulate body
temperature and reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. Aim for 30
minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
4. Avoid triggers: Certain
foods, drinks, and medications can trigger hot flashes. These include caffeine,
alcohol, spicy foods, and some antidepressants. Try to avoid or limit these
triggers.
5. Practice relaxation techniques: Stress can make hot flashes worse. Try
relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress
and help manage hot flashes.
6. Consider hormone therapy: Hormone therapy can be an
effective treatment for hot flashes, but it's not right for everyone. Talk to
your healthcare provider to determine if hormone therapy is a good option for
you.
Please note that everyone experiences menopause differently, and what works
for one person may not work for another. It's important to talk to your
healthcare provider about your symptoms and find a treatment plan that works
best for you.
Stay healthy, stay safe...
