Is Dry Scalp Related to Perimenopause?

I’m post-breastfeeding, in my 40s, and my scalp seems to have gotten super-dry. Is this a perimenopause symptom? It does seem hormone-related.

—Hate head and shoulders

A dry, itchy scalp can be really uncomfortable and annoying. As you can imagine, many things can cause dry scalp. Some people note seasonal changes in skin moisture that cause dry scalp in the dry winter months. Systemic diseases like hypothyroidism can cause dry, itchy skin including on the scalp. So can more localized skin disorders such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis (a combination of yeast growth and oil production of the scalp skin that causes dandruff), and psoriasis (an autoimmune skin condition that causes silvery scaly patches on the skin). And yes, dry, itchy scalp can also be a symptom of perimenopause.

In perimenopause, estrogen levels drop throughout the body, leading to less oil production in the skin, including the scalp. Less oil means less-oily hair that needs to be shampooed less often, but it also means that the skin of the scalp can get dry and itchy.

There is no data regarding the treatment of dry scalp due to perimenopause. It is unclear at this time whether treating with systemic estrogen is beneficial, and dry scalp alone would not be an indication for hormone therapy. If you are experiencing other perimenopausal symptoms, though, you might consider with your doctor whether hormone therapy is appropriate and observe whether that treatment has an effect on scalp dryness.

Otherwise, treatments are based on symptom management. Switching products such as shampoos that might be drying or irritating and avoiding products such as dry shampoos that can build up and irritate the scalp may be helpful.

Because treatments for dry scalp due to perimenopause are symptom-based, it would be worthwhile to see your primary care doctor or dermatologist to assess your scalp and make sure the dryness and itchiness you are experiencing isn’t due to one of the many other causes of dry scalp that might be treated differently.

The takeaway: Scalp dryness and itching can be a symptom of perimenopause, but there is no evidence-based treatment for this. As a result, it would be reasonable to confirm with your doctor that your symptoms are not caused by something else that should be treated differently.