I'm 47, and my periods have been sporadic and erratic for the last year.  Some months I develop an itchy, red raised rash on my neck and chest that seems to coincide with fluctuating hormones...nothing seems to bring relief.  I've tried natural remedies (aloe, witch hazel, calendula ointment...) and more standard treatments (steroidal creams...) nothing helps.  It seems to eventually go away by itself, and then - bingo - back it comes.   Has anyone experienced anything like this?  An interesting note...as a child, I remember my aunt had the same rash on her neck and chest....I never dreamed it was something hereditary that would be passed on to me...and she has since passed on...Any advice? Hootspow

I've looked all over this site to see if anyone else had problems with itching and a rash as a menopause symptom and saw your post.  I can't believe you could put up with this, as it made me crazy the first time it happened last week.  After using over the counter creams and body washes for several days to stop my itching I finally went to the dermotologist two days ago.  After ruling out any known allergies, changes in detergent, new clothes, exposure to poison ivy, etc., I asked if it could be related to menopause as I'm all of a sudden having a variety of other symptoms. I think I'd rather have a hot flash than the itching, but maybe I won't feel that way after I have my first one.  

At 52, I thought I'd be done with this but it appears to just be kicking in, especially with heavier and more frequent periods.  She said it was possible and suggested I make an appointment to see someone more knowledgeable in treatment options if it is connected.  She did give me a cortisone shot and a week's worth of steroids, and the itching stopped the next day.  Parts of the rash are still apparent and my neck and upper chest is still red.  I'm crossing my fingers this will be the end of it, but am betting it will be back with the next round of bleeding.  I'm taking no chances and have an appointment next week to see a physician's assistant who was referred to me by the nurse in the dermatologist's office (female - after hearing a male doctor patronize me with drivel saying my symptoms are "typical" and not offering any alternatives).

I'll post a follow up next week if there is anything she suggests.  Hopefully there may be others out there who have experienced this and can offer suggestions. What does your doctor say about this?

Any suggestions regarding the rash ?

I'm also interested in your outcome.  I've had rashes and discolorations of the skin that began maybe 6 months ago.  I've also made an appt. w/a dermatologist that specializes in ethnic skin (referred by my allergist).  

Hello,Yes i have had the very same thing! itching really bad, and now breaking out with little  rashes on my legs and arms and sometimes my face.

Itching skin is a very common menopause issue.  There are a lot of posts in the topic called Itching/Hives down in the Other Menopause Issues area.

Best of luck to you.

I get a little patch of itchy reddened skin around the sides of my nose certain times of the month.  It seems as if it happens more so when I am under a lot of stress.  Hydrocortisone creme does help some.  It comes and goes and now I realize that it could be related to hormones.  

I've had the rash and itching also. Mine started this fall on the ankles. Now that rash is gone , but I have one on the small of my back that seems to be spreading up along my spine. It itches like crazy when I sweat  which is a nusance when working out.

Suzie