ITV Dr Amir's warning to women who often have itchy ears

ITV Dr Amir's warning to women who often have itchy ears This could be a lesser-known symptom of a major change to your body A doctor has shared an unusual symptom for women to look out for. According to ITV star Dr Amir Khan, experiencing an “itchy ear” could signal menopause. Menopause is a natural life stage that typically affects women between the ages of 45 and 55. It happens when hormone levels in the body drop to a point where periods cease completely. As a consequence of these hormonal shifts, the body can experience a broad range of symptoms that can impact both physical and mental health. Most people are aware of some of the more familiar effects, including hot flushes, mood swings, and brain fog. However, there are some lesser-known symptoms that can occur. Speaking on the Lorraine show, Doctor Amir Khan explained more. He said: “So when we talk about the menopause, we often talk about hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, all important symptoms. But oestrogen affects so many different things and ears is one of the things it could affect. “So, women have oestrogen receptors all over their body and their ears are no different. So when oestrogen levels start to fluctuate and fall during the perimenopause and menopause, it can affect the skin inside of the ear. “The skin can become thinner and drier, similar to the vaginal skin when the oestrogen levels drop and that can cause irritation or itchiness in that ear.” This could also cause changes to hearing and balance. He continued: “But also, what we know about oestrogen is that it affects the blood flow and the nerve signalling inside of the ears. So, your hearing may become diminished, particularly in crowded spaces. “You might not be able to hear people over the noise of background noise, but really interestingly, the ear also affects your balance. You've got your inner ear, which has a fluid balance system which adjusts every time we move around so quickly, we don't notice it. “That's also got oestrogen receptors so when oestrogen levels fall, it affects that fluid balance system so people can get vertigo, dizziness when they stand up, and they don't put it down to the menopause.” If you experience any of these symptoms Dr Amir recommended speaking to your doctor. One of the treatments they might prescribe is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). “They may not get HRT or oestrogen as a result,” he said. “But go and to speak to your doctor if it's happening. If you’re perimenopausal, menopausal, HRT could help you.” His advice is supported by Dr Catherine Smith, from the Women’s Clinic in Edinburgh. Writing for the clinic’s website, she said: “Most women expect hot flushes and night sweats during perimenopause. “Yet, itchy ears rarely get mentioned.” She added: “Let me reassure you: you aren’t going mad, and there aren’t bugs in your ears. This is a genuine lesser-known symptom that affects many women during perimenopause.” Other symptoms As listed by the NHS website, “common” symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can include: - Changes to your mood, like low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem - Problems with memory or concentration (brain fog) - Hot flushes, when you have sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make you dizzy - Difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats and make you feel tired and irritable during the day - Palpitations, when your heartbeats suddenly become more noticeable - Headaches and migraines that are worse than usual - Muscle aches and joint pains - Changed body shape and weight gain - Skin changes including dry and itchy skin - Reduced sex drive - Vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex - Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) - Sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems You should speak to your GP if you think you’re experiencing perimenopause or the menopause.