Dry Skin & Hormones

Updated on February 10, 2011
J.J. asks from Omaha, NE
11 answers

I've been having severe dry skin problems and wonder if it's possibly hormonal related. I've had 5 children. I'm 40 yrs old. After the birth of my last baby I've had continued dry skin to my face. My shins are VERY itchy! I recall my mom saying that when she was going thru the change of life she had similar issues. She was 41 yrs old when she was done with menopause. My grandmother had a baby at 39 and never had a period again. My baby is 12 months and I still haven't had a period, but I am breastfeeding. My doctor said it's a different generation and doesn't think I will follow the same path.
This past year I've noticed that my face is so dry that I often use vasiline on it. I also use the Ultra Moisturizing Lotion by Mary Kay, which I like, but it's expensive.
My shins are so itchy! I've been putting hydrocortozone cream on it to calm the itchy feeling. It doesn't really look dry, just feels dry.
To anyone who's been through the change, does this sound familiar? Also, to anyone with thyroid problems, could this be it?
I'm a clean eater and I exercise regularly. I take Vit D3 - 5000IU daily, selenium, magnesum, iodine, & calcium with vitimin energy supplement packets daily.
My hair is thinning too. I'm on T3 & synthroid for hypothyroidism, which helps so much with energy. My hair is still falling out quite a bit.

i'm open to recommendations

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P.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Did you just start on the thyroid meds? Once you've been on the thyroid for a while, you shouldn't have dry skin and thinning hair any more.

If you are entering menopause though, that could be the cause. Menopause definitely dries a gal up.

2 moms found this helpful

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K.R.

answers from Rochester on

In regards to your dry skin issues.....try baby oil...after a bath or shower, put baby oil on and rub it all over while still wet, then towel dry....You'll be amazed at the difference! Good luck-it really works....K in MN

1 mom found this helpful
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K.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

try cutting out the iodine...i had the same problem when i took this...

1 mom found this helpful
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B.C.

answers from Phoenix on

Not sure if they are related, but I always get very dry skin in the wonter months - the air is much dryer. I have resorted to using olive oil on my skin and it's still not great!

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L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Not sure if this is relevant to your question, but I learned from my doctor at my appointment last week that Oil of Olay contains testoserone. My levels were high and she asked me if I used any creams or lotions - I used Oil of Olay. They get by with using it because they can call it a scientific name no one recognizes and/or they don't have to list it if the percentage used in the product if it is lower than a designated level. I threw mine out.

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C.P.

answers from Provo on

Those symptoms of dry skin and hair loss are thyroid problems. I went to a doctor who did a complete blood test on me for each hormone and different vitamins and minerals. I had some symptoms of a hormone imbalance but never came across a doctor who was specialized in this kind of thing and could figure it out.

C.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I am hypothyroid and I have very dry skin also. It's been worse since we just moved to VA about 2 months ago and the cold weather here is just making my skin crack! We lived in CA before. But, I'm hoping to get on some more natural thyroid meds tomorrow. I have an apt. with a homeopathic dr for my thyriod. Maybe you could look into more homeopathic solutions for your hormones and see if that helps? I'll let you know what my dr. tells me tomorrow about it since I'm going through the same thing

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C.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I'm thinking this is hormone related. It is that time of year for dryness, but I am early prego and I have been so dry, skin and everything else. So possibly hormones for you too.

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R.K.

answers from Appleton on

Don't use vaseline on your face it's too heavy and will clog your pores. Go to a dollar store and get a big bottle of body lotion and use from shoulders to toes daily. Find a facial moisturizer for the collar bones up. This sounds more like thyroid than horomones but many women experience hair loss and dry skin after a baby.
I have horribly dry skin and lotion all over evey shower and sometimes on my legs twice a day.

L.O.

answers from Minneapolis on

Sounds like a couple different issues going on for you with hypothyroid and possible menapause. You could use Reliv which has the most amazing balance of nutrition that will balance you body. I have friends that have gotten off thyroid meds and a friend that also had "sandpaper hands" most of her life and no longer deals with that by simply using Reliv. Just a suggestion!
I just ordered Reliv's body lotion because my husband has been dealing with itchy feet and i have heard it has done wonders for others with itchiness.

G.T.

answers from Modesto on

I finished menopause, dont have any dry skin issues. Just hot flashes and night sweats still and thinning hair :(
Maybe your heater and air conditioner are part of the problem?
Maybe a humidifier would help?

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