removedone

I have a similar experience, and it seems to change from time to time. I'm 64 and I was on HRT for years. I've been off of all hormone therapy for several years now, (since the Women's Health Initiative), but I'm still having menopause symptoms, ie: hot flashes and night sweats. For the past several months I've had the same itching that you are talking about. It bothers me at night also. [Hey, I've even thought about pin worms {YUK} because the symptoms seem the same...but it's not that!] I've tried every over-the-counter ointment, lotion and cream. Vaseline seems to sooth it for a while, but nothing has cured it completely.

Because I had 'complained about' having pain with intercourse ( a burning sensation very deep in the canal), my GYN prescribe Premarin Estrogen cream. I must insert it into the vaginal canal every 5 days. She also told me that the external dryness and itching, like the dryness in the vaginal canal, is also a typical menopausal problem for some. I've only 'been on' the Premarin Estrogen cream for two weeks, so I don't know if it will solve the problem. My fingers are crossed (when they're not scratching..LOL.)

Another MD suggested that the external rectal irritation and itch, could be related to my diet. After I heard that, I noticed that I am more often affected after eating certain foods. In my case, it seems that I'm most affected by very spicy food and acidity in food, like vinaigrettes, some wines, and tomatoes. (I was not allergic to anything as a child or young adult, but I've developed some sensitivities over the past 10 years, and this problem seems to be one of them.) I eliminated these foods completely, and then I re-introduced them into my diet, one at a time, a week at a time, over a period of several weeks. I do notice a difference. I've just recently discovered that almonds seem to irritate me as well. So it's a 'trial and error' thing.

Perhaps you can explore this to see if it's a food thing with you. Do it by the process of elimination. Eliminate some items from your diet, for at least a week, and see what happens. I'd suggest starting with the items that I've mentioned, as apparently those are the most common irritants. 'See' how you feel after a week. If the problem seems relieved, add the food items back, one by one; about one a week. You'll be able to tell which foods may be affecting you.

Also speak to your GYN if you haven't already done that.

Hope this has been helpful.