The short answer: mild itching around your period is common and often comes from hormone changes, sweat, or friction from pads. Itching with thick, white discharge may be thrush. Itching that's severe, keeps coming back, or comes with an unusual discharge, smell, sores or pain should be checked by a doctor.
Common causes
| Cause | Clues |
|---|---|
| Hormone changes | Mild itch or dryness in the days before your period, settling once it starts |
| Thrush (yeast infection) | Itching and soreness, often with thick white discharge; some people notice it tends to flare just before their period |
| Bacterial vaginosis | A fishy smell, especially after your period or sex; thin grey-white discharge; usually little itching |
| Pad friction and damp | Itching and redness where the pad sits, worse in heat or when pads are changed less often |
| Irritants | Scented pads, soaps, wipes, bubble bath, or a new detergent |
| Shaving or waxing | Itching and small bumps as hair grows back |
| Sexually transmitted infections | Itching with unusual discharge, sores, or pain when peeing |
| Skin conditions | Itchy, sore or cracked skin, such as eczema |
What helps
- Keep it simple. Wash the outside with plain water, or a mild, fragrance-free intimate wash. Don't wash inside the vagina.
- Dry gently but thoroughly after washing.
- Choose breathable cotton underwear, and avoid tight jeans and synthetic fabrics on itchy days.
- Change pads regularly, at least every few hours, so they don't stay damp against your skin.
- Try a softer option. If pads leave you itchy or rashy, a cotton-rich period panty has no adhesive and feels like regular underwear against your skin.
- Avoid scented products in the area, including perfumed pads, sprays and wipes.
- Don't scratch. It can break the skin and make irritation worse. A cool, damp cloth can calm it.
Can I treat thrush myself?
If you've had thrush diagnosed before and recognise the symptoms, a pharmacist can suggest an antifungal treatment. See a doctor rather than self-treating if it's the first time, you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you're under 16 or over 60, treatment hasn't worked, or it keeps coming back. Our thrush guide has more detail.
See a doctor if
- It's the first time you've had these symptoms
- Itching is severe, or keeps coming back each cycle
- Your discharge changes colour or smell
- You notice sores, blisters, lumps or cracked skin
- You have pain when you pee or during sex
- Symptoms started after sex with a new partner
Frequently asked questions
Why do I itch only before my period? Hormone changes before your period can affect the skin and the natural balance in the vagina. If the itching comes with thick white discharge, it may be thrush that flares around your period.
Can pads cause itching? Yes. Friction, heat and damp, or a reaction to fragrance, can all cause itching or a rash. Changing pads more often or switching to a cotton option often helps.
Is itching during periods a sign of infection? Not always. But if it comes with unusual discharge, a smell or soreness, get it checked.
Related reading
- Vaginal Yeast Infection (Thrush): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
- Vaginal Infections: Signs, Causes and How to Prevent Them
- Normal Vaginal Discharge: What to Expect Through the Month
This article is for general information and doesn't replace advice from your doctor.
Sources: NHS Wales 111: Vaginitis, NHS: Thrush, NHS: Bacterial vaginosis