Can perimenopause really shrink your labia?

Another symptom to add to the list

You’re probably across the long list of uncomfortable symptoms that come with perimenopause. But can the stage cause your anatomy to change that drastically?

Perimenopause comes with enough confronting changes.

The shock of often beginning earlier than expected is enough to deal with before you even get into dealing with all of the symptoms. 

Lasting around four to eight years, many women don’t foresee their 40s, or sometimes 30s, coloured with uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms. 

You’re likely already across the main culprits – hot flushes, insomnia, night sweats, mood changes, irregular periods, vaginal dryness. 

The last one in particular can lead to a range of physical symptoms, but can this dryness affect the size and shape of your anatomy? 

The role of oestrogen

Aside from its function in reproduction, oestrogen influences cholesterol levels, bone and muscle mass, collagen production, moisture levels, brain function, circulation and blood flow and blood sugar levels. 

You’re likely already across the main culprits – hot flushes, insomnia, night sweats, mood changes, irregular periods, vaginal dryness. Image: iStock

Its role in managing moisture and blood flow particularly helps to protect vulval and vaginal tissue.

What is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)?

Affecting between 27 and 84 per cent of postmenopausal women, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is the more accurate term for what was once called vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), and according to an article published in Australian Family Physician journal, includes conditions of the vagina, vulva, pelvic floor tissues, urinary tract, and sexual dysfunction and loss of libido when estrogen declines.

Changes to oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can see symptoms of GSM appear earlier than expected.

Fragile, thin, tear-prone, and dry vulvovaginal tissue as a result of lower oestrogen levels can make your vulva look different – including your labia. Image: Pexels

Can changes in oestrogen levels shrink your labia?

According to Cleveland Clinic, the decreased levels of oestrogen from perimenopause through to postmenopause can be behind the uncomfortable night sweats, hot flashes, irregular periods, headaches, fatigue, mood changes, brittle bones and vaginal dryness, as well as changes to the vaginal ph and lubrication.

Ob-gyn Angela Markman told Selfthat fragile, thin, tear-prone, and dry vulvovaginal tissue as a result of lower oestrogen levels can make your vulva look different – including your labia.

The labia minora can shrink, fuse together, change colour or disappear. 

Diagnosis of GSM typically involves a pelvic exam, a urine test if you experience urinary symptoms or an acid balance test. Image: iStock

How is GSM diagnosed?

According to Mayo Clinic, diagnosis of GSM typically involves a pelvic exam, a urine test if you experience urinary symptoms or an acid balance test.

How are symptoms treated?

After consultation, your GP or gynaecologist may prescribe: 

Oestrogen may be prescribed in the form of creams, suppositories, tablets, patches or gels to treat symptoms. Image: Pexels

Lubricants or moisturisers

Both can relieve discomfort and pain associated with dryness.

Hormonal therapies

Oestrogen may be prescribed in the form of creams, suppositories, tablets, patches or gels to treat symptoms.

Non-hormonal treatments

Dilators may be recommended to try to reverse narrowing and discomfort in the vagina.

Originally published as Can perimenopause really shrink your labia?