Your labia can actually get smaller as you age. And estrogen has a lot to do with it.
Just like the skin on your face and body, your vulva changes throughout life. And as estrogen levels begin to decline during perimenopause and menopause, those changes can become more noticeable.
But here's something you might not know. Lower estrogen levels can also affect your vulva while you're breastfeeding.
So, what's actually happening?
Let's talk about your labia
Your vulva has two sets of labia: the labia majora (outer lips) and the labia minora (inner lips).
Together, they help protect the delicate vaginal and urethral openings. And estrogen plays an important role in keeping these tissues healthy.
It helps maintain tissue thickness, elasticity, moisture and blood flow. When estrogen levels decline, the skin and tissues of the vulva can become thinner, drier, less flexible and more fragile.
For some women, the labia minora may become noticeably smaller. The labia majora can also lose some of their fullness as we age.
And while we often hear about vaginal dryness, the changes happening on the outside deserve just as much attention.
It's not just about how your vulva looks. It's about how it feels
When your intimate tissues become thinner, drier and more delicate, everyday things that never bothered you before might suddenly feel different.
You might notice:
- A dry, tight or pulling sensation.
- Itching, burning or irritation.
- More friction from underwear, exercise or everyday movement.
- Discomfort or pain during sex.
- Increased sensitivity or tiny tears in the delicate skin.
- Spotting or bleeding associated with friction during intercourse.
Lower estrogen levels can also affect vaginal tissue and the urinary and vaginal environment, contributing to symptoms such as recurrent urinary tract infections and changes in sexual comfort.
Some women may also notice changes in sexual sensation or orgasm, although these experiences can have several contributing factors.
For some, these changes are barely noticeable. For others, they can have a real impact on everyday comfort, intimacy and confidence.
And no, you don't have to simply put up with them.
So, what can you do about it?
The good news? There are ways to support your vulvar health and manage many of these symptoms. And a good place to start is by paying attention to how you care for your vulva. As estrogen levels decline, keeping that skin comfortable and protecting its natural barrier can become especially important.
1. Be gentle when you cleanse
Your vulva doesn't need foaming washes or aggressive cleansing to stay clean.
In fact, over washing and products that strip away the skin's natural oils can contribute to dryness and irritation.
Choose gentle cleansing and avoid unnecessary friction. The vagina cleans itself, while the vulva needs gentle cleansing.
Our Cleansing + Moisturizing Oils are designed to gently dissolve everyday buildup while helping nourish the skin and support its natural moisture barrier.
2. Make moisturizing part of your routine.
A gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or protective balm can help reduce dryness, friction and everyday discomfort.
Our Lip Balm is formulated to nourish and protect the delicate external skin of the vulva, helping it feel softer and more comfortable.
A little daily care can make a difference to how your skin feels.
Here's an important distinction: while moisturizing products can help care for dry, sensitive skin, and make the vulva more resilient, they cannot replace estrogen or reverse hormone-related changes.
