The strange case of ... the vanishing labia minora

[2JFDIYOLO]

I'd seen several random things recently on Insta by women worried because they'd heard the labia minora can shrink and disappear after menopause.

I'd never heard of it. At 62 I'm through and out the other side and I've read a LOT of lists of peri and meno delights and recognised loads of them.

This has to be one of those windups, like women doing videos on shedding skin like lizards to freak men out ... Surely ...? I thought.

This is silly, I thought. I'll have a feel ...

Anyway. They used to be two different sizes, with the left having a rounder frilly edge.

Not any more ...

Both have definitely got smaller and the frilly bit has ... gone.

Anyone ...?

😳

I don’t know where my clitoris has gone 😳

It’s more common than not for the labia minora to shrink after menopause.

It's most definitely a condition and accompanies overall vaginal atrophy- now called GUM- genitourinary symptoms of menopause.

You might also be surprised to know your vagina shrinks in length, width etc.

If you have or were to use HRT or vaginal estrogen it helps stop all of this.

Yeah it’s a thing (atrophy - delightful!) and I’ve decided to jump and ‘do something proactive’ before it sets in for me. I already was feeling a bit … odd down there although it looks exactly the same

So I’m starting a regime of Ovesse/Gina a couple of times a week and Replens type stuff twice a week. I’m thinking prevention is better than a cure but it’s never too late to start doing … something.

Literally spent zero time thinking about my fanny for decades. I now think about it most days

Yep it's real - maybe not for absolutely everyone though. My bits have definitely changed, I use estrogen pessaries for vaginally atrophy, and hydromol ointment to moisturise my whole vulva. I saw a private Gynae who said that I had lost "definition" in my labia minora.

Yep, everything has changed there now. I've started on estriol cream so will see if that improves things.

I know, right? I'd never had issues with all its functions til post meno, then fecking polyps twice, and now this. I last had an exam about 18 months ago and was told all looked well.

(Now the thought of my clitoris packing up and leaving home too is freaking me out a bit. No sign of that tho.)

I have hrt patches and a coil - is there something additional I can use?

I have noticed my vulva feels quite uncomfortable, sort of soreish.

I'm ... I'm going to have to go back to the doctor, aren't I ...

Yep very normal for this to happen - it completely sucks!

My name is so apt for this thread.

Are the things that people mention prescription-only?

While I don't have any (local) symptoms yet, the idea of doing something preventative is attractive.

@MissyB1what brand hydromol do you use please?

I didn’t realise, but yes! Maybe that’s one of the reasons things feel a bit odd- simultaneously more open, and also stuck shut 🤣😅

I use vagifem irregularly. I know what it’s supposed to do but haven’t established a routine so generally don’t use it until symptoms are irritating, then use it a couple of times on the trot.

Are all these products on prescription or buyable?

I'm post menopausal and everything has definitely shrunk down there.....😳

@2JFDIYOLOyou can get Vagifem over the counter after a chat with the pharmacist but your best bet is a chat with the dr. I just filled in a form and had a brief phone chat. They don’t actually care that much in my experience - just another thing women have to put up with isn’t it? So they’ll generally give you what you ask for

I had a thread last week about this as I had decided to take decisive action and I’m already feeling better about my new plan!

I have a tin in my bedside drawer which has literally become a ‘gash stash’ (and no you’re not stealing that phrase too @SlaveToMyFanny🤣🤣🤣)

@BadgersSuitcase I will post a pic, I just order it from Amazon.

@2JFDIYOLO do go back to GP, if you are sore down there you may need some treatment.

@myplaceuse it every day for a few weeks without fail and then drop to a couple of times a week, using something like Replens or Nadaya oil in between

in fact, I’d recommend Nadaya Victory oil to everyone! Just a drop or two every day - feels quite nourishing and soothing

Id also switch to an organic toilet paper (not one that sheds bits in the air everywhere like Andrex!) and organic or bamboo liners

yes I put a lot of thought into this!

@MissyB1thanks.

adding to the gash stash

I’d love to @BadgersSuitcase but I have the attention span of a gnat. Self care is not my strength. I act when the urinary issues are annoying.

However, I use bamboo loo roll so that’s one point for me.

I’ve noticed that my clitoris shrank due to peri menopause, never knew it was a thing till it happened. I wish I was warned . I’m using Estriol 1% cream now to prevent further shrinkage.

Oh man, you come up with all of the good names @BadgersSuitcase 🤣.

Sigh ...

I'll book a GP phone appointment this week. 😔

(Don't say 'gash stash', Don't say 'gash stash', Don't say 'gash stash' ...

... no, I'll probably say 'gash stash' ...')

Putting this here as a marker.

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/vaginal-oestrogen/how-and-when-to-use-vaginal-oestrogen/

Oh and (warms to theme!) knickers are inportant too! You need kind of closer fitting ones. John Lewis do good basics but I’ve been wearing Alexander Clementine seaweed ones and also the Sloggi Aloe infused ones

and yep, I’m aware that all sounds ridiculous

@2JFDIYOLO‘Good morning Doctor! I’m looking for a few bits to start a Gash Stash’