{"id":266832,"date":"2022-11-29T16:09:36","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T21:09:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=266832"},"modified":"2025-09-08T11:50:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T15:50:00","slug":"how-menopause-causes-vaginal-changes","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/266832\/how-menopause-causes-vaginal-changes\/","title":{"rendered":"How menopause causes vaginal changes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The main areas impacted by menopause are the vulva and vagina. Since the vagina is a central part of female anatomy and the reproductive system, it\u2019s no surprise that the tissues change as female hormones change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To better understand these changes, it\u2019s helpful to know what is normal pre-menopause. The vulva (outer structures including the labia minora, majora, and the clitoris) and the vagina (internal structure leading to the cervix and uterus) are very estrogen-sensitive areas. Estrogen causes the tissue in these areas to be moist, stretchy, thick, and supple. Normally, the vagina is acidic, meaning of a low pH. This is thanks to the healthy balance of bacteria supported by the presence of estrogen and its effects on the tissue.As estrogen decreases, the vaginal lining becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. This causes an increase in the pH. This combination of changes leads to increased itching and discomfort, more frequent UTI\u2019s and vaginal infections, and  pain during sex. These changes, overall, are referred to as the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, or GSM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happily, effective treatments are available and are safe for use by almost everyone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changes during intercourse<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

More than half of women in post-menopause are affected by GSM.. This can make sex uncomfortable and even painful. Penetration can cause burning, itching, pain, and sometimes, tearing of the vaginal wall. And naturally, a great disincentive to having sex at all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These changes aren\u2019t isolated to your sex life, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changes in urination<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

GSM can also cause painful urination, leaking urine, and frequent bladder infections. The tissues that line the urethra (the tube that connects your bladder to the outside) and your bladder are also very sensitive to estrogen.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changes in appearance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Menopause can cause the vagina to feel and look different. The vaginal walls become thin, which isn\u2019t something you can see since it\u2019s internal. But you can see your labia minora and majora, which are part of the vulva, become thinner and flatter. The skin may look paler in color and seem more taught\/tight. While it\u2019s perfectly normal for your vagina to change in size and shape throughout puberty, childbirth, and menopause, pain is never normal and treatment is available!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for vaginal changes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few ways to manage symptoms, decrease irritation, and increase enjoyment of sex when you\u2019re experiencing GSM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n