Labia Changes with Age

The shape and appearance of the vulva naturally change over the years. The most obvious changes are linked to hormonal changes, occurring at puberty, during the menstrual cycle, in pregnancy and around menopause.

The labia minora are part of the vulva and are covered with delicate keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. This may or may not be pigmented, especially towards the edges.

At birth, the labia may be somewhat swollen due to the passage through the birth canal and the effect of maternal hormones. This wears off within a few days for the normal newborn female labia, which are thin and small.

At puberty, the labia become gradually larger and thicker, but the chief difference is in the keratinization, which changes at cellular level. After puberty, the labia become more easily visible as their prominence increases.

As a woman continues to grow more mature, there is also an increase in labial thickness and length, and also after pregnancy and delivery.

After menopause, the level of female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone decline in the blood because the ovarian function ceases. All over the body, skin tissue begins to atrophy. The skin acts less as a barrier and becomes dry. As a result of decreased skin thickness and hydration, there is an increased risk of chemical and irritant dermatitis.

In addition, tissue shear forces may be more powerful as age advances. The skin over the vulva tends to develop these changes at a later point, but it still occurs eventually. The labia will therefore become smoother than before, seem to be less visible and look indistinct in outline, and their color becomes paler. All of these factors contribute to the increased risk of developing dermatitis in the labial and vulval area in older females.

Symptoms Related to Labial Aging

As the labia become thinner and the skin shrinks in thickness, it also becomes drier, and at the same time tends to retain moisture from outside for a longer time. This can lead to irritation or allergic reactions to common substances such as dyes in underwear. The result is itching and irritation around the labia. The loss of elasticity in vulval skin exacerbates this situation, and may cause dyspareunia as well as a feeling of dryness around the vagina and vulva.

The lack of estrogen is the reason for the skin to become more friable and less elastic in consistency, with cells being readier to shear off with friction or mild trauma.

References

  1. https://www.karger.com/
  2. http://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/menopause/menopause
  3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004016.htm

Further Reading

Last Updated: Dec 29, 2022

Dr. Liji Thomas

Written by

Dr. Liji Thomas

Dr. Liji Thomas is an OB-GYN, who graduated from the Government Medical College, University of Calicut, Kerala, in 2001. Liji practiced as a full-time consultant in obstetrics/gynecology in a private hospital for a few years following her graduation. She has counseled hundreds of patients facing issues from pregnancy-related problems and infertility, and has been in charge of over 2,000 deliveries, striving always to achieve a normal delivery rather than operative.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Thomas, Liji. (2022, December 29). Labia Changes with Age. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 31, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Labia-Changes-with-Age.aspx.

  • MLA

    Thomas, Liji. "Labia Changes with Age". News-Medical. 31 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Labia-Changes-with-Age.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Thomas, Liji. "Labia Changes with Age". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Labia-Changes-with-Age.aspx. (accessed October 31, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Thomas, Liji. 2022. Labia Changes with Age. News-Medical, viewed 31 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Labia-Changes-with-Age.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.