The hormonal changes that happen during perimenopause and menopause can affect much more than periods, mood and temperature regulation. Falling oestrogen levels can also change the vaginal and vulval tissues, leading to dryness, irritation, reduced elasticity and discomfort during sex.
These symptoms are common, but they can have a significant effect on everyday comfort, confidence and intimate relationships. At Pure Perfection, we provide a private and sensitive environment where these changes can be discussed openly, with treatment tailored to your individual symptoms and needs.
What Are Menopause-Related Intimate Changes?
During perimenopause and menopause, lower oestrogen levels can cause the tissues of the vagina and surrounding intimate area to become thinner, drier and less elastic. Natural lubrication may reduce and the tissues can become more delicate or sensitive.
These changes can lead to vaginal dryness, burning, irritation or soreness. Some women also notice tightness or discomfort during sex, while changes in tissue elasticity and support may affect how the intimate area feels more generally.
These symptoms can form part of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, often referred to as GSM, which describes changes affecting the vagina, vulva, bladder and urinary tract as oestrogen levels decline.
What Causes Menopause-Related Intimate Changes?
Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining the thickness, hydration, elasticity and blood supply of vaginal tissues. As oestrogen levels fall during perimenopause and menopause, these tissues can gradually become thinner, drier and more fragile.
Reduced natural lubrication can increase friction during sex, contributing to soreness or discomfort. Changes in collagen and tissue elasticity can also affect the structure and quality of the intimate tissues.
The extent of these changes varies considerably between women. Not every intimate symptom is caused by menopause, so persistent pain, irritation, bleeding or other unexplained changes should be appropriately assessed.
Treatments for Menopause-Related Intimate Changes at Pure Perfection
Treatment will depend on the changes you are experiencing and what you would like to improve. At Pure Perfection, Vaginal Intimate Filler & Radiofrequency Tightening can be tailored to address different aspects of intimate tissue quality.
Vaginal Intimate Filler
Vaginal intimate filler uses hyaluronic acid to support hydration and tissue quality in appropriate areas of the intimate region.
It may be considered where hormonal changes have contributed to dryness, reduced hydration or changes in tissue quality. Treatment is personalised following consultation, with the aim of improving comfort rather than changing the natural appearance unnecessarily.
Radiofrequency Tightening
Radiofrequency treatment delivers controlled energy to the intimate tissues to stimulate collagen production and tissue remodelling.
It may be recommended when menopause-related changes include reduced elasticity, laxity or changes in tissue quality. Depending on your concerns, radiofrequency treatment may be used alone or alongside vaginal intimate filler as part of a personalised treatment plan.
A consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your symptoms privately and establish whether treatment at Pure Perfection is appropriate. Where symptoms require medical investigation or a different form of management, we will advise you accordingly.
FAQs
Can menopause cause discomfort during sex?
Yes. Falling oestrogen levels can reduce natural lubrication and cause vaginal tissues to become thinner, drier and less elastic. Increased friction can then make penetrative sex uncomfortable or painful.
What changes can happen to vaginal tissues during menopause?
The tissues may become thinner, drier, less elastic and more delicate. Some women experience irritation, soreness, burning, reduced lubrication or changes in how the vaginal and vulval area feels.
What is genitourinary syndrome of menopause?
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM, is the term used for a collection of vaginal, vulval and urinary changes associated with reduced oestrogen levels during and after menopause.
Can intimate treatments help with menopause-related changes?
Depending on your symptoms, vaginal intimate filler or radiofrequency tightening may be considered to support hydration, tissue quality and elasticity. Treatment suitability is assessed individually.
When should intimate symptoms be medically assessed?
Persistent or significant pain, unexplained bleeding, unusual discharge, lesions, severe itching or other new or worsening symptoms should be medically assessed rather than automatically attributed to menopause.