Why do the labia majora age as we get older ?
Like all the body's tissues, the labia majora evolve over time through natural ageing.
The extent of intimate ageing varies considerably from one woman to another.
This transformation mainly results from the gradual decrease in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid naturally present in the tissues.
The decline in oestrogens observed from perimenopause and menopause also plays a major role. It promotes vulvar tissue thinning, reduced subcutaneous fatty tissue and reduced local hydration.
Other factors can accelerate these changes :
- Pregnancies.
- Significant weight fluctuations.
- Certain genetic predispositions.
- Smoking.
- Chronic exposure to oxidative stress.
- Certain chronic diseases.
How does the vulvar area evolve with age ?
The signs of labia majora ageing are :
- Labia majora volume loss : this is generally the first visible sign of vulvar ageing. The labia majora become thinner, less plump and less projected. Some patients describe a feeling of losing a “protective cushion” in the intimate region.
- A crepey or wrinkled appearance of the vulvar skin : the labia majora may show superficial fine lines, a wrinkled appearance, a thinner texture and reduced skin density.
- Laxity of labia majora tissues : this change may be particularly visible in women who have experienced significant weight fluctuations or several pregnancies.
- Reduced intimate hydration : hyaluronic acid naturally present in the tissues plays an essential role in maintaining skin hydration. With ageing, its concentration gradually decreases, increasing skin dryness, loss of suppleness, a feeling of more fragile skin and reduced local comfort. In some women, this dryness is associated with menopause-related vulvovaginal atrophy, increasing everyday discomfort.
- Greater exposure of the labia minora : this change can cause aesthetic and functional discomfort because the labia minora are more exposed to everyday friction and irritation.
- Friction and discomfort during everyday activities : discomfort during prolonged walking, irritation associated with fitted clothing, discomfort during certain sporting activities, increased sensitivity to friction and recurrent fungal infections. Activities such as cycling, horse riding, running or certain sports may become less comfortable.
- Changes in skin colour and quality : less even colour, thinner skin, visible small blood vessels and reduced tissue radiance.
Can ageing of the labia majora affect quality of life ?
Yes. Although ageing of the labia majora is primarily a physiological process, some women report an impact on their quality of life.
The most frequently described effects concern self-confidence, body image, comfort in clothing, certain sporting activities, intimacy, sexual life and recurrent fungal infections.
The importance of these symptoms varies greatly between patients. Some experience no particular discomfort, while others regard these changes as a significant source of physical or psychological discomfort.
How can normal ageing be distinguished from disease ?
Volume loss and laxity of the labia majora are part of physiological ageing.
However, certain situations warrant a medical assessment : persistent pain, chronic itching, skin lesions, rapid or asymmetrical tissue changes, unexplained bleeding and significant discomfort affecting quality of life.
A clinical examination rules out a dermatological, gynaecological or hormonal condition that may require specific treatment.
Why are my labia majora sagging ?
Sagging of the labia majora is most often associated with a gradual loss of tissue volume and tone. With age, fat decreases and collagen and elastin production slows. The labia majora then lose their ability to support the tissues, giving them a looser or more drooping appearance. This phenomenon is particularly common after menopause because of declining oestrogens, but can also appear earlier in some women.
Other factors can favour this evolution, particularly pregnancies, childbirth, significant weight fluctuations or certain genetic predispositions.
Which treatments can correct ageing of the labia majora ?
Hyaluronic acid injections restore lost volume and treat mild laxity. If the skin is very thin, crepey or dehydrated, Skinboosters improve deep skin hydration, suppleness and overall quality.
In summary : age-related changes in the vulva
Ageing of the labia majora mainly manifests as volume loss, tissue laxity, reduced hydration and a gradual deterioration in skin quality. These changes result from the natural evolution of tissues and age-related hormonal changes. Although physiological, they may sometimes cause aesthetic or functional discomfort. Hyaluronic acid injections are an effective solution for labia majora rejuvenation.
