Menopause is talked about in terms of hot flushes and sleep, but one of the most common changes happens somewhere far less discussed. As oestrogen falls, intimate skin and the vaginal environment change too, often quietly and often without anyone warning you.
What's happening in the body
Oestrogen helps keep vaginal and vulval tissue thick, moisturised and elastic. It also supports the lactobacilli that keep vaginal pH acidic. As levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, several things can shift:
- Dryness, which can show up as tightness, discomfort or a feeling of rawness
- Thinner, more fragile tissue that is more prone to irritation and small tears
- A higher (less acidic) vaginal pH, which can make the area more susceptible to irritation and imbalance
- Changes in discharge and scent as the microbiome shifts
- Increased sensitivity to products that were perfectly fine for years
This is sometimes called genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and it is extremely common. It also tends to persist and often worsens without support, unlike hot flushes, which usually ease over time.
Why your old routine may stop working
A wash you used happily at 30 can start to sting at 50. Thinner, drier tissue is less tolerant of harsh surfactants, high-pH soaps and synthetic fragrance. This is the point where a gentle, pH-balanced routine stops being a nice-to-have and starts to matter day to day.
Building a gentler routine
- Cleanse externally only, once a day, with a pH-balanced wash made for intimate skin
- Skip anything with synthetic fragrance or sulfates, which are more likely to irritate sensitive, thinner skin
- Pat dry rather than rubbing
- Use a gentle intimate oil on the external skin to support comfort and soften dryness
- Choose breathable underwear, ideally cotton, and avoid staying in damp clothing
- Avoid scented wipes, which disrupt an already shifting balance
Supporting comfort from the inside
Hydration and a diverse, fibre-rich diet support overall wellbeing, and some people find targeted probiotic support helpful for the vaginal microbiome during this transition. The research here is still developing, so think of it as one supportive habit rather than a fix.
When to see your GP
Topical care helps with comfort, but it does not replace medical advice. Speak with your GP if you have persistent dryness, pain during intercourse, burning, recurring urinary symptoms, or any bleeding after menopause. There are effective treatments, including low-dose vaginal oestrogen, and you do not have to simply put up with discomfort.
FAQ
Is vaginal dryness during menopause normal? Yes, it is one of the most common menopausal changes, affecting a large proportion of women. Common does not mean you have to accept it, and support is available.
Can I still use an intimate wash after menopause? Yes. A gentle, pH-balanced wash used externally is generally fine and often more comfortable than plain soap. Choose formulas that avoid harsh surfactants and synthetic fragrance.
Is an intimate oil the same as a lubricant? No. An oil for external skin comfort is different from a lubricant used during intercourse. If dryness affects sex, ask your GP or pharmacist which products are compatible with condoms and your body.
Does menopause change vaginal odour? It can, as pH and the microbiome shift. A sudden strong or unusual odour, especially with itching or discharge, is worth checking with your GP.
Laver's Wash and Oil are pH-friendly and lightly scented with real fruit and natural extracts, never synthetic fragrance, so they stay gentle on skin that needs extra care.