How do menopausal hormonal changes influence lichen sclerosus activity?

Menopausal hormone changes, especially falling estrogen, can make the vulvar tissue thinner, drier, and more fragile. At Alloy, we’d describe that as tissue that’s easier to irritate, more prone to itching, burning, cracking, and discomfort. If someone already has lichen sclerosus, those menopause related skin changes can make symptoms feel worse.

But low estrogen doesn’t seem to be the whole story. Lichen sclerosus is an inflammatory skin condition, and estrogen alone usually isn’t enough to treat it. One of the clearest points from our expert content is that menopause related thinning can sit on top of lichen sclerosus, which can intensify symptoms, so treatment often needs to address both the inflammation and the hormone related tissue changes.

If you want a quick expert explanation, Dr. Sharon Malone’s chapter on lichen sclerosus and estrogen is helpful. Dr. Rachel Rubin also explains why clinicians often treat both the inflammation and the hormone deficiency in this chapter on standard and hormonal treatments.

For a written overview of menopause related vulvar itching and tissue thinning, this Alloy article is useful: Vaginal itching and menopause.

This answer was created using the following resources:

• Treating Lichen Sclerosis and Hormonal Changes | Dr. Rachel Rubin

• Menopause & Sexual Health | Dr. Rachel Rubin - Personalized Hormone Therapy

• Your Menopause Questions Answered | Dr. Sharon Malone - Lichen Sclerosus and Estrogen

• Vaginal Itching & Menopause | Menopause Treatment | Alloy

• Are Your Menopause Symptoms Worse than You Expected? What You Can Do