---
title: "Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: Anatomical Changes"
description: "Learn how vulvar lichen sclerosus can thin skin, cause white patches, scarring, labia minora loss, and clitoral hood fusion—plus when to seek care."
url: "https://www.myalloy.com/knowledge-base/vulvar-lichen-sclerosus-anatomical-changes"
---

# Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: Anatomical Changes

> Learn how vulvar lichen sclerosus can thin skin, cause white patches, scarring, labia minora loss, and clitoral hood fusion—plus when to seek care.

## What specific anatomical changes can occur in vulvar lichen sclerosus?

Vulvar lichen sclerosus can change the way the vulvar tissues look and behave over time, and the context you shared highlights several of the most common anatomical changes.

The skin often becomes thin, white, and papery, and that can make it more prone to fissures and bleeding. The architecture of the vulva can shift too. The labia minora may shrink, regress, or even disappear. Pigment changes can show up, either lighter or darker patches. The clitoral hood can thicken and fuse over the clitoris, which can hide the clitoral glans and make arousal or orgasms feel different. All of this comes from chronic inflammation that, if untreated, can also lead to scarring.

If you want to hear this explained clearly by a specialist, Dr. Sameena Rahman gives a helpful overview in the chapter *What is Lichen Sclerosus?* and you can watch it here: [Understanding lichen sclerosus](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2m4PHD4IG0&t=35s).


[Watch video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2m4PHD4IG0&t=35s)

If you ever notice thin white patches, scarring, or changes in the shape of the labia or clitoral hood, it is worth having a clinician take a close look. Here at Alloy we help distinguish lichen sclerosus from changes that come from low estrogen, since those can look similar. For anyone dealing with vulvar itching related to menopause rather than lichen sclerosus, treatments like [estradiol vaginal cream](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/estradiol-vaginal-cream) can strengthen the tissue and bring relief.


**Estradiol Vaginal Cream**

3-month supply

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This answer was created using the following resources:

- [Treating Lichen Sclerosis and Hormonal Changes | Dr. Rachel Rubin - Understanding Lichen Sclerosus](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFqs33WFg7E)
- [Lichen Sclerosis: An Underdiagnosed Condition in Women of Color | Dr. Sameena Rahman - What is Lichen Sclerosus?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2m4PHD4IG0)
- [Optimizing Vaginal Health Through Menopause | Dr. Rachel Rubin - Lichen Sclerosus & Vulvar Conditions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32G9lNBSvrA)
- [Menopause & Sexual Health | Dr. Rachel Rubin - Lichen Sclerosus: Risks and Treatment](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RE9AhaA3OA)
- [Your Menopause Questions Answered | Dr. Sharon Malone - Lichen Sclerosus and Estrogen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PRXWN3UbNw)
- [Vaginal Itching & Menopause | Menopause Treatment | Alloy](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/vaginal-itching-and-menopause)

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