How Does Testosterone Affect Your Vulva?

Testosterone isn’t just hanging around doing nothing—it’s an active player in maintaining the health of your vulva. It contributes to keeping the tissue around your vulva thick, elastic, and well-lubricated. When your testosterone levels are balanced, your vulvar tissue stays strong, resilient, and less prone to irritation or pain.

Specifically, testosterone helps with:

Maintaining Tissue Health
It helps keep the skin around your vulva thicker, which means it’s less likely to tear, become irritated, or feel overly sensitive. This is particularly important for people who experience dryness or discomfort, as thicker tissue is more capable of retaining moisture.

Enhancing Blood Flow
Testosterone encourages blood flow to the vulvar region, which helps keep the tissue nourished and responsive. This increased blood flow can also lead to enhanced sensitivity, which is important for pleasurable sensations during intimacy.

Supporting Lubrication
While estrogen is often credited with keeping the vulva and vagina lubricated, testosterone also plays a supportive role. It helps the glands in the vulvar area produce natural lubrication, reducing the risk of dryness and discomfort.

Testosterone and Sexual Health

Testosterone isn’t just about keeping your vulvar tissue healthy—it’s also a key player in your sexual health and desire.

Libido Boost
Testosterone is often referred to as the "desire hormone" because it plays a significant role in maintaining your libido. If you’ve noticed a dip in your interest in sex, low testosterone could be a contributing factor.

Enhanced Sensation
By promoting blood flow to the vulvar area, testosterone enhances sensitivity, making sex more pleasurable. This means that balanced testosterone levels can lead to more enjoyable and fulfilling sexual experiences.

How Can Testosterone Imbalances Affect Vulvar Health?

When testosterone levels aren’t where they should be, it can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms. Common signs of low testosterone include:

• Vulvar Dryness: One of the most common symptoms of low testosterone is dryness in the vulvar area. This can make everyday activities, like walking, exercising, or wearing certain fabrics, uncomfortable.

  
  

• Thinning or Fragile Vulvar Skin: Without enough testosterone, the skin around your vulva can become thin and more prone to irritation, tearing, or even infections.

  
  

• Reduced Sensitivity and Pleasure During Sex: Low testosterone can make it difficult to experience pleasure or even achieve orgasm.

  
  

• Pain or Discomfort During Intimacy: Thin, dry, or inelastic tissue can lead to pain during sex—sometimes resulting in Hormonally Mediated Vestibulodynia (HMV), a condition characterized by pain around the vaginal opening triggered by pressure or penetration.

Common Causes of Testosterone Imbalance in People with Vulvas

Testosterone imbalances can occur for a variety of reasons. Identifying the root cause is key to effective treatment. Common causes include:

Hormonal Birth Control
Birth control pills, patches, and rings often lower free testosterone levels. While effective for preventing pregnancy, they can also contribute to dryness, thinning tissue, and decreased libido.

Menopause and Aging
As you age, hormone levels—including testosterone—decline. This can cause vaginal dryness, pain during sex, and a drop in sexual desire.

Postpartum and Breastfeeding
After childbirth, especially while breastfeeding, hormone levels can drop significantly. This often leads to vulvar discomfort and reduced libido.

Certain Medications and Treatments
Medications for conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, or breast cancer can interfere with your body’s natural testosterone production.

Could Your Symptoms Be Related to Low Testosterone?

If you’re experiencing pain, dryness, or discomfort around your vulva, consider the following questions:

• Do you feel pain during or after sex?

• Have you noticed a decrease in libido or sexual pleasure?

• Are you experiencing dryness, itching, or irritation in the vulvar area?

• Have you recently started or changed a birth control method, given birth, or entered menopause?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, low testosterone could be a factor.

How to Address Testosterone Imbalance and Improve Vulvar Health

If you suspect a testosterone imbalance, there are steps you can take:

Hormone Therapy
Topical testosterone creams or gels can be applied to the vulvar area to restore tissue health, increase blood flow, and improve sensitivity.

Lifestyle Adjustments
Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly. Foods rich in healthy fats—like avocados, nuts, and fish—can support hormone production.

Switching Birth Control
If your birth control method is affecting testosterone, speak to your provider about alternatives with less hormonal impact.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
For those experiencing pain or muscle tension, pelvic floor therapy can improve circulation, reduce tightness, and relieve symptoms.

Using Lubricants and Moisturizers
Incorporate vulvar moisturizers and lubricants to reduce dryness and improve comfort during intimacy.

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Your Hormones—They Matter

Your hormones play a vital role in your health, and testosterone is no exception. If you’re experiencing vulvar discomfort, it may be time to explore your hormone levels.
Understanding how testosterone affects your vulva is the first step toward relief. Many people with vulvas face these issues—and effective, supportive treatment is available. Advocate for your health. You deserve answers, care, and comfort.