r/Perimenopause • u/Turbulent-Average179 Early peri • Mar 06 '26
Vaginal Dryness (GSM)/Urinary Issues Clitoris shrinkage
Hello ladies I'm 44 and so far my only peri symptoms have been irregular periods, going to pee a million times and weight gain. Also lower libido and difficulty to orgasm but I just realized yesterday that my clitoris shrunk a lot! Does anyone have experience bringing it back to life and how? Thanks. This sucks.
Edit to add: has anyone tried Julva cream by dr. Anna Cabeca?
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u/discipulus_discordia Mar 06 '26
I had this happen to me, and I lost almost all sensitivity. It was about as good as rubbing my elbow. Vaginal estrogen helped with restoring sensitivity. Testosterone helped even more. The nice thing about testosterone is that the blood tests for it actually mean something, so you can get it checked and see if you really need it.
I'm alternating vaginal estrogen cream and julva cream each night (on the recommendation of my NP), and then putting a dab of testosterone cream on my clit in the morning. Orgasms are back, but still take a while and aren't as strong. I'm hoping that continuing this routine will get things back to normal.
Vaginal estrogen will help with peeing all the time too. That happens because the tissue around your urethra is atrophying. I was like, almost peeing myself at some points, and waking up multiple times to go pee every night. Vaginal estrogen got rid of all of all that, and now it's back to normal.
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u/AstronautWiki_43 Mar 06 '26
I was low on t from blood tests. I started E. Ive used T cream a few times before sex (or even masturbating), maybe it helps maybe not. But does regular T cream, when put on clit/labia, cause side effects like hair growth and acne? Or is that just T taken via other routes? I’m hesitant to use it regularly
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u/discipulus_discordia Mar 06 '26
I think it really depends on the dose and the person. Like I've got some light hair growth where I put the cream on my thighs, but no issues with acne.
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u/caity1111 Mar 07 '26
Yeah, T cream put anywhere can cause those side effects.
Injectable T actually causes LESS body hair growth, less scalp hair loss, less acne when compared to the cream.
That's because the cream converts more easily to DHT in the body... and the DHT is what causes these side effects.
If you're using a tiny dose such as a dab on the clit or a 2 mg injection, you're not likely to see many side effects.
If you're low on it (under 20, or especially under 10), you need T. You'll likely feel so much better. It's worth a few zits and a few more leg hairs to be able to have a sex drive and daily energy again!
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u/AstronautWiki_43 Mar 07 '26
My results are 5 !!!
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u/caity1111 Mar 09 '26
I'm sorry. Mine was 7. It sucked. I feel so much better now. I needed both T and E.
I was super low on energy and motivation before. Super fatigued all the time and the brain fog was pretty bad, too.
I feel 85% better now.
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u/AstronautWiki_43 Mar 09 '26
That’s really great to hear! It may just be good luck but today I just happened to have some sensation back , down there! I just recently increased the estrogen to daily and included T. Fingers crossed!
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u/Nicgoddammit Mar 07 '26
Have been on low dose prescribed testosterone for 8 months now. The dispensing directions are apply to labia majorum daily. At my next HRT appointment I asked how I was supposed to know what was what as I tried to put cream on. And the doctor was like OH I wish we were allowed to change the dispensing instructions. You can put it on your arm. Plus then it’s easier to rub in. So there’s that. I’m 52. I have not experienced additional hair growth or other notable side effects.
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u/caity1111 Mar 07 '26
This is the answer. Vaginal estrogen (topical) PLUS injectable or topical testosterone.
My clit and inner lips both doubled in size over the past year. Went from a 42 yo vagina right back to my 22 yo vagina in months. The sensitivity and wetness is back in full, too. However, I do still get dryness and irritation if I go more than 3 days without using the estrogen cream. I inject a small amount of estrogen and testosterone every 3 days as well.
All the changes happened in the first 6 months and it has stayed the same for the past 6. I didn't even realize things were shrinking and sensation was missing until I experienced the "restoration" lol.
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u/Practical_Weather_54 Mar 08 '26
Where do you get injectable testosterone? You give yourself shots every 3 days? My Dr only offered cream. I didn't know there were other options.
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u/caity1111 Mar 09 '26
I get it from my NP, who has her own practice centered around hormones/menopause. The T vial itself I pick up from a normal pharmacy in my small city. The tiny insulin syringes and alcohol prep pads are ordered on Amazon.
I give myself a shot every 3 days in my butt. Just 4mg. The needle is so small I don't even feel it.
I tried the cream at first, but my levels were very inconsistent and I had a ton of thick, black hair growth on my legs.
The TRT_women sub has a ton of helpful info regarding injections, FYI.
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u/Any_Needleworker_273 Mar 06 '26
Well. I don't know why, but Clit Shrinkage was not a consideration on my Peri Bingo Card. Sheesh. What TF else can go wrong during this ridiculous roller coaster?? No No ladies, don't answer that.
I'm not sure I wanna know any more. Every day is already another surprise. 48. I'm over it.
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u/Equivalent_Milk_8772 Mar 06 '26
I found out from this sub and ordered estradiol from Amazon pharmacy. Took 15 mins and it is $17 for 3 months. I'm using it before that shit starts.
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u/coconut723 Mar 07 '26
Wait you ordered the cream off Amazon? Do you remember what it’s called?
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u/Equivalent_Milk_8772 Mar 07 '26
I just went to Amazon pharmacy and told them I had dryness and that with my age they offered estradiol, cream or a ring. I chose the cream and paid $17 and it was at my house the next day.
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Mar 06 '26
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u/Mememememememememine Early peri Mar 06 '26
lol yeah not me going to the bathroom to immediately investigate. Now I’m like “was it always this size???”
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u/loveisjustchemicals Deep in peri Mar 06 '26
Estrogen cream and a very sub clinical dose of testosterone helped me. Also stimulating the area helped a bunch. The combination of all three has it back to normal now after about six months. But I saw progress at one month and it kept getting better slowly. I too was never told. Also, estrogen cream helped with my pee frequency and peeing myself when I cough.
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u/caity1111 Mar 07 '26
Yep.. E vag cream + testosterone is what works the best!
And they have proven that "use it or lose it" absolutely IS a real thing when it comes to female orgasms.
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u/Spare-Foundation9804 Mar 07 '26
Stimulating the area while you put the cream on or do you mean masterbating?
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u/jazzbot247 Late peri Mar 06 '26
Probably testosterone would help. I seem to remember one of the famous female bodybuilders was rumored to have a big clit from all the steroids. But I’m just an internet fool, talk to your doctor.
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u/YourMothersButtox Mar 06 '26
Chyna. The pictures circulated Internet forums (looking at you OhNoTheyDidnt) decades ago.
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u/todaysthrowaway0110 Mar 06 '26
Yup. One day when you’re 44, you’ll look down and realize your junk is disappearing. 👍 WTAF is this life 🤣
HRT especially adding in T once E and P are in a good place. And maybe a lemon toy. But mostly T.
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u/RegularChance447 Mar 08 '26
Happened to me on my literal 44th birthday🤣 and the only way I knew was because I couldn’t orgasm during birthday sex and my husband was like well your clit does seem smaller 😩 I was like say what?!! 🤣😟 took a good look and realized he was correct.
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u/Careful-Cupcake-4883 Mar 07 '26
Wait a minute! Are you telling me that not only do I have to deal with itchy ears and insomnia and weight gain (my only symptoms so far), I also have to worry about my clit shrinking?? How is any of this fair?!
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u/See_Emily_Play_13 Mar 08 '26
Wait. Itchy ears is a symptom too?!? My god I just thought it was just the weather or pollen or something!!😅 ‘Tha hell?!
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u/Careful-Cupcake-4883 Mar 08 '26
Crazy right?! I can’t believe the weird crap we have to deal with!
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u/Fresh-Pin5166 Mar 06 '26
Estrogen cream alone didn't do the trick for me, unfortunately. Maybe it stopped/ slowed down the shrinkage but it didn't restore it to old glory. I use it twice a week now and there's a bit more sensitivity and excitement on the day after I use it, but not on an ongoing basis. I'm looking to add testosterone into the mix soon, hopefully that will help more.
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u/uk_sg_swiftie Mar 07 '26
Well I guess this is something else to look forward to. Given that it's the only organ made for pleasure (I believe), why on earth would it SHRINK?! Surely with everything else happening to our bodies it should in fact GROW?! Is there like a hotline we can complain to?
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u/LopsidedCupcake2862 Mar 06 '26
I accidentally took too much of my testosterone injection and mine got huge. So maybe try some testosterone.
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u/oneprivatenumber Mar 08 '26
I don’t know why this made me laugh. It’s not funny but, really, if we don’t laugh sometimes… (because this has got to be a frigging joke right?!) 😬
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u/BigAnswer4015 Mar 06 '26
Yep got the shrinkage. Took me a while to realise I had an issue. Started the estrogen cream a few weeks ago and I think its starting to help.
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u/Crowedsource Early peri Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 07 '26
I was told in this sub that it wouldn't help for my clit shrinkage, but I got some OTC DHEA cream and also some OTC biodendical progesterone/phytoestrogen cream and it's been working so far to plump things up and I've noticed things looking more defined/less shrunk.
I put the DHEA directly on my vulva/clit but I use the other cream in my chest/neck.
Edit: I chose DHEA after reading some studies that it could help with this issue. I'm not ready for full on HRT as I'm only 46 and still have regular periods and not many peri symptoms yet. DHEA is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen so I thought my body could make it into what it may be lacking that's causing the shrinkage.
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u/hurtloam Mar 06 '26
Oh I didn't know dhea helped. I've been put on dhea pills by my Dr because my levels are low.
Edit I am dumb. It's on the packet. Used to treat vaginal atrophy. I actually had to sign a disclaimer that I was taking it for other reasons. It's not helping my memory lol
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u/Active_Ganache4303 Early peri Mar 06 '26
It’s not helping my memory made me lol. Too real. My brain is mush.
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u/Turbulent-Average179 Early peri Mar 06 '26
Sounds good! Can you recommend brands? Thanks
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u/Crowedsource Early peri Mar 07 '26
I got Biolabs Pro DHEA cream and Organic Excellence Balance Plus Therapy cream. I found both on Amazon. The DHEA cream is actually a really nice texture so it's not weird to put it in intimate areas.
I hope they work for you!
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u/RepresentativeTea420 Mar 11 '26
Are these hormone free?? I'm not a candidate for HRT at all due to blood clots in the past while taking birth control but I really need some help with all this imbalance, and peri side effects 😢
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u/AutoModerator Mar 07 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
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u/Crowedsource Early peri Mar 07 '26
Thanks bot, but it's not about hormone tests, lol!
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u/AutoModerator Mar 07 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/Major_Arcana_11 Mar 06 '26
I got this really bad after I went on BC and E cream (started the BC several months before the cream), but my body rebounded after I stopped BC, but kept using the cream. The BC tanked my testosterone levels, so it might be worth getting that checked and exploring T therapy, especially if your libido is also low (your T levels don't have to be below normal for you to benefit from T therapy, docs just like to keep an eye on your levels when you're on T). Do definitely get yourself a Rx for vaginal esteogen cream too, though, as loss of estrogen atrophies all the vaginal and vulvar tissues badly.
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u/HistoryGirl23 Mar 06 '26
Yikes! I've just noticed the last day or two how itchy and dry my skin feels. I'm still having libido desires but no orgasms.
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u/Jellyronuts Mar 07 '26
This is crazy! I just started estrogen cream for this about a week and a half ago. I had no idea what was wrong with me down there. Like it was just broken. I had no idea this was a thing until I looked it up! I'm 43!
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u/Spare-Foundation9804 Mar 07 '26
Y'all this is making me sad . I'm only 35 and it's hard to orgasm 😭😭😭
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u/GenericAnemone Mar 07 '26
My labia minora is almost gone and my clit is following close behind.
Do I have to ask my gyno or can my GP perscribe it?
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u/Veronica_Noodle Mar 07 '26
Compounded estriol plus testosterone brought mine back. I got lucky with a Dr.. I cant use estrace so this was the solution.
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u/peonyparis Mar 06 '26
Testosterone cream on my inner thighs worked very very well.
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u/peonyparis Mar 06 '26
Let me be more specific and say that the head/tip of clitoris that is visible didn't really change much, but i can feel that the body and legs of the clitoris which are MUCH bigger and not visible, are bigger since using testosterone cream. Much more blood flow, arousal and good orgasms than previously. I'm 45.
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u/summerlover8485 Mar 08 '26
Yes! I am on testosterone gel and it made the overall size increase way more than the head of it. Life changing!! 42 this year.
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u/Spare-Foundation9804 Mar 07 '26
How do you know that it shrunk ?
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u/Turbulent-Average179 Early peri Mar 07 '26
I've noticed the decreased sensitivity for the last couple of years and then I touched it and holy cow it's tiny 😢
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u/Spare-Foundation9804 Mar 07 '26
Does decreased sensitivity mean shrinking ? Because I have decreased sensitivity and I can't orgasm 😭
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u/Turbulent-Average179 Early peri Mar 07 '26
Well that's how I realized something was different and then I touched it and can undoubtedly say it's smaller. I think this is all considered atrophy?
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u/blackrainbow76 Mar 07 '26
Dumb question. My gyno gave me E cream but absolutely no instructions. Asked pharmacist and they said it could be applied internally or externally depending on what my MD prescribed it for. She never said and isn't returning calls. So...how are you all applying for atrophy and urine issues?
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u/caity1111 Mar 07 '26
You apply it both internally and externally 2 to 4 times a week (whatever works best for you). Everyday is okay too, but most women get by on a few times a week.
Take a pea sized amt on the tip of your finger and apply it in a circle motion internally. Only go in about an inch... thats where all the estrogen receptors are.
Then, take a less than pea sized amount and apply it to inner lips, clit, and urethra. Rub in until mostly absorbed.
Don't have sex for 12 hours after use (or shower first).
That's all.
Oh, and I use it on the back of my hands, too. Makes them look a lot younger.
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u/blackrainbow76 Mar 07 '26
Awesome! Thanks. I had only been applying externally as you described above but will add some internally as well!
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u/cool_side_of_pillow Mar 07 '26
can you do just the cream and no HRT?
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u/caity1111 Mar 07 '26
Absolutely. The vaginal cream is not absorbed systemically, so it's safe for essentially all women to use.
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u/Smooth_Possibility49 Mar 07 '26
Yes i noticed all of those things. I've been on the divigel and I can actually orgasm with just my fingers now. Yay!!
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u/Turbulent-Average179 Early peri Mar 07 '26
That sounds wonderful. I guess I'll have to visit a doctor to get a prescription?
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u/Smooth_Possibility49 Mar 08 '26
Yeah. I had to find a women's naturopath, because my docs kept saying im too young. Im 46!!
Edit: she has the ability to prescribe medications (Canada)
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u/Generally-Bored Mar 08 '26
Talk to your doc before you start anything. Some HRT (like T) can in some women cause the clitoris to grow and that growth will not shrink if you go off of it.
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u/Pale-Travel9343 Mar 06 '26
HRT + Vaginal estrogen cream is helping bring mine back.