What is GSM in menopause?

The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a new term that describes various menopausal symptoms and signs including not only genital symptoms (dryness, burning, and irritation), and sexual symptoms (lack of lubrication, discomfort or pain, and impaired function, but also urinary symptoms (urgency, dysuria, and …

How does GSM affect a woman’s quality of life?

Decreased moisture is the most prevalent sign. The symptoms of GSM are bothersome and usually require intervention. They cause discomfort and distress in middle-aged and older women, impacting their quality of life (QoL), sexual functioning, and daily living activities.

What is GSM vaginal atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy is when the walls of your vagina get thin, dry, and inflamed. This can happen when your body makes less estrogen, such as during and after menopause. This condition and its symptoms together are called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). You’ll notice it in both your vagina and urinary tract.

What body systems are affected by GSM?

Anatomical and pathophysiological changes caused by GSM It has been shown that estrogen receptors (a and b) are present in the vagina, the vestibule of the vulva, urethra, trigone of the bladder, and on autonomic and sensory neurons in the vagina and vulva.

What are the symptoms of GSM?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) signs and symptoms may include:

Vaginal dryness.
Vaginal burning.
Vaginal discharge.
Genital itching.
Burning with urination.
Urgency with urination.
Frequent urination.
Recurrent urinary tract infections.

How is GSM treated?

Low-dose vaginal estrogen is considered the gold standard for treating GSM, and for most women, it is safe. There are many vaginal estrogen products available. These include FDA-approved bioidentical estradiol formulated as creams, tablets, a vaginal ring, and most recently, a soft gel capsule.

What are GSM symptoms?

How is genitourinary syndrome treated in menopause?

The principal therapeutic goal in the genitourinary syndrome of menopause is to relieve symptoms. Treatment options, as well as local and systemic hormonal treatment are changes in lifestyle and non-hormonal treatments mainly based on the use of moisturizers and lubricants.

What age does a woman stop getting wet?

The average age of the menopause is 51 and after the menopause women find that their bodies change. The ovaries stop producing the female hormone estrogen and the levels begin to decrease. One of the early signs of reduced estrogen on the vagina is reduced lubrication during sexual activity.

How common is genitourinary syndrome of menopause?

Frequency of symptoms The symptoms range from mild, moderate to debilitating. Other studies have found that 50% of women aged 50–60 years report symptoms, increasing to 72% in women aged older than 70 years, but only 4% associated their symptoms with loss of oestrogen at menopause.

What are the genitourinary symptoms of menopause?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause primarily affects the genitals and urinary tract and can cause a variety of symptoms , including:

vaginal dryness.
vaginal itching or burning.
increased discharge.
pelvic pain or pressure.
painful intercourse.
reduced lubrication.
decreased arousal.
bleeding during or after sex.

How often does GSM occur in post menopausal women?

GSM is extremely common. It is difﬁcult to obtain a true prevalence as this condition is so under reported but some studies have shown it to affect as many as 80% of post-menopausal women. Although many other menopausal symptoms improve with time, symptoms of GSM can worsen with age in many women.

Can a ysystemic HRT be used for GSM?

ŸSystemic HRT is not usually recommended as ﬁrst-line treatment for women with only vaginal symptoms and no menopausal symptoms. ŸAround 10-25% of women receiving systemic HRT still have symptoms of GSM and so will require topical oestrogen in addition to HRT.

What is the first line of treatment for GSM?

The primary goal of treating GSM is to relieve symptoms. For women with vulvovaginal symptoms unrelated to sexual activity, first-line therapies include long-acting vaginal moisturizers and a short course of low-dose vaginal estrogen.

Is the genitourinary syndrome of menopause new terminology?

Reprinted from “Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: new terminology for vulvovaginal atrophy from the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health and the North American Menopause Society.”, by the Portman DJ, Gass ML, 2014;21(10):1063-1068. Copyright 2014 by the North American Menopause Society. Reprinted with permission