Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Treatment Specialist Q&A

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is also known as vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis, which is the drying, thinning, and inflammation of the female’s vaginal walls which occurs when the body is producing less estrogen. Genitourinary syndrome only occurs after menopause.

For many, this can make women suffer during intercourse, it can cause severe pain and lead to distressing urinary symptoms. Due to this condition which causes both vaginal and urinary symptoms, doctors coined vaginal atrophy as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, also known in short as GSM. It was easier to use this term to describe the entirety of vaginal atrophy and the symptoms which accompany it.

Treatments are available for any woman dealing with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, there are body changes that are considered a side effect of the treatment, but this also means you do not have to live with the pain and discomfort of genitourinary syndrome of menopause again.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause showcases vaginal atrophy signs and any symptoms that accompany it which includes:

• Vaginal burning
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal dryness
• Genital itching
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Urgency to urinate when urinating
• Frequency urination
• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Urinary incontinence
• Light bleeding is seen after intercourse
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse
• A decrease in vaginal lubrication during sexual activities
• Shortening and tightening of the female vaginal canal

Women can become quite embarrassed of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which is why they often stay home and do not seek our medical attention for it when it is quite urgent to deal with. It Is best to make an appointment with your OBGYN if you are noticing unexplained vaginal bleeding or vaginal spotting, unusual discharge, soreness, and burning.

Genitourinary syndrome in menopause can cause a significant turnover in a women’s life, regardless of her age. The most prevalent sign of genitourinary syndrome of menopause will need intervention as it will feel quite uncomfortable and may cause some severe levels of discomfort and distress which in the end will begin to impact the patient’s quality of life, daily living activities, and sexual functioning.

The main cause of genitourinary syndrome of menopause is due to the reduction of estrogen that was making the vaginal tissues much thinner, less elastic, drier, and much more fragile.

If you begin noticing a drop in these estrogen levels, it is highly recommended to book an appointment with Dr. Prema Kothandaraman.

• Estrogen levels drop after menopause
• Surgical discharge of both ovaries
• Estrogen levels drop during breastfeeding
• Taking medications that will ultimately affect the estrogen levels in your body
• Pelvic radiation therapy is available to clients with cancer
• Available after a client completed their chemotherapy
• And finally, it can be raised as a side effect for breast cancer

To prevent yourself from being diagnosed with genitourinary syndrome of menopause, it is recommended to continue with regular sexual activity. This is recommended due to sexual activity increases your blood flow to the vagina, this keeps the vaginal tissues healthy and supported.

A comprehensive review will need to be completed before handing out a diagnosis to the patient, as we want to collect as much information as possible to diagnose the symptoms and signs. The diagnosis plan may include a pelvic exam of the patient, a urine test, and finally an acid balance test.

Treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause will need an experienced doctor like Dr. Prema Kothandaraman to diagnose and provide recommendations for over-the-counter treatment options, these include:

1. Vaginal moisturizer

A vaginal moisturizer which also has the equivalent of using replens, liquid, liquibeads, will help restore the natural vaginal moisture.

2. Water-based lubricant

Lubricants may be recommended and applied to the genital before any sexual activity occurs, as this will hopefully help to reduce any discomfort or pain during intercourse. If you are looking for an Gynecology/Urogynecology Doctor, call us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Arcadia CA, Glendale CA, Monrovia CA, Pasadena CA, Los Angeles CA, Burbank CA and surrounding areas.