Vaginal Atrophy & Genitourinary Syndrome Of Menopause (GSM)

Vaginal Atrophy occurs when the walls of the vagina become thin, dry, and inflamed. This can happen when there is a lack of estrogen hormones, such as during menopause.

Women may have other symptoms such as the vagina feeling dry or sore, itching in the vagina, discharge problems, frequent candidiasis infections, pain when urinating, frequent urination, withdrawal, frequent urinary infections, discomfort when with your husband, the vagina feels dry when together.

Such condition is also known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Dryness is usually the first sign. Many women experience it after menopause. But some women also experience it before menopause (perimenopause). GSM is something that often happens. It is estimated that up to 40% experience symptoms of GSM.

Vaginal atrophy or GSM occurs when estrogen levels decrease. During menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels drop sharply to about 85% of their original levels.

Apart from menopause, mothers who breastfeed, taking birth control pills, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery to remove both ovaries can give the same symptoms.

Treatment for those who suffer from vaginal atrophy or GSM includes using estrogen cream or Hormone Replacement Therapy. Other treatments include vaginal laser services specially designed for women with Vaginal Atrophy or GSM. This treatment can be accompanied by estrogen cream or Hormone Replacement Therapy if necessary.