In this episode, I'm talking about something I see all the time in my practice but that too many women still suffer through in silence: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). This condition shows up in women as estrogen levels decline, most commonly during and after menopause.

If you've been dealing with vaginal dryness, itching, pain with intercourse, or repeated urinary tract infections, you're not alone, and it may be GSM.

I walk you through the updated guidelines from the American Urologic Association (AUA) and the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) for diagnosing and treating GSM. We talk about what symptoms to look for and the full range of treatment options, including hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, so you can make informed decisions that work for you.

In this episode, I also cover:

• Why follow-up care is just as important as starting treatment
• How shared decision-making with your provider changes outcomes
• What research still needs to catch up when it comes to cost and access

If you've ever wondered if your symptoms are "just aging" or felt unsure about what's normal after menopause, this episode is for you. My goal is to empower you with information and make sure you know you're not alone.

For more information on this study: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause

Timeline:

00:30 Introduction to Genital Urinary Syndrome of Menopause 

01:25 Understanding the Symptoms and Diagnosis 

03:15 Guidelines for Treatment 

06:09 Hormonal Treatments and Recommendations 

07:43 Non-Hormonal Treatments and Considerations 

08:49 Energy-Based Treatments and Their Efficacy 

10:36 Cancer Concerns and Hormonal Treatments 

13:14 Follow-Up and Long-Term Management 

14:04 Conclusion and Future Research