What is genitourinary syndrome of menopause and why does it happen?
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which I refer to as GSM in my practice at Shri Kripalu Hospital, Asef Nagar, Beed, is the medical name for the set of vaginal, vulvar, and urinary symptoms that develop as oestrogen levels decline during and after menopause. Oestrogen is the hormone responsible for maintaining the health, moisture, thickness, and elasticity of the vaginal lining. It also maintains the normal acidic pH of the vaginal environment, which protects against infection, and the integrity of the tissue around the urethra and bladder. When oestrogen falls at menopause, all of these tissues change together: the vaginal lining becomes thinner, drier, and more fragile; the protective bacterial balance is disrupted; and the urethral and bladder tissue becomes more reactive. The result is a pattern of symptoms that includes vaginal dryness, a burning or sandpaper sensation, pain or discomfort during intimacy, light bleeding after intercourse, and urinary symptoms including urgency, frequency, and recurrent urinary tract infections. The most important thing I want women in Beed and across Marathwada to understand is that GSM is not a normal consequence of ageing that has to be accepted. It is the predictable, specific consequence of a hormonal change, and it has safe and effective treatment available locally.
Written by Dr. Rahul Yande, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Fellowship in Cosmetic Gynecology, Consultant Cosmetic Gynecologist and Aesthetic Specialist, Shri Kripalu Hospital, behind Civil Hospital Road, Asef Nagar, Beed, Maharashtra 431122. Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 10+ years. 5,000+ patients. Phone: +91 9370232645.