Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Improving a DRY Topic

GSM is not only a condition of "vaginal dryness", but rather a multi-faceted symptom set including pain with sitting, urinary frequency and urgency, bladder pain, opioid use, and recurrent UTIs. First, the doctors discuss the myths and misconceptions about the use of estrogen creams, suppositories, and rings to treat GSM . However, Suzette and Rachel also discuss the importance of advocating against the misrepresentation of vaginal estrogen in box labeling. They conclude that the benefits of using a low-dose vaginal estrogen far outweigh the risks, and doctors should advocate for better labeling and understanding of this treatment.

Suzette and Rachel also discuss the American Urologic Association (AUA) guidelines for GSM and its importance. Systemic hormone therapy is rarely enough to address GSM symptoms, so screening for GSM symptoms is essential. They also talk about estrogen therapy for special patients, such as those on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and cancer survivors. Suzette and Rachel emphasize the importance of understanding the general hormone fluctuations of patients particularly oral contraceptives, those with disordered eating, those who are breastfeeding, and those who are transgender. They end the episode by encouraging the production of more research and data to back up treatment options for GSM in premenopausal women.