Recent Advances in the Management for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Abstract

Menopausal women suffer from various symptoms related to genital tract and urinary tract. These symptoms are due to low estrogen level at this stage of life. Although this is commonly termed as vulvovaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis, it does not reflect the presence of underlying urinary symptoms. So, to encompass full spectrum of symptoms, a broad term like genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is being used more recently in place of vulvovaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis. It describes various symptoms and signs of menopause which include genital symptoms, such as dryness, irritation and burning, urinary symptoms like urgency, dysuria, and recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and sexual symptoms like lack of lubrication and discomfort or pain. Wide range of treatments are available which include nonhormonal black cohosh, a phytoestrogen, lubricants or moisturizers for symptom relief, vaginal estrogen therapies, systemic hormonal therapies (HTs), tissuespecific estrogen complex [combination of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) and estrogen] besides newer therapies. These newer therapy include laser, radiofrequency (RF), and magnetic therapy. As the GSM have negative impact, awareness, recognition and appropriate treatment of GSM will improve the quality of postmenopausal women.