Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
Comprehensive women's health, every stage of life
If you’ve noticed vaginal dryness, discomfort during intimacy, or more frequent urinary symptoms since entering menopause, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to just continuously live with it. These are caused by a medical condition known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM. It’s incredibly common among women experiencing menopause, it’s very treatable, and at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, we want you to know that bringing it up with your provider is never something to feel embarrassed about.
Too many women quietly accept these symptoms as an unavoidable part of aging, but we disagree. Comfort, intimacy, and quality of life matter at every stage of your life, and we’re here to help you feel like yourself again. To schedule a GSM consultation in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online.
What Is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause?
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a collection of symptoms caused by declining estrogen levels, which affect the tissues of the vagina, vulva, and urinary tract. As estrogen decreases during perimenopause and menopause, these tissues can become thinner, drier, and less elastic, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can affect your daily life, intimacy, and overall well-being.
In the past, GSM was referred to by other names, including vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis, but the updated terminology reflects a fuller understanding that these changes affect more than just vaginal tissue. they impact the urinary system too.
What Are the Symptoms of GSM?
Symptoms of GSM can range from mild to significant, and they often develop gradually, which is part of why so many women don’t realize there’s a name, and a treatment, for what they’re experiencing. Common symptoms include:
Vaginal Symptoms:
- Vaginal dryness
- Burning, itching, or irritation
- Discomfort or pain during intercourse
- Light bleeding after intercourse
- A feeling of tightness or reduced elasticity
Urinary Symptoms:
- Increased urinary frequency or urgency
- Discomfort or burning during urination
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Mild urinary leakage
What Causes GSM to Occur in Women Going Through Menopause?
Estrogen plays a key role in keeping vaginal and urinary tissues healthy, elastic, and well-lubricated. As estrogen levels decline during the menopause transition, whether through natural menopause, surgical menopause, or certain cancer treatments, these tissues gradually change. Blood flow to the area decreases, tissues thin, and the vaginal environment becomes less acidic, which can also make it easier for irritation and infections to develop.
Unlike hot flashes, which often improve over time, GSM symptoms tend to persist and even progress without treatment, which is why we encourage women not to simply wait for it to go away, but proactively seek medical treatment so that they can go back to living their full life.
How Is GSM Treated at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
The good news is that GSM is one of the most treatable aspects of the menopause transition, and there are several effective options depending on your symptoms, preferences, and health history.
Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants
For milder symptoms, regular use of over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers can help maintain comfort, while lubricants can ease friction during intimacy.
Local Vaginal Estrogen
Low-dose vaginal estrogen, available as a cream, tablet, ring, or insert, delivers estrogen directly to the affected tissue with minimal absorption into the rest of the body. Local vaginal estrogen is often highly effective at restoring vaginal tissue health and relieving many of these uncomfortable symptoms.
Systemic Hormone Therapy
For women also experiencing broader menopause symptoms like hot flashes, systemic hormone therapy may address GSM alongside other symptoms, and we’ll discuss whether this is a good fit for your overall health picture.
Lifestyle and Pelvic Floor Support
Staying sexually active, using appropriate moisturizers, and in some cases pelvic floor physical therapy can also support tissue health and comfort. We’ll walk through each option with you, honestly discussing the benefits and any considerations, so together we can find the treatment path that fits your body and your life.
Why Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates for GSM Care?
For many decades now, we’ve been a trusted name in women’s health throughout the Wellesley area, and we bring that same expertise to the often under-discussed realities of menopause that many women are experiencing in silence or alone. Our providers create a space where you can speak openly about symptoms that can feel vulnerable to bring up, without ever feeling rushed, dismissed, or embarrassed.
We believe your comfort and intimacy matter at every age and every stage of life. Whether you’re newly noticing symptoms or have been managing them quietly for years, it’s never too late to find relief.
Schedule Your GSM Consultation at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates Today
If vaginal dryness, discomfort, or urinary changes have been affecting your daily life or your relationships, we’re ready to help. To schedule a consultation, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online. Find lasting relief for your GSM symptoms today in the hands of a caring, compassionate, and specialized team of OB/GYN professionals in Wellesley, MA.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause FAQs
Is GSM the same as vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness is one symptom of GSM, but the condition also includes a broader range of vaginal and urinary changes, including irritation, discomfort during intimacy, and urinary symptoms like urgency or recurrent infections. To receive a clear diagnosis, it’s essential that you schedule a consultation so that we can pin down exactly what is going on and provide you with the best possible treatment.
Will GSM go away on its own?
Unlike some menopause symptoms that ease over time, GSM symptoms often persist or worsen without treatment, since they’re caused by an ongoing decline in estrogen. The good news is that treatment is highly effective, so there’s no need to simply wait for it to go away on its own while you deal with the uncomfortable symptoms.
Is vaginal estrogen safe?
Low-dose vaginal estrogen is considered very safe for most women, as it works locally with minimal absorption into the bloodstream. We’ll review your personal health history to confirm it’s a good fit for you.
Can GSM affect women who haven’t gone through natural menopause?
Yes. GSM can also affect women who have gone through surgical menopause like if they’ve had a hysterectomy, certain cancer treatments, or other conditions that lower estrogen levels, regardless of their age.
Do I have to bring this up myself, or will my provider ask?
We always welcome you to bring up any symptoms you’re experiencing, and many of our providers proactively ask about these changes during menopause-related visits, because we know how often they go unmentioned. There’s no wrong way to start this important conversation.