Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

Home > Health Care > Menopause > Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

Are you experiencing vaginal dryness, burning, itching, painful sex or problems with urination?

You may have a condition known as GSM. You don’t have to “just live with it” – there are treatment options.

SCHEDULE YOUR

What is GSM?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a condition that is characterized by a variety of symptoms resulting from changes in hormone levels during menopause.

How many women does it impact?

The prevalence of GSM is high. It is estimated that at least 50% of women develop GSM symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

Women generally experience a wide range of symptoms with GSM. These symptoms are often bothersome and impact quality of life.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

Vaginal dryness, burning, itching
Painful sex
Decreased lubrication
Urinary urgency or frequency
Bleeding after sex
Frequent urinary tract infections
Reduced sexual interest
Vulvovaginal tissue thinning

Treatment Options

Many treatment options are available to address symptoms of GSM. Treatment plans will be tailored to alleviate your most bothersome GSM symptoms.

Treatment options may include:

Hormone therapy (creams, pills, patches, rings)
Use of lubricants or moisturizers
CO2 laser therapy
Radiofrequency and microneedling

What to expect on your visit

During your visit, you can expect your care team to listen to and address all of your concerns in a safe and trusted space. A consultation for GSM may include:

A history and physical examination
Labs

How do I know if I’m in menopause?

Menopause is defined clinically as 12 months after a woman’s final menstrual period. Or, menopause can be diagnosed through laboratory tests.

How long do menopausal symptoms typically last?

The majority of women experience perimenopausal symptoms 5 years before and after reaching menopause. However, some women can experience these symptoms as long as 10-15 years after menopause.

How did menopause affect my bladder health?

A common symptom of GSM is thinning of the vulvovaginal tissue, which can lead to tissue bulging into nearby organs, like the bladder, urethra, and rectum. Thinning of tissue can lead to weakness, and cause problems with the bladder.

Why am I getting so many vaginal infections?

Thinning of the vulvovaginal tissue within the internal and external genitalia can cause pH changes in the vagina, and also can make it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra, causing increased infections “down there”

The HerMD Difference

TYPICAL OB GYN OFFICE	HerMD
10 minute appointments	20 – 60 minute appointments
Fragmented	Comprehensive services under one roof: > Gynecology > Sexual health > Menopause > Aesthetics > Bloodwork/Lab Ultrasound & Surgery
In-person only	Hybrid: in-person and virtual
Sterile environment	Patient-centric, beautiful and warm
Focus on obstetrics, annuals, and STI care	Gynecology, sexual health and menopause focused with ISSWSH and NAMS trained providers

HerMD Trailblazers and Changemakers

Meet Your Women’s Healthcare Leadership Team

We’re Revolutionizing Women’s Health Care

But don’t just take our word for it…

Patty Penuell

I would recommend this practice/office to anyone. The people are friendly and attentive. The office is new, bright and pretty and Teri is amazing! I felt at ease and important from the time I walked in, to the time I left. Top-notch!
Stephanie Norris

The whole experience with HerMD in Franklin TN from start to finish has been amazing. I was a new patient and met with Terri Greer. She was fantastic! She listened to all of my concerns and helped me sort through which options would be best for me. She spent over an hour with me and never once did I feel rushed or that she needed to get to the next appointment. She talked with me like a friend and never down to me if I had questions. I am so happy that I chose to go with HerMD and cannot recommend them enough!
Madison Hair

I had my first ever Botox experience here and all the employees made me feel so comfortable. They are very informative and always have your best interest in mind. I can’t wait for my gyno appointment!
Shelby Southerland

The office is so inviting and the staff is so knowledgeable. I really felt heard and understood when visiting the Carmel location. The women here take the time to listen to the needs of their patients and not rush them along. Hannah was my Botox injector and I’m so pleased with my results!!!Gynecological care and esthetic services all in one place, thank you for such great care.
Julie Virag

Such a great experience. I was very nervous about my appointment due to some abnormal test results I received from my primary doctor. Teri Greer made me feel heard. She told me all of the possible scenarios, but was very calming and helped me not stress about my condition. She really put me at ease. Terri is amazing and I would highly recommend!!!
Elizabeth Mercer

I just love everything about HerMD! The office is so girly, pretty and welcoming. Terri Greer NP is warm and caring. She always makes me feel comfortable and is extremely knowledgeable in anything and everything female! Karen Medieros RN has mad injector skills and always makes me look and feel beautiful. This is definitely an office I look forward to visiting!
Yarymary Diaz

Excelente facilidad, cálida y acogedora. Su personal muy amable y profesional. Mi Dra. Michelle Montville es la mejor por su carisma, empatía y se toma su tiempo en explicarte todo lo que necesitas saber
Katie Woods

It’s so very rare to find a provider that will truly sit and listen to you and work with you. Dr. Montville is amazing and the front office goes above and beyond to help.
Candice mcIntyre

I have had a wonderful experience here. Staff is professional and never makes you feel like they are in hurry to run out the door. Very knowledgeable about women’s health. Finally a place that has an interest in what’s going on with women after the birthing years! Refreshing!

Questions

Get in touch with our Patient Advocate Team

IN-PERSON

VIRTUAL