Genitourinary symptoms of the menopause

Tackling Those Pesky Genitourinary Symptoms (GSM)

Menopause is like a surprise party your body throws when you hit your late 40s or early 50s. Except, instead of cake and balloons, you get a mix of hot flashes, mood swings, and some unwelcome genitourinary symptoms. Yep, your downstairs area gets in on the action too. Let’s break it down and see how you can handle these changes with grace, a bit of humour, and some solid advice.

What’s going on?

So, you’re sailing into menopause, and suddenly your nether regions feel like they’ve been hit by a drought. Welcome to Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). It sounds complicated, but it just means that your vaginal and urinary areas are feeling the effects of lower oestrogen levels. Here’s what you might notice:

1. Vaginal Dryness:

   • What it is: Think of it as your body’s way of turning your vajayjay into the Sahara Desert.

   • How it feels: Uncomfortable, especially during sex. And sometimes, it’s just plain annoying all day long.

2. Vaginal Atrophy:

   • What it is: Your vaginal walls thinning out and losing their elasticity.

   • How it feels: Itchy, burning, and just not fun. It’s like your vagina is going through a mid-life crisis.

3. Urinary Issues:

   • Incontinence: Surprise leaks when you laugh, sneeze, or do anything remotely active. Yoga class just got interesting.

   • Frequent Peeing: You’re now on a first-name basis with every restroom in town.

   • UTIs: These become your uninvited regular guests.

4. Painful Sex:

   • What it is: Sex that feels more ouch than wow.

   • How it feels: Painful, making you rethink your bedroom activities.

Why is this happening?

Blame it on the hormones. As oestrogen takes a nosedive, so does the health of your vaginal and urinary tissues. They become thinner, drier, and less elastic – kind of like that old rubber band in your junk drawer.

How to manage these symptoms

Good news: you don’t have to just grin and bear it. Here’s how you can tackle these symptoms and get back to feeling more like yourself.

1. Moisturisers and Lubricants:

   • Moisturisers: Use these regularly to keep things hydrated down there. Think of it as face cream for your vagina. I love the YES brand and in particular the YES VM moisturiser

   • Lubricants: Bring these into the bedroom to make sex more comfortable. Water-based ones are your best bet. YES have a water based lubricant which is really pleasant to use.

2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

   • Systemic HRT: Oestrogen patches or gels can help with overall symptoms and may help your urinary and vaginal symptoms too

   • Local oestrogen Therapy: Vaginal creams, tablets, or rings that deliver oestrogen right where you need it. Can be used safely in all women and in addition to whole body HRT or on their own.

3. Lifestyle Tweaks:

   • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. It’s good for everything, including your urinary health.

   • Eat Well: Load up on fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Your body will thank you.

   • Exercise: Especially those Kegels. They’re like crunches for your pelvic floor, helping you control leaks better. Even better see a women's health physiotherapist to get the most out of your pelvic floor exercises.

Don’t be shy

If you’re dealing with these symptoms, have a chat with your healthcare professional. They’ve heard it all before and can offer solutions to help you feel better. No need to suffer in silence or let these issues dampen your day (or night). We will ask you about your symptoms at every appointment.

Conclusion

Menopause might bring some unwelcome changes, but with the right strategies, you can manage those genitourinary symptoms and keep living your best life. From using the right products and making lifestyle changes to exploring medical treatments, there are plenty of ways to take control. So embrace this new chapter with confidence, humour, and the knowledge that you’re not alone in this journey.