Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is an all-encompassing term for symptoms that affect the genital and urinary tracts in post-menopausal women caused by hormonal deficiencies.  Symptoms include vaginal dryness and vulvar irritation to urinary discomfort and an increased risk of recurrent UTIs. Hormone therapy can help reduce symptoms and increase arousal. A wide range of local vaginal hormone supplementation options exists for the treatment of GSM including estradiol creams (Estrace), generic estradiol inserts, vaginal DHEA suppositories (INTRAROSA), and estrogen-releasing vaginal rings (ESTRING).