If you’re seeing patients with vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, or recurrent UTIs, there’s a good chance GSM is in the picture, even if it’s not making it into your notes.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) affects up to 80% of postmenopausal women, yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in primary care and gynecology. Why? Many patients don’t bring it up. They’re embarrassed, or they’ve convinced themselves these symptoms are just “part of getting older.” But here’s the thing: GSM isn’t something women have to live with. It’s treatable, and recognizing it early makes all the difference.
What’s Actually Happening?
Vaginal and vulvar tissues depend on estrogen to stay healthy. When estrogen drops during perimenopause and menopause, those tissues thin out, lose elasticity, and produce less natural lubrication. The result? A cascade of uncomfortable and painful symptoms.
And it’s not just about vaginal health. Estrogen decline affects the bladder and urethra too, which is why urinary symptoms often show up alongside vaginal complaints.
What Does GSM Look Like?
Your patients might report:
- Vaginal dryness or irritation
- Painful intercourse
- Involuntary urine leakage
- Urgency or increased urinary frequency
- Recurrent UTIs
While GSM is most common in peri- and postmenopausal women, it can also affect younger patients, particularly those on estrogen-suppressing therapies for breast cancer or other estrogen-sensitive conditions.
Why It Matters
GSM symptoms overlap with other conditions, which means they’re easy to miss. But left unaddressed, they can seriously impact quality of life, sexual health, and overall well-being. Early recognition and evidence-based management can turn things around for your patients.
Ready to Update Your Approach?
The treatment landscape for GSM has evolved significantly. Newer targeted therapies, including prasterone and ospemifene, both recently approved by Health Canada, offer effective alternatives to traditional estrogen therapy, particularly for patients with contraindications or specific preferences.
MDBriefcase’s GSM course walks you through these newer prescription options, helps you identify the right candidates, and equips you with practical tools for patient counseling and treatment selection. It’s designed specifically for primary care providers looking to confidently integrate these therapies into practice.
This program has received financial support from Lupin Pharma Canada in the form of an unrestricted educational grant.