In this episode of Fempower Health, we break down one of the most common—and misunderstood—conditions women face after menopause: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

Often referred to by symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful sex, burning with urination, or frequent UTIs, GSM affects nearly half of postmenopausal women. Yet many women are never told it has a name—let alone that it’s treatable.

We’re unpacking what the new 2025 GSM guidelines reveal, and why they mark a turning point in how clinicians should diagnose and treat this condition.

• What Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) really means
• How GSM symptoms impact vaginal, sexual, and urinary health
• Why vaginal estrogen is a frontline treatment, even with systemic HRT
• Common myths about lubricants, moisturizers, and “just aging”
• The difference between managing GSM vs. masking it
• Why GSM often goes unaddressed in clinical settings—and what needs to change
• What the 2025 guidelines clarify for patients and providers alike
• How untreated GSM can impact confidence, relationships, and even career performance

Too often, women’s health is narrowly defined as periods, pregnancy, and menopause hot flashes. But vaginal and urinary health after menopause deserves equal attention.

Whether you're a patient, provider, or policymaker, understanding GSM is essential to changing the conversation around what midlife care really looks like.

• Read Burning, Dryness, Pain? These New Guidelines Change Everything
• Read the 2025 GSM Guidelines

• Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter

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