Don’t underestimate the impact of menopause beyond the typical symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. Despite its prevalence, both individuals and healthcare providers are often uninformed about menopause and the available safe and effective treatments. This lack of knowledge leads to unnecessary suffering. Menopause is preceded by perimenopause, which typically starts in a person’s 40s, and most women will reach menopause in their early 50s. In addition to the systemic symptoms of menopause, individuals will also experience more subtle genitourinary symptoms that worsen over time if left untreated. These symptoms include painful sex, urinary urgency, frequency, leaking, burning, recurrent vaginal and urinary tract infections, and vaginal dryness. Interestingly, these symptoms are not only associated with the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), but also with pelvic floor dysfunction, which affects almost 50% of women by the time they reach their 50s. It’s crucial to address these symptoms for a better quality of life.
Menopausal symptoms can be effectively treated with hormonal therapy. However, for individuals experiencing symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), additional treatment may be required. The North American Menopause Society suggests the use of vaginal estrogen as a beneficial option for menopausal women to alleviate GSM symptoms.
Don’t underestimate the impact of menopause beyond the typical symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. Despite its prevalence, both individuals and healthcare providers are often uninformed about menopause and the available safe and effective treatments. This lack of knowledge leads to unnecessary suffering. Menopause is preceded by perimenopause, which typically starts in a person’s 40s, and most women will reach menopause in their early 50s. In addition to the systemic symptoms of menopause, individuals will also experience more subtle genitourinary symptoms that worsen over time if left untreated. These symptoms include painful sex, urinary urgency, frequency, leaking, burning, recurrent vaginal and urinary tract infections, and vaginal dryness. Interestingly, these symptoms are not only associated with the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), but also with pelvic floor dysfunction, which affects almost 50% of women by the time they reach their 50s. It’s crucial to address these symptoms for a better quality of life.
Menopausal symptoms can be effectively treated with hormonal therapy. However, for individuals experiencing symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), additional treatment may be required. The North American Menopause Society suggests the use of vaginal estrogen as a beneficial option for menopausal women to alleviate GSM symptoms.
Differential Diagnosis:
GSM or Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM):
- Frequent urination, urgency, burning, and waking up at night to urinate (nocturia)
- Sensation of pressure in the bladder or pelvic area
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Reduced or no orgasm
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- Pain and burning in the vulvovaginal area
- Discomfort when sitting
A healthcare professional like a physical therapist or doctor can conduct a thorough examination to identify issues with the pelvic floor and hormonal imbalances. This examination includes visual observations, a pain test, and a manual examination. It’s important to note that all women may experience GSM if not properly managed. Many people are unaware that menopausal women can benefit from a pelvic floor physical therapy examination to address discomfort caused by musculoskeletal factors. By combining physical therapy and medical management at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Encinitas, we can help improve sexual pleasure and alleviate urinary and bowel issues.
FACTS
From: https://www.letstalkmenopause.org/further-reading
- Every day, 6000 women experience menopause.
- There are currently 50 million menopausal women in the US.
- A staggering 84% of women face genital, sexual, and urinary discomfort during menopause, which requires outside help to resolve, yet less than 25% seek assistance.
- Even OBGYN residents admit to being ill-prepared, with 80% feeling they lack the necessary knowledge to discuss menopause.
- GSM is found in 90% of postmenopausal women, but only ⅓ of them actually report symptoms.
- The barriers to treatment include women having to bring up the topic, thinking that symptoms are a normal part of aging, and not connecting their symptoms to menopause.
- Only 13% of healthcare providers ask their patients about menopause symptoms.
- Even after being diagnosed, most women with GSM do not receive treatment, despite studies showing a negative impact on their quality of life. This is because providers hesitate to prescribe treatment and patients have concerns about the safety of vaginal therapies.
Insufficient hormones can cause itching in the labial and vaginal area. Factors like Lichen Sclerosus and yeast infections can also contribute to dermatologic problems.
Experiencing recurring vaginal and urinary tract infections during menopause is unfortunate because of the following reasons:
- pH and tissue changes
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Pelvic organ prolapse impacting urinary function
Recurrent infections can cause pelvic floor dysfunction, which can result in pain and dysfunction even after the infection is gone. It is crucial to stop these infections to prevent further issues. If left untreated without hormone therapy, the infections can continue to occur and lead to severe consequences. Women may experience unprovoked pain, difficulty with sex, and undetected urinary tract infections can lead to kidney problems and other serious issues.
Work with a menopause expert at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Encinitas to address and resolve these serious and treatable issues. Let’s normalize discussing GSM and understand that it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. With proper care, those with vulvas can live their best lives. Pelvic floor physical therapy and medical management work together effectively.
How We Can Help You
Experience issues with sexual function? Get evaluated by a pelvic floor therapist at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Encinitas. They’ll identify any possible pelvic floor issues contributing to your symptoms. During the exam, the therapist will discuss your medical history, previously diagnosed conditions, past treatments, and their effectiveness. Rest assured, we understand your frustration. The therapist will assess your nerves, muscles, joints, tissues, and movement patterns. Afterwards, they’ll share the assessment results and determine the cause of your symptoms. Short-term and long-term therapy goals will be established. Expect weekly sessions for around 12 weeks. Your therapist will coordinate with your treatment team and provide an exercise regimen for home. We’re here to help improve your life.
Check out our IC/PBS Resource List for more information on IC/PBS.
How We Can Help You
Experience issues with sexual function? Get evaluated by a pelvic floor therapist at Menopause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Encinitas. They’ll identify any possible pelvic floor issues contributing to your symptoms. During the exam, the therapist will discuss your medical history, previously diagnosed conditions, past treatments, and their effectiveness. Rest assured, we understand your frustration. The therapist will assess your nerves, muscles, joints, tissues, and movement patterns. Afterwards, they’ll share the assessment results and determine the cause of your symptoms. Short-term and long-term therapy goals will be established. Expect weekly sessions for around 12 weeks. Your therapist will coordinate with your treatment team and provide an exercise regimen for home. We’re here to help improve your life.
Check out our IC/PBS Resource List for more information on IC/PBS.
