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Stephanie Faubion, M.D., talks genitourinary syndrome of menopause
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ROCHESTER, Minn. – A new article in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reviews options for women going through genitourinary syndrome of menopause – an encompassing term for vaginal dryness, itching, dyspareunia and urinary tract infections brought on by low estrogen levels after menopause.
“It’s a common problem that affects at least 50 percent of postmenopausal women; yet, only about 7 percent are receiving treatment,” says Stephanie Faubion, M.D., director, Mayo Clinic Office of Women’s Health. “Aside from the physical discomfort, genitourinary syndrome of menopause can put a strain on relationships, and women need to know that this is common and nothing to be embarrassed by. Their health care provider can help.”
Treatments for the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause include low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy, laser therapy, moisturizers and lubricants. Because this condition can lead to sexual health problems, pelvic floor physical therapy and sex therapy may be helpful for women experiencing this.
Despite these treatments, the lack of awareness of the frequency of genitourinary syndrome of menopause makes reaching patients with this condition difficult. The study discusses a survey of over 1,800 women in the U.S. that found most women would welcome information from their health care provider but were embarrassed or concerned that their symptoms were not appropriate to discuss with their provider.
“When health care providers initiate the conversation and ask the questions to identify genitourinary syndrome of menopause, that is a step toward helping women identify the problem and understand that it can be treated,” says Dr. Faubion.
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About Mayo Clinic Proceedings
Mayo Clinic Proceedings is a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes original articles and reviews dealing with clinical and laboratory medicine, clinical research, basic science research and clinical epidemiology. Mayo Clinic Proceedings is sponsored by the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research as part of its commitment to physician education. It publishes submissions from authors worldwide. The journal has been published for more than 80 years and has a circulation of 130,000. Articles are available at mayoclinicproceedings.org.
About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to medical research and education, and providing expert, comprehensive care to everyone who needs healing. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic or newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kelley Luckstein, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu
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