Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a common, progressive condition caused by dropping estrogen levels during and after menopause. It affects the tissues of the vulva, vagina, and lower urinary tract, leading to symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
“Recently published this paper outline the evidence supporting the use of vaginal estrogen to treat (GSM) in women living with or after cancer.
Unfortunately this is an area that is often neglected by clinicians and patients can find it difficult to raise their symptoms or worries during a consultation.
Ultimately low dose vaginal estrogen is likely to be safe and effective in most women with recurrent UTIs or vulvo vaginal atrophy and a history of cancer, however longer term studies would be very helpful.
In the meantime please don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about symptoms such recurrent cystitis, vaginal pain or dryness or painful intercourse there are treatments available”
Donal Brennan-UCD Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at University- College Dublin. LinkedIn.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512226001817
Lynch Syndrome Ireland 