A practical guide to managing genitourinary syndrome of menopause in primary care

Females spend a third to half of their life in menopause, and the number of US females in menopause is growing. A high percentage of postmenopausal females experience bothersome, sometimes debilitating genitourinary symptoms, which can affect quality of life. The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) describes the condition previously referred to as vulvovaginal atrophy, atrophic vaginitis, or urogenital atrophy. Of concern, many patients with symptoms of GSM have never been asked about nor have they initiated conversations about these concerns with a healthcare provider. This article addresses the need to improve screening, identification, and patient-centered management in primary care of females with GSM.