Assessment Tools in Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Abstract

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a term used to define the group of symptoms including vaginal pain, vaginal dryness, itching, pain during sexual intercourse as well as urinary symptoms including urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence, blood in urine (haematuria) and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) that occur due to lack of estrogen hormone. These symptoms can have a significant negative impact on psychosexual issues, sexual function and quality of life in postmenopausal women [1].

Traditionally such menopausal symptoms have been treated by estrogen creams to suffice for decreased estrogen. Increasing awareness and concern of women towards menopausal symptoms and increasing life span of population has lead to availability of plethora of treatment modalities instead of only estrogen creams and moisturizers. Yet, there is no consensus on how to use them. It is a therefore vital that a well-designed assessment tool is available to precisely evaluate the severity of GSM and its improvement when using any treatment, through either subjective or objective tools. In the absence of a disease specific quality of life questionnaire, a look out for a validated scale is required. The article discusses various assessment tools in an effort to study symptoms, emotions, life impact and sexual impact of GSM in postmenopausal women.