Abstract
The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) has been proposed as a diagnosis by a consensus of clinicians and investigators. Our purpose for this paper is to review extant evidence about: 1) the breadth of symptoms and symptom clusters as related to the syndrome; 2) the prevalence of GSM (includes vulvar and vaginal atrophy); 3) factors that are associated with, predict, or explain the syndrome; and 4) what should be pursued for expanding meaningful evidence. Within recent literature, we found a wide range of prevalence estimates, likely a function of the differing populations studied, study design, and methods of data collection. Factors related to the prevalence of GSM included age and aging; reproductive aging stage; hormones, especially estrogen; and culture and language. We recommend further specification of diagnostic criteria for GSM; clarification of urinary symptoms in GSM; use of longitudinal study designs; validation of GSM-related measures; exploration of cultural equivalence of GSM measures; and assessing biases in completed research.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 27-42 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology |
Volume | 67 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 2024 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- genitourinary syndrome of menopause
- predictors
- prevalence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology