Vitalize Wellness Podcast S1E4: The Menopause Symptom Nobody Talks About: Understanding GSM

00:00 - Vaginal dryness. Painful intimacy. Recurring UTIs. Bladder changes. Many women experience these symptoms during perimenopause and menopause—but few realize they may be connected. In this episode of The Vitalize Wellness Podcast, Dr. Georgia Nab and nurse practitioner Chelsea Nab discuss Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, commonly called GSM. Despite affecting a large number of women as hormone levels change, GSM often goes undiscussed because women may be uncomfortable bringing up the symptoms—or simply assume they're an unavoidable part of getting older. Georgia and Chelsea explain how declining estrogen can affect vaginal and urinary tissues, moisture, collagen, vaginal bacteria, bladder function, intimacy, and quality of life. They also discuss how symptoms can overlap with conditions such as urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and interstitial cystitis, along with some of the approaches that may be considered to support vaginal and urinary health. Most importantly, this conversation is about removing the embarrassment surrounding these symptoms. If something has changed, speak up. These concerns deserve the same attention as every other part of your health. **In this episode, we discuss:** 00:00 - What is GSM? Understanding Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. 00:45 - Why so many women aren't talking about their symptoms. 01:25 - Vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, and recurring UTIs. 02:20 - How GSM can affect intimacy, relationships, and quality of life. 03:00 - Estrogen, collagen, and why vaginal tissues change during menopause. 03:35 - The vaginal microbiome and the role of healthy bacteria. 04:45 - GSM isn't limited to menopause: hormonal changes during the postpartum and lactation periods. 05:35 - Autoimmune conditions and other issues that can cause vaginal symptoms. 06:35 - UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and other symptoms women may confuse with GSM. 07:45 - Interstitial cystitis and bladder pain. 09:10 - Natural approaches Georgia discusses for supporting vaginal health. 10:35 - Vaginal estrogen and the treatment options Chelsea discusses with her patients. 11:30 - Creams, tablets, suppositories, and vaginal estrogen rings. 12:30 - What Georgia and Chelsea say emerging research tells us about local vaginal estrogen. 13:05 - Why women shouldn't simply accept these symptoms as “just getting older.” GSM can be uncomfortable to talk about—but avoiding the conversation doesn't make the symptoms disappear. Understanding what's happening in your body and discussing changes with a qualified healthcare professional can be the first step toward finding an appropriate solution. **Your 1° of Change:** If you're experiencing vaginal dryness, painful intimacy, bladder changes, recurring UTIs, or other new symptoms, don't automatically chalk them up to getting older. Start the conversation with your healthcare professional. **Your Path to Vitality:** Don't wait until symptoms become severe. Recognizing changes early and seeking individualized care may give you more options for addressing them. Your path to vitality starts here. Like and subscribe to join us as we explore the truth about living well at every age. **THE VITALIZE WELLNESS PODCAST** *Vitality Through Every Breath* Hosted by Dr. Georgia Nab and Chelsea Nab, APRN **MEDICAL DISCLAIMER** The Vitalize Wellness Podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared reflects general health and wellness education and should not be used as a substitute for individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional. Health needs, medical histories, medications, and treatment options vary from person to person. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, treatment, nutrition plan, or health-related program. Any products, services, treatments, or therapies discussed on this podcast are presented for educational purposes and are not intended as a guarantee of results or as a recommendation that they are appropriate for every individual. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention. © The Vitalize Wellness Podcast. All rights reserved.