Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) refers to a collection of symptoms and signs related to the changes in the genitourinary tract that occur during and after menopause. It is a more comprehensive term that encompasses the previously used term "vulvovaginal atrophy" and includes a broader range of symptoms associated with oestrogen deficiency.
During menopause, oestrogen levels drop, which can affect various tissues in the genitourinary system. The genitourinary tract includes the vagina, vulva, urinary bladder, and urethra. This decline in oestrogen can lead to thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls, loss of elasticity, and changes in the pH of the vagina.