Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Overview

4.9 out of 5 (18 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Pharmacology Credits

0.5

Post Assessment Questions

10

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

5 Oct 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a term that encompasses a wide range of symptoms and conditions associated with changes in the genital and urinary systems due to the decline in estrogen levels during menopause. As women approach menopause, hormonal shifts—particularly the reduction in estrogen—can lead to structural and functional changes in the tissues of the vagina, vulva, bladder, and urethra. Previously called vulvovaginal atrophy, GSM more accurately captures the broader spectrum of symptoms that affect both the genital and urinary systems. These symptoms can include vaginal dryness, irritation, burning, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), recurrent urinary tract infections, and urinary incontinence. Many women hesitate to discuss these issues with healthcare professionals, despite their significant impact on quality of life. GSM is highly prevalent, affecting over half of women who are postmenopausal, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. The condition is progressive, and the symptoms often worsen over time without treatment. Various treatment options—ranging from nonhormonal lubricants and moisturizers to hormone replacement therapy—are available to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

This activity reviews the identification, diagnosis, and management of GSM through a discussion of the physiological changes associated with menopause that lead to GSM, as well as the vast array of symptoms that can affect both the genital and urinary systems. The activity also highlights the role of the interprofessional team in improving the diagnosis and management of GSM, allowing for better patient outcomes and enhanced quality of care for menopausal women.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the etiology and epidemiology of genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

  • Screen for genitourinary syndrome of menopause in postmenopausal women through comprehensive patient histories and physical examinations.

  • Implement evidence-based treatment strategies for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, including both hormonal and nonhormonal therapies.

  • Collaborate with an interprofessional team to support early intervention of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, achieving better long-term outcomes and empowering women to maintain a high quality of life throughout menopause and beyond.

  • Outline the pharmacologic therapy as it applies to Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurse Practitioners: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.00 ANCC contact hour(s), which includes 0.5 hour(s) of pharmacology. NPs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Michelle s. on 9/21/2021

Lacey S. on 5/21/2022

Wilbert W. on 12/18/2022

Leslie H. on 3/8/2023

Huong T. on 6/5/2023

Melissa S. on 8/13/2023

Cheryl A. on 12/27/2023

Rebecca T. on 1/22/2024

Juana G. on 3/22/2024

Arlene f. on 4/25/2024

Nilanjana D. on 5/24/2024

Sarah S. on 6/12/2024

Julie B. on 6/19/2024

Steven T. on 7/26/2024

Jovelie D. on 9/2/2024

Elizabeth C. on 10/11/2024

Shelley M. on 10/21/2024

Bergen S. on 11/20/2024

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