Does vaginal oestrogen therapy treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause may involve vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, pain during sex, urinary urgency, or repeated urinary symptoms. Reduced oestrogen can affect the lining and elasticity of vaginal and urinary tissues. Local oestrogen targets the affected area rather than treating every menopause symptom throughout the body.

It may not relieve hot flushes, sleep changes, or mood symptoms. Urinary burning can also be caused by infection, so do not assume every urinary symptom is part of this syndrome.

Describe both vaginal and urinary symptoms to your clinician, including dryness, painful sex, urgency, leakage, or recurrent discomfort. They can examine you, rule out infection when needed, and discuss a local product and application routine.

Use the treatment exactly as directed and allow time for improvement. Fragrance-free washing, a vaginal moisturiser, and lubricant can provide additional comfort. Contact the prescriber about irritation, spotting, or symptoms that remain troublesome instead of altering the regimen alone.

Seek review for blood in the urine, fever, back or side pain, new pelvic pain, unusual discharge, sores, or bleeding after menopause. Urinary symptoms with fever or feeling unwell may need prompt infection assessment. Sudden severe pain or heavy bleeding requires urgent care.

Which of my symptoms fit genitourinary syndrome of menopause? Do I need a urine test or examination? Which local oestrogen form is appropriate, and how will we monitor response or unexpected bleeding?