GSM

[joolshou]

Anyone heard of, of been diagnosed with GSM? (Genitourinary Symptom of Menopause) Fairly new title I think but covers a whole gamut of symptoms but also painful urination because of thinning of vaginal walls due to atrophy and lack of oestrogen. Hoping this is what I've got rather than IC (Interstitial Cystitis)

It's a new term for 'vaginal atrophy' as it also covers bladder and pelvic health.

painful urination because of thinning of vaginal walls due to atrophy and lack of oestrogen

Thinning of the urethra and bladder causes the pain and frequency.

Thank you. Yes, I think that's what I'm hearing. Just wondered if anyone else has painful peeing II do have rectocele and cystocele grade 2 which I can manage. I do ge cystitis type problems but this "let down" pain Just as I start to pee has gone on for 3 months now. Up in the night when I never used to have to go. Painful and annoying!! x

Yes, but I went to GP for vaginal soreness rather than peeing problems.
She put me on Ovestin (or something like that), which is internal oestriadol cream. After 3 months daily the problem had gone away and now I’m on a permanent 2/3 times / week regimen.
The oestrogen is very low dose and is absorbed through the vaginal walls and as far as I know it helps everything in the area. Not had any peeing problems - maybe they are prevented by the dosage? I wouldn’t know without coming off it. I’m not on any other HRT.
See your GP OP and see what they say.
Maybe others will have more specific advice on the cystitis side of things.

@joolshou I'm unsure if your diagnosis means you have been given treatment? That is Ovestin (cream) or Vagifem( pessary) to insert in the vagina.

Ovestin is estriol not estradiol. Vagifem is estradiol. Either may sort the problem x

Thanks for getting back. Have been on vagifem for years and years and seemed to help my prolapse problem. Consultant now thinks I should up the dose - even go on HRT at my age - late 60s!) No one knows what the problem si. Could be Interstitial cystitis (my sister has suffered for 15 years!) but what I eat and drink doesn't seem to affect it I don't think. Really praying it's not IC as I know what. horrid thing it is. Meanwhile up twice in the night last night and no let up at all for 3 months of hurting while I sit and wait to pee. Relief as soon as I start the flow. Constant general hurting directly in vagina and sometimes around my abdomen. Have had test for ovarian and bowel cancer and my cystocele and rectocele still grade 2 which I can live with without further surgery. No idea!! Jumped on the diagnosis of vaginitis/GSM so was wondering if someone else might have had this diagnosis of GSM for painful let down peeing!!

As you are already seeing a consultant I'd take their advice.

1 Increase the dose of Vagifem ( to every other day maybe)
2 Consider systemic HRT

You're very fortunate to have a consultant who is so forward thinking and happy to allow someone your age start HRT (it's definitely allowed but many less-informed drs would be wary.) Nothing wrong with being on HRT in your late 60s. My consultant told me he started a patient on it in her late 80s.

Oh that's great. Was just going to Google what is the oldest age anyone has started HRT!! Going to speak to a menopause consultant now. My friend said she saved her life!! Many thanks