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A Doctor's Guide to Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: What Every Woman Should Know

Are you struggling to talk to your doctor about intimate health changes during menopause? Here's what that conversation could look like:

Dear Melissa, 

It was a pleasure to see you today and review your health concerns. I truly appreciate the time you took to share details about your health and personal life. I’ve summarized our discussion below to ensure you have a clear understanding of what we talked about during your visit. 

  1. Understanding Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) 

During our discussion, we talked about the symptoms you've been experiencing, which are part of a condition called Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, or GSM. This happens because of the natural decline in oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause, which causes changes to the vaginal and bladder tissues. It is important to remember this is a very normal and treatable condition. The symptoms can include vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, and discomfort or pain during intercourse. It can also lead to urinary symptoms like frequency, urgency, and more frequent urinary tract infections. Many women feel reluctant to talk about these issues, but help is available. 

  1. Treatment Options for Your Comfort 

Another key point we covered was the range of safe and effective treatments available for GSM. This relates to restoring moisture and improving the health of the vaginal tissues. You may notice immediate relief with some options, and you should consider starting with non-hormonal products. We discussed using an Ellechemy daily intimate moisturiser for general comfort and an effective lubricant during sexual activity to improve sensation and reduce pain. 

  1. Hormonal and Other Therapies 

We also discussed vaginal oestrogen therapy, which is a very safe and effective treatment to improve the strength of the vaginal lining and reduce fragility. The 2025 menopause treatment guidelines confirm that vaginal oestrogen is not associated with an increased risk of heart disease, blood clots, or cancer. It can be prescribed in various forms like creams, tablets, or rings. It is also available infused in a prescription Ellechemy formulation. You can find out more by visiting the Ellechemy website.  

Next Steps: 

Using a daily intimate moisturiser and a lubricant may be something you have never done before. Make it part of your daily routine, as a habit. These can provide immediate relief and improve your day-to-day comfort. If you have any questions or would like to discuss prescribed hormonal options further, please don't hesitate to contact us at hello@ellechemy.com.au or your women's health specialist for personalised hoistic medical advice.  

Thank you for trusting us with your care. If you have any questions or concerns about anything we discussed, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Warm regards, 

Dr Raelia Lew 

Gynaecologist and Ellechemy founder