Three practitioners share their strategies for identifying and improving the intimate area for menopausal patients
The external genitalia are among the most oestrogen dependent tissues in the body.¹ With the onset of menopause, declining ovarian hormones drive a spectrum of structural and functional changes collectively described as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM); vulvovaginal atrophy, altered pH and microbiome, dyspareunia, lower urinary tract symptoms and recurrent infections.¹² Although these manifestations have a clear pathophysiological basis, they remain under reported by patients and are often managed suboptimally in routine practice.¹³
Parallel to this, there is growing demand for interventions that address not only function but also aesthetic changes in the vulval region, including labial volume loss, skin laxity, pigmentation changes and perceived alterations in genital appearance.⁴ Aesthetics spoke to menopause specialist Dr Sarah Jenkins; consultant gynaecologist and vulval…
