April 9 - Friday
Treatment Options for the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Literature Review
Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Start Date
4-9-2021 3:30 PM
End Date
4-9-2021 4:00 PM
Abstract
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a constellation of symptoms affecting the female genital and urinary systems in over 50% of post-menopausal women (Mayo Clinic 2017). Considering that estrogen receptors are ubiquitous in the female urinary tract, vagina, and pelvic floor, the depletion of estrogen has rendered negative effects including but not limited to, vaginal dryness, incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction. The use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) which includes estrogen in most cases tends to be favored as the first line of therapy for GSM. However, The American Cancer Society (2019) indicated that numerous studies have correlated the possibilities of systemic hormone therapy with an increased risk of cancer leading to my investigation into other non-pharmacological options. The purpose of this literature review was to determine whether pelvic floor physical therapy methods such as biofeedback or manual therapy demonstrated an efficacy in alleviating symptoms related to GSM in comparison to traditional HRT therapy. Drawing on more than 35 medical journal articles and clinical trials, I analyzed different approaches in terms of patient assessment and treatment plans in order to present my findings which include the measurement of tissue pliability, blood flow, pH level, as well as patients' reports on symptom improvements. Overall, this review found evidence of a positive outcome in combined therapy, and treatments that tailored to the individual patients’ circumstances.
Identify Grant
Undergraduate Research
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Dr. David Diers, Governors State University
Dr. Laura White, Governors State University
Treatment Options for the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Literature Review
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a constellation of symptoms affecting the female genital and urinary systems in over 50% of post-menopausal women (Mayo Clinic 2017). Considering that estrogen receptors are ubiquitous in the female urinary tract, vagina, and pelvic floor, the depletion of estrogen has rendered negative effects including but not limited to, vaginal dryness, incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction. The use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) which includes estrogen in most cases tends to be favored as the first line of therapy for GSM. However, The American Cancer Society (2019) indicated that numerous studies have correlated the possibilities of systemic hormone therapy with an increased risk of cancer leading to my investigation into other non-pharmacological options. The purpose of this literature review was to determine whether pelvic floor physical therapy methods such as biofeedback or manual therapy demonstrated an efficacy in alleviating symptoms related to GSM in comparison to traditional HRT therapy. Drawing on more than 35 medical journal articles and clinical trials, I analyzed different approaches in terms of patient assessment and treatment plans in order to present my findings which include the measurement of tissue pliability, blood flow, pH level, as well as patients' reports on symptom improvements. Overall, this review found evidence of a positive outcome in combined therapy, and treatments that tailored to the individual patients’ circumstances.