There are estrogen receptors in the vagina, bladder and urethra ( the tube that drains urine from the bladder). The lack of estrogen after menopause can cause many symptoms in the bladder and vagina, and the medical term for this collection of symptoms is Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause (GSM).
Symptoms may start around your perimenopause but may not occur until several years after your menopause. Around 70% of women will experience these symptoms. Ask yourself:
- Have you experienced any vaginal soreness, burning or irritation?
- Do you have any itching around your vagina or vulval area?
- Is sexual intercourse painful or uncomfortable?
- Have you noticed changes in any vaginal discharge (either increased or reduced) or increased dryness?
- Have you noticed any urinary symptoms, such as increased urinary frequency or being less able to hold on to urine?
- Do you have any discomfort when passing urine?
If so, we can help. Many women benefit from the use of vaginal moisturisers such as Yes or Sylk, these can be purchased at most pharmacies or online. Vaginal lubricants can be used to facilitate pain-free intercourse. However, for many women, this is not enough. The addition of vaginal estrogen has been proven to be very effective for the relief of these symptoms and is safe to use in the majority of women. This is available as a pessary, a cream or a ring so the treatment can be customised to best meet your needs. Many women who take HRT will also require vaginal estrogen to control their symptoms.
Left untreated, symptoms of GSM will persist.
Last updated: May 2026
