The LADY study: epidemiological characteristics of prevalent and new genitourinary syndrome of menopause cases in Greece

Abstract

Objective

The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is often underdiagnosed and undertreated despite its significant impact on postmenopausal quality of life. We assessed the prevalence of GSM and associated symptoms in Greek perimenopausal/postmenopausal women attending gynecology clinics.

Methods

Four hundred and fifty women, aged 40–70 years (93.1% postmenopausal), attending three gynecology clinics at university hospitals completed a validated questionnaire and underwent pelvic examination.

Results

GSM was diagnosed in 87.6% of the women at the study visit, whereas only 16% of the overall sample had been previously diagnosed with the condition. Vaginal dryness (72.7%), vulvar burning sensation or itching (58.0%) and dyspareunia (52.7%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Pelvic signs consisted of vaginal dryness (89.1%), loss of vaginal rugae (80.6%) and vulvovaginal pallor (86.9%). However, only 31.3% of the participants had discussed genitourinary symptoms with their health-care professionals (HCPs). Regarding management, only 11.1% of women had prior experience with any form of therapy, and currently only 8.7% were receiving treatment.

Conclusion

GSM is highly prevalent in this Greek perimenopausal/postmenopausal population. Nevertheless, the majority of women remain undiagnosed and untreated. Education for both women and HCPs regarding GSM will lead to improved diagnosis and better management of this syndrome.

摘要

目的:尽管绝经期泌尿生殖系统综合征(GSM)对绝经后生活质量有显著影响, 但其诊断和治疗往往不足。我们评估了希腊围绝经期/绝经后妇科就诊妇女的GSM患病率和相关症状。

方法:在三所大学附属医院妇科门诊就诊的450名年龄在40-70岁(绝经后93.1%)的妇女完成了一份有效的问卷, 并进行了盆腔检查。

结果:在研究访问中, 87.6%的女性被诊断为GSM, 而只有16%的总体样本先前被诊断患有这种疾病。阴道干燥(72.7%)、外阴烧灼感或瘙痒(58.0%)和性交困难(52.7%)是最常见的症状。盆腔体征包括阴道干燥(89.1%)、阴道皱纹消失(80.6%)和外阴阴道苍白(86.9%)。然而, 只有31.3%的参与者与他们的保健专业人员(HCPs)讨论过泌尿生殖系统症状。在管理方面, 只有11.1%的女性有过任何形式的治疗经验, 目前只有8.7%的女性正在接受治疗。

结论:GSM在希腊围绝经期/绝经后人群中非常普遍。然而, 大多数妇女仍未得到诊断和治疗。对妇女和医务人员进行有关GSM的教育将有助于改进对该综合征的诊断和更好的管理。

Keywords:

• Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
• perimenopausal
• postmenopausal
• vaginal health

Potential conflict of interest

ITF Hellas was not involved in the design, data collection, data interpretation or drafting of the study.

Source of funding

The study was sponsored by ITF Hellas.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.