Update on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Scoping Review of a Tailored Treatment-Based Approach
Ilaria Cuccu,
Tullio Golia D’Augè,
Ilaria Firulli,
Emanuele De Angelis,
Giovanni Buzzaccarini,
Ottavia D’Oria,
Aris Raad Besharat,
Donatella Caserta,
Giorgio Bogani,
Ludovico Muzii,
Violante Di Donato,
Andrea Giannini
Affiliations
Ilaria Cuccu
Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
Tullio Golia D’Augè
Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
Ilaria Firulli
Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
Emanuele De Angelis
Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
Giovanni Buzzaccarini
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58-60, 20132 Milan, Italy
Ottavia D’Oria
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, PhD Course in “Translational Medicine and Oncology”, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università, 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
Aris Raad Besharat
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, PhD Course in “Translational Medicine and Oncology”, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università, 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
Donatella Caserta
Gynecology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
Giorgio Bogani
Department of Gynecologic Oncology, IRCCS National Cancer Institute, Via Giacomo Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy
Ludovico Muzii
Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
Violante Di Donato
Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
Andrea Giannini
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, PhD Course in “Translational Medicine and Oncology”, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università, 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
This scoping review explores the therapeutic strategies available for managing genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), a condition often underdiagnosed and undertreated despite significantly affecting women’s quality of life. GSM results from decreased estrogen levels during menopause, leading to a range of symptoms including vulvovaginal atrophy and urinary tract issues. Material and Methods: we screened the literature for original studies with “menopause”, “hormonal therapy”, “vulvovaginal atrophy”, “urinary incontinence”, “urinary infections”, “genitourinary syndrome”. Results: A total of 451 relevant articles were retrieved. After screening, 19 articles were included in this scoping review. Discussion: First-line treatments typically include lubricants and moisturizers for short-term symptom relief, while unresolved or severe cases may warrant hormonal treatment. Topical hormonal treatments often have fewer side effects than systemic alternatives. Special attention is given to selective estrogen receptor modulators like ospemifene and steroid hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which have shown beneficial effects on GSM symptoms. Moreover, innovative therapeutic approaches, such as laser treatment, are discussed in the context of their efficacy and accessibility. The safety of GSM hormonal therapy in women with a history or risk of cancer is also addressed, noting the need for more definitive research in this area. While there is a growing demand for tailored therapy, this scoping review emphasizes the importance of effective communication and counseling to allow women to make informed decisions about their treatment. Overall, this review underscores the need for increased awareness and further research into effective treatment options for GSM.
