Podcast Summary
Genito Urinary Syndrome of Menopause: Genito Urinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) can cause severe discomfort and health issues, including recurrent UTIs, impacting daily life. Seek help from healthcare professionals to address symptoms and improve well-being.
Genito Urinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), a condition caused by hormonal changes, can lead to severe discomfort and health issues, including recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) which can be life-threatening. UTIs are a major issue for women, with nearly 2 million hospital admissions in England alone in the last five years. GSM symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, leakage, pain during intercourse, vaginal dryness, and changes in arousal and orgasm. These symptoms can significantly impact women's daily lives, even for those who are not sexually active. It's important to note that suffering from these symptoms is not normal and there are treatments and solutions available. The societal norm of women enduring pain and suffering needs to change, and women should seek help from healthcare professionals to address their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Genital urinary syndrome during menopause: Genital urinary syndrome during menopause is a common yet often overlooked condition characterized by discomfort and pain during sex, which can worsen over time and lead to urinary tract infections due to the decreased acidity in the female body. Hormonal treatments can help maintain the acidic environment and alleviate symptoms.
Women's health, specifically genital urinary syndrome (GUS) during menopause, is often overlooked and undertreated despite the availability of safe and effective options. Symptoms, such as discomfort and pain during sex, can worsen over time and impact sexual activity. GUS is essentially a raw, irritated wound in the genital area, and intercourse can intensify the pain and introduce bacteria, leading to urinary tract infections. The female body's acidity, which protects against infections, decreases during menopause, and no lubricant or moisturizer can restore it. Hormonal treatments can help maintain the acidic environment and protect the body. Men also get urinary tract infections but less frequently due to their hormonal makeup and the longer length of their urethra, which acts as a barrier. Recurrent infections are a concern, and the understanding of inner tract infections is not as advanced as it should be.
Urinary Tract Health: Hormonal imbalances and maintaining a healthy microbiome play crucial roles in preventing UTIs. Vaginal estrogen therapy can support tissue health and promote a healthy microbiome to prevent UTIs. Prevention is key and may take time and consistency.
Maintaining a healthy urinary tract involves more than just treating infections with antibiotics. The complex interplay between bacteria, hormones, and the microbiome requires a preventative approach. Hormonal imbalances, particularly in the vaginal area, can contribute to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Vaginal estrogen therapy, which is safe and effective, can help prevent UTIs by supporting the tissue and maintaining a healthy microbiome. Prevention is key, and it may take time and consistency to see results. Even those on whole body hormones can benefit from local vaginal hormone use. Remember, vaginal hormones are a long-term commitment, like wearing a seatbelt or brushing your teeth, to protect against UTIs and the potential risks of antibiotic overuse.
Genital urinary syndrome of menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause increase the risk of UTIs, leading to severe health complications. Vaginal hormones can prevent UTIs and improve women's health and quality of life.
Genital urinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a serious issue that goes beyond just vaginal dryness. UTIs, which can lead to severe sepsis and organ failure, are a significant problem for older adults, and hormonal changes during menopause can increase the risk. Younger women, breastfeeding mothers, and those on certain medications can also experience GSM symptoms. Vaginal hormones have been shown to prevent UTIs in more than 50% of cases, making them an essential tool for prevention and treatment. However, societal attitudes and misconceptions about this issue can prevent women from seeking help, leading to needless suffering and even death. It's crucial to advocate for better education, research, and understanding of GSM to improve women's health and quality of life.
Genital health diagnoses in older women: Misdiagnoses of genital health issues in older women can lead to unnecessary antibiotic use and delayed proper treatment, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnoses and finding the right treatment, often involving vaginal hormones like estrogen.
Accurate diagnoses are crucial in addressing health concerns, particularly when it comes to genital issues in older women. Misdiagnoses can lead to unnecessary antibiotic use, harming the gut microbiome, and even delaying proper treatment. Unfortunately, many doctors lack sufficient training in examining and diagnosing such conditions, leading to frustrating experiences for patients. For those suffering from recurrent UTIs or vaginal atrophy, it's essential to find the right treatment, which often involves vaginal hormones like estrogen. These treatments come in various forms, such as creams, pessaries, or rings, and the right one depends on individual preferences and tolerability. Vaginal estrogen, like Vagifem, is a common choice, but combinations of estrogen and DHEA, like intra-rosa, can also be effective. It's important to remember that everyone's body responds differently, so finding the right treatment may take time and patience.
DHEA for menopausal symptoms: DHEA, a precursor hormone, may help reduce menopausal symptoms like pain during sex and recurring UTIs without significantly increasing estrogen levels, but access and research on its safety and effectiveness are limited.
There are various options for treating menopausal symptoms, and one such option is DHEA, a precursor hormone that can be converted into localized estrogen and testosterone in the body. This hormone can be particularly beneficial for those who experience pain during sex or recurring UTIs, as it may help reduce these symptoms without significantly increasing estrogen levels. However, access to DHEA can vary greatly depending on location and healthcare coverage. Additionally, it's important to note that medical treatment for women's sexual health is often under prioritized compared to men's, and more research is needed to fully understand the safety and effectiveness of various treatments for women.
Women's Health Research: The lack of research and prioritization of women's health, particularly in areas like hormone replacement and menopause, contributes to misdiagnosis and under-treatment of conditions like Genito-urinary Syndrome in Menopausal Women (GSM). It's crucial to advocate for change and prioritize women's health as equal to men's.
The medical system's lack of research and prioritization of women's health, particularly in areas like hormone replacement and menopause, contributes to misdiagnosis and under-treatment of conditions like Genito-urinary Syndrome in Menopausal Women (GSM). This is rooted in misogyny and perpetuates the shame and silence surrounding women's sexual and reproductive health. Lifestyle factors, including metabolic syndrome, can also impact GSM symptoms. It's crucial to advocate for change and prioritize women's health as equal to men's. Women should not have to suffer in silence or be gaslit at doctor's visits. Instead, they deserve comprehensive, body-affirming care.
Holistic Approach to Sexual Health: A healthy lifestyle, vaginal estrogen, DHEA, and good mental health support are crucial for optimal sexual health. Prioritizing a holistic approach to health can lead to better outcomes.
A healthy lifestyle, including a Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, good mental health, and feeling safe and supported, are all crucial for optimal sexual health. Additionally, vaginal estrogen and DHEA can help prevent urinary tract infections and make sex more comfortable. The microbiome is an exciting area of research, but its complexities mean that definitive answers are still emerging. However, vaginal estrogen and DHEA remain foundational products for maintaining sexual health. It's important for medical providers to educate and support the use of these products. Overall, prioritizing a holistic approach to health, including self-care, communication, and medical support, can lead to better sexual health outcomes.
Creative Partnerships: Effective creative partnerships can lead to engaging and impactful productions, as demonstrated by Lizzo's wellbeing show and her dedicated team.
The Lizzo Wellbeing Show is a unique production presented by Lizzo herself, with the help of Nushka Tate for Fresh Air Production. Ellie Smith serves as the editorial director, and Rachel Andrews manages social media. This team collaborates to bring a meaningful and engaging wellbeing show to audiences. It's a testament to the power of creative partnerships and the importance of having a strong team behind the scenes. The show's success is a reflection of Lizzo's authenticity and the dedication of her team to delivering high-quality content. By working together, they create a space for open conversations about wellbeing and self-care, making a positive impact on their audience.