You’re not imagining it and you’re definitely not alone.
Maybe it started as a bit of dryness. Then came the itching. Or the burning. Maybe sex started to feel uncomfortable or even painful. Maybe you noticed you were needing to wee more often… or that it felt sore when you did.
These changes can creep in slowly or come on fast, either way, they can leave you feeling confused, embarrassed, and even a bit broken.
If this is you, we want you to hear something clearly:
👉 You are not alone. You are not dirty. You are not making it up and you are not meant to just put up with it.
At The Menopause Company, we speak to women every week who are dealing with these exact symptoms, quietly, often in silence because no one told them this could happen.
This isn’t just “getting older.” It’s genitourinary syndrome of menopause and it’s treatable.
What Is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)?
The term might sound clinical, but it describes a group of very real and very common symptoms that happen as oestrogen levels fall during perimenopause and menopause.
According to the British Menopause Society, GSM affects around 50–70% of women after menopause. Yet far too many suffer in silence, thinking it’s just them, or that it’s something they just have to put up with.
GSM includes symptoms like:
- Vaginal dryness, burning, or irritation
- Discomfort or pain during sex
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Itching or soreness around the vulva
- Urinary urgency or needing to go more often
- Leaking urine when sneezing or exercising
These symptoms happen because the skin and tissues in the vaginal and urinary area become thinner, drier, and less elastic as oestrogen declines.
But here’s the important part: you can treat this and you deserve to.
Why It Matters (And Why We Care)
These changes don’t just affect your body. They affect how you feel about yourself, your confidence, your relationships, your sex life, and even how you show up in the world.
We’ve had women tell us they stopped wearing jeans because they were too uncomfortable. Others avoid intimacy with their partner, not because they don’t want to but because it hurts. Some have UTIs that keep coming back, again and again.
And sadly, many think they just have to accept it but you don’t.
At The Menopause Company we help women every day who are struggling with GSM. We see you. We understand. And we’re here to help you feel like you again.
So, What Actually Helps?
Let’s get straight to the point: vaginal oestrogen is the gold standard treatment for GSM.
It’s safe, low dose, and applied directly to the area where it’s needed most, meaning it works right where you need it, without affecting the rest of your body.
Here’s what you need to know:
- It comes as a cream, pessary (small tablet), or soft vaginal ring
- You usually apply it daily to start, then reduce to 2–3 times a week to maintain
- It’s suitable for most women, even if you can’t take HRT tablets or patches
- It does not increase the risk of breast cancer or heart disease
- You can use it long-term, many women stay on it for years
- You can also use it alongside systemic HRT if needed
The NICE menopause guidelines support the use of vaginal oestrogen for these symptoms. It’s effective, easy to use, and life-changing for many women.
What If I Don’t Want Hormones?
If you’re not ready to try vaginal oestrogen, or just want to start with something gentler, there are other options too.
Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants can make a big difference, especially when used regularly.
- Moisturisers help maintain hydration and elasticity in the vaginal tissue. They’re used a few times a week and can relieve dryness and itching.
- Lubricants are used during sex to reduce friction and discomfort.
Choose water-based or pH-balanced products made specifically for vaginal use (not supermarket shower gels or perfumed soaps) and avoid anything with harsh chemicals, scents, or parabens.
These products don’t replace oestrogen, but they can provide real relief and for many women, they’re a helpful first step.
You Don’t Have to Whisper Anymore
We know this isn’t easy to talk about. Most of us weren’t taught the language for these symptoms. No one warned us about vaginal dryness or sore sex and let’s be honest, many of us were raised to feel embarrassed even saying the word “vagina.” But this is your body. your health, your life and the truth is, the more we talk about it, the more we break the shame.
At The Menopause Company, we have open, honest, shame-free conversations about GSM and everything else you’re going through. We explain your options clearly. We help you feel in control.
Let’s Get You Comfortable Again
Whether you’re dealing with constant dryness, a sore vulva, or sex that feels more painful than pleasurable, you don’t have to stay stuck.
We can help you:
- Choose the right treatment for you (whether that’s vaginal oestrogen, moisturisers, or both)
- Rebuild confidence and comfort in your body
- Stop recurring infections or irritation
- Feel more like yourself again, inside and out
✅ Your Next Step
If this blog made you think, “That’s me”, you’re exactly who we’re here for.
✅ Book a consultation today a www.drjenni.co.uk. Our experienced doctors will talk you through your symptoms, your options, and a personalised plan to help you feel better.
✅ Join our community on Instagram @thedrjenniclinic for expert tips, real-life stories, and support that’s as real as you are.
✅ Don’t wait another year to feel better. You don’t have to.
You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And you’re not meant to suffer in silence.
Let’s sort it together.