Abstract

Total no. of Indian females aged 50 years and more will rise from 95 million in 2010 (as per last censes) to 168 million in 2030 i.e. an increase of 75% (2). GSM is silent epidemic that affects up to 50-60% of postmenopausal females. Symptoms are diverse and prevalence is high and GSM seriously effects the health and quality of life of postmenopausal females. It is associated with sexual dysfunction of postmenopausal females. GSM remains extremely under-diagnosed despite its high prevalence because of reluctance among women to seek help due to embarrassment or due to tendency among women to consider it as a normal feature of natural aging. While vasomotor symptoms of menopause get resolved with time; symptoms of GSM persist and get worsen with time. Material and Method: A prospective observational study was done to study the demographic representation and spectrum of GSM in post-menopausal women for a period of 6 months from July 2022 to December 2022. All postmenopausal women attending OPD of department of OBGY at ABVGMC, Vidisha was questioned using a pretested questionaire. Result: Prevalence of spectrum of GSM ranged from 22% to 84%. Maximum women presented with urinary symptoms i.e. 84%. Minimum women presented with sexual problems especially related with desire, arousal and orgasm i.e. 22%. Maximum women suffering from GSM were in age group of 55-59 years. Symptoms of GSM are not life threatening, they are progressive and have profound effect on QLI of postmenopausal women by negatively affecting self-esteem and intimacy with their partners. Conclusion: GSM is a comprehensive term that includes vulvo-vaginal symptoms and lower urinary tract symptoms related to low estrogen levels. In Asian population symptoms of urinary tract have greater prevalence due to cultural attitude of hesitation in sharing sexual dysfunction. Symptom awareness, Seeking early treatment, Knowledge about spectrum of GSM can significantly improve the QLI and reduce the high prevalence.

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