Dr Melanie Llanes, pelvic floor physical therapist and I discuss the normal changes that happen to the vagina in midlife. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect the genital and urinary tracts in women who have gone through menopause. GSM can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including vaginal dryness, itching, burning, pain during intercourse, urinary urgency and frequency, and recurrent urinary tract infections. GSM is caused by the declining levels of estrogen that occur during menopause, which can lead to thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls and changes in the tissues of the urinary tract. While GSM is common in menopausal women, many women are reluctant to seek treatment. 50% of women experience some of the symptoms of GSM: urine leakage, painful sex (thus affecting libido), incontinence/UTI, and organ prolapse. In today's episode, we discuss all these common GSM symptoms and how they can be treated with a pelvic floor physical therapist. About Dr Melanie Llanes Melanie Llanes is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Best Self Wellness. She specializes in women's pelvic health and provides in home physical therapy services for people in Hudson County. She completed the Integrative Women's Health Institute Menopause Certification because she believes that every person deserves to feel their best self at whatever stage or transition they may be in their life. Website: https://www.bestselfwellnesspt.com/ Instagram: @BestSelfWellness.pt Where to find me: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@IronStrongFit ⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠IronStrongFitness.net⁠ Each week's episode drops Tuesday 7am ET

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