What You Need to Know About GSM During Perimenopause and Menopause
If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, you may have noticed changes in your body that feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. One common, yet often overlooked, condition during this time is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which can affect your vaginal and urinary health due to changes in hormone levels.
At Arete Beauty & Wellness in Haarlem, I’m proud to be a certified Menopause Wellness Practitioner. I understand these changes and offer education and supportive treatments to help you feel empowered, comfortable, and confident throughout this transition.
What is GSM?
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a medical term that refers to a group of symptoms affecting the vaginal and urinary systems, caused by a decline in estrogen levels. While menopause is a natural stage of life, the hormonal changes can have a real impact on intimate health and overall comfort.
Despite affecting more than half of postmenopausal women, GSM is not often discussed, and many women assume these symptoms are something they just have to live with.
Common Symptoms of GSM
Vaginal dryness, itching, or burning
Discomfort or pain during intercourse
Thinning of vaginal and vulvar tissues
Urinary urgency, frequency, or incontinence
Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
These changes can gradually affect your quality of life, confidence, and relationships, but the good news is, they are treatable.
Why It’s Important to Talk About It
Too often, women feel embarrassed or isolated by these symptoms. But GSM is not a taboo topic, it's a health concern that deserves attention and care. You’re not alone, and there are safe, effective options available to help you feel like yourself again.
How to Manage GSM: At-Home and Professional Options
Self-Care and Lifestyle Tips
Some changes can be made right at home to help manage mild GSM symptoms:
Use fragrance-free, pH-balanced vaginal moisturizers
Avoid synthetic fabrics and perfumed products near the vulva
Stay well hydrated and eat a hormone-supportive, anti-inflammatory diet
Try pelvic floor exercises (like Kegels) to improve muscle tone and bladder control
While these approaches can help, many women need more targeted treatment to experience lasting relief.
HIFU Vaginal Rejuvenation at Areté
At Areté Beauty & Wellness, I offer HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) vaginal rejuvenation—a non-surgical, hormone-free treatment that supports tissue regeneration and natural collagen production.
This advanced therapy can help:
Improve vaginal elasticity and lubrication
Reduce discomfort during intimacy
Support bladder function and reduce mild incontinence
Restore confidence and overall wellbeing
The treatment is quick, discreet, and requires no downtime, making it an ideal option for many women looking for non-invasive relief.
Menopause Wellness Workshops
My Menopause Wellness Workshops are designed to offer both education and community. These sessions are perfect for women in perimenopause and menopause who want to:
Learn about their bodies and hormonal changes
Understand conditions like GSM
Explore natural and non-invasive treatments
Ask questions in a supportive environment
Discover holistic skincare, stress relief techniques, and more
Each workshop includes hands-on advice, special treatment offers, and the chance to create a personalized wellness plan.
A Personal Note from Areté’s Founder
I also went through menopause and experienced many of the symptoms of GSM—vaginal dryness, discomfort, frequent UTIs, and even painful breasts. Many women don’t realize that breast pain can also be linked to hormonal changes.
What helped me was a combination of the same things I now share with my clients:
Pelvic floor exercises
Mindful nutrition and hydration
Frequent massages
Walks in nature
Avoiding very warm baths and opting for lukewarm showers instead
HIFU Vaginal rejuvenation treatments
And, under the care of my gynecologist, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
One of the biggest steps I took was also to quit smoking, which made a noticeable difference in both my skin and intimate health.
That’s why I’ve made it my mission to create a warm, welcoming space at Arete Beauty & Wellness, a place where women feel truly heard, gently supported, and empowered to care for themselves in the way that feels right for them.
It’s always comforting to know we’re not alone. Sharing our experiences and advice can make a real difference and it’s one of the most powerful ways we can support each other through this phase of life.
If you’re curious to learn more or would like a private consultation, feel free to reach out, I’d be honored to support your journey. If you’d like to connect, ask a question, or share your own experiences, I’d love to hear from you.
