Prevalence and predictors of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a population-based study in middle-aged Brazilian women.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in Brazilian women.

Methods: A cross-sectional population-based household survey was conducted among 749 women aged 45 to 60 years. The dependent variable was the presence of GSM, which was assessed using a pretested structured questionnaire. The independent variables included sociodemographic data, health-related habits and morbidities, self-perception of health, and gynecological background.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 52.5 ± 4.4 years, and the mean age of menopause was 46.4 ± 6.2 years. GSM was prevalent in 51.4% of the women. The most prevalent symptoms were dyspareunia (35%), daily vaginal dryness (25.1%), and intercourse vaginal dryness (24%). Poisson regression analysis demonstrated that global GSM was associated with having a partner, topical estrogen treatment (TET), depression/anxiety, and rheumatological diseases. The genital symptoms of GSM were related to peri/postmenopausal status, TET, multimorbidity, sexual activity, and the absence of vaginal birth. Factors associated with GSM urinary symptoms were negative self-perception of health, having at least one vaginal birth, depression/anxiety, and rheumatological diseases. Sexual symptoms were associated with having a partner, using TET, depression/anxiety, and rheumatic disease. GSM affected the lives of 42.8% of the women to some degree, and 43% discussed their symptoms with their gynecologists.

Conclusions: GSM was prevalent in half of the women in this study, and several factors were associated with its presence. These results highlight the compelling need to understand these factors, improve diagnoses, and increase access to treatment.