EP 185 - Understanding Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely

In this solo episode of the Not Your Mother's Menopause Podcast, Dr. Fiona Lovely provides a vital and compassionate guide to the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). She begins by explaining that the GSM is a spectrum of symptoms affecting the genitourinary tract due to declining estrogen and androgenic hormones (like testosterone and DHEA) during the menopause transition. Dr. Lovely details the common yet often unspoken symptoms, which can include vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, recurrent bladder infections, and changes in libido and sensation. She emphasizes that these changes are not something to suffer through in silence and offers clear, actionable solutions. We discuss treatment using low-dose vaginal estrogen, a safe and effective option for nearly everyone that directly addresses the root cause of tissue thinning and fragility. Dr. Lovely provides practical application advice and recommends specific formulations. Beyond treatment, she encourages open communication with our sex partners to navigate changing intimacy needs and suggests speaking with employers about necessary accommodations if symptoms affect work. This episode is an empowering call to seek compassionate care and prioritize quality of life, no matter where you are in the menopause landscape. Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: 💙🌿BEAM Minerals to help with stress related depletion - this is your 2025 pro-health move! Did you know that chronic stress can zap your energy and your minerals? You FEEL better quickly, with this easy to take supplement - replenishing all lost minerals. Give BEAM a try - beamminerals.com and use the code LOVELY for 20% off your first order! 🥰Young Goose Skincare offers a new approach to anti-aging by blending natural ingredients with medical-grade science. Unlike other brands that only "reduce the appearance" of aging, their products use science-backed ingredients to penetrate the skin barrier and trigger real change at the cellular level. This process helps your skin regenerate and function younger, targeting the root cause of fine lines and wrinkles for long-lasting results. Try YoungGoose and use code LOVELY for 10% OFF! 👩‍🎓The Menopause Doula Certification is coming! This comprehensive training to support women through their menopause journey beyond just hot flashes and night sweats. This program covers brain changes, sexual health, emotional shifts, and spiritual transformation, giving you science-backed knowledge and heart-centered tools to make a real difference. Perfect for wellness professionals, or anyone who's experienced menopause and wants to help others navigate this powerful transition. No healthcare training necessary. Join our information list at menopausedoulasociety.com for upcoming webinar details and enrollment info. Dr. Fiona Lovely is a longevity, health and wellness expert with specialties in menopause medicine, functional neurology and functional medicine. She is speaking to the topics of women's health around perimenopause and menopause. How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is! First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast. It's because of your support, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ For the NYMM store, where Dr. Lovely has stacked her favourite supplements, labs and lifestyle products, go here: Not Your Mother's Menopause Podcast Store Follow Dr. Lovely on IG and TikTok : @drfionalovely Follow the podcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/@notyourmothersmenopausepodcast There are resources available on our website: www.drlovely.com Please sign up for our newsletter - Fiona's Friday Favourites! This is where we make the first announcements, share course offerings, drop new episodes, blog posts and the coveted 'Fiona's Favourites' column, etc. drlovely.com If you've ever felt called to support other women through this transition, learn more about the Menopause Doula Society certification program at menopausedoulasociety.com . Finally, a humble request: If you love the podcast, please leave us a review! It helps more people find useful info for a challenging time: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/not-your-mothers-menopause-with-dr-fiona-lovely/id1097326296 Please scroll to the bottom of the page to leave a review. Thank you! 💕🤗 Partnerships by Category3 Media Group