How Compounded Solutions from Town & Country Pharmacy May Support Your Patients with Genitourinary Symptoms of Menopause
As women transition into menopause, declining estrogen levels can affect far more than just mood and metabolism. One of the most commonly overlooked but deeply impactful changes involves the genitourinary system. Often grouped under the umbrella of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), these changes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, intimacy, and daily comfort.
What Is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)?
GSM encompasses a wide range of symptoms that arise from the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal and urinary tract tissues due to reduced estrogen levels. These symptoms can include:
- Vaginal dryness or irritation
- Burning or itching
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Urinary urgency, frequency, or recurrent infections
But GSM is more than just discomfort—it can also lead to more complex and chronic issues if left unaddressed.
Vulvodynia: Chronic Pain with No Clear Cause
Vulvodynia is a poorly understood condition characterized by chronic pain or discomfort around the vulva without an identifiable cause. It may present as:
- Burning, stinging, irritation, or rawness
- Pain triggered by touch (provoked vestibulodynia)
- Persistent discomfort without provocation
Though not exclusive to menopausal women, vulvodynia may become more pronounced during or after menopause due to hormonal changes and shifts in the vaginal microbiome.
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The Role of Infections: Bacterial and Fungal Imbalances
Postmenopausal women may also be more susceptible to recurrent vaginal infections—both bacterial and fungal. Why? Hormonal changes can disrupt the normal balance of healthy bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus species, which help keep the vaginal environment acidic and protect against overgrowth of pathogens.
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Occurs when harmful bacteria outnumber healthy lactobacilli. Common symptoms include a fishy odor and grayish discharge.
- Yeast Infections: Typically caused by Candida albicans, resulting in itching, burning, and thick white discharge.
These infections can often be recurrent or resistant to standard treatments, especially when the vaginal environment is no longer well balanced.
Why the Vaginal Microbiome Matters—Especially Now
A healthy vaginal microbiome plays a key role in protecting against infections and maintaining tissue integrity. Estrogen helps promote the growth of lactobacilli, which produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide—both of which help maintain an acidic pH that is inhospitable to pathogens.
When estrogen declines, the number of lactobacilli often diminishes, allowing other organisms to overgrow. This microbial imbalance can contribute to inflammation, dryness, and an increased risk of infection.
A Personalized Approach to Vaginal Health
At Town & Country Compounding, we understand that every woman’s needs during and after menopause are unique. Our pharmacists work closely with prescribers to create customized, compounded formulations that may include:
- Bioidentical Hormones (Topical Estriol or Estradiol): To help restore tissue health and promote a balanced microbiome
- Vaginal Boric Acid Suppositories: To support pH balance and help prevent recurrent infections
- Low-dose Antibiotic or Antifungal Suppositories: Tailored treatments for chronic or resistant infections
- Topical/Vaginal Neuropathic Pain Compounds: For women suffering from vulvodynia or other chronic discomforts
Set Up a Personalized Consultation with Our Women’s Health Pharmacist
If you’re dealing with GSM symptoms, recurrent infections, or other menopause-related concerns, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Town & Country’s expert pharmacist Jari Becker, RPh specializes in women’s health and personalized hormone therapy.
Jari offers one-on-one consultations to help guide you and your prescriber toward the best treatment options tailored to your needs.
Don’t let discomfort become your “new normal.” Relief is possible—and personalized. Contact us online, call or text 201-447-2020 to ask our expert pharmacists today.
