International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology · May 23, 2026
Prevalence of Genitourinary Syndrome Among Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study
By S E, Meena TS, Chouhan M et al.
Introduction: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a common but underdiagnosed condition affecting perimenopausal and postmenopausal women due to estrogen deficiency. It includes a spectrum of genital, sexual, and urinary symptoms that significantly impair quality of life. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of GSM and its associated risk factors among women attending a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 110 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged ≥40 years. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, Vaginal Health Index Score (VHIS), and Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential methods, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The majority of participants were aged 46–50 years (32.7%), and 58.2% were postmenopausal. The overall prevalence of GSM was 38.2% (42/110). Vaginal dryness (36.4%) was the most common symptom, followed by itching/burning (30.9%), urinary urgency (29.1%), dyspareunia (25.5%), and dysuria (23.6%). VHIS scores <15, indicating vulvovaginal atrophy, were observed in 34.5% of women, with a mean score of 16.8 ± 3.5. GSM showed significant association with age (p=0.001), menstrual status (p=0.001), duration of menopause (p=0.002), BMI (p=0.010), comorbidities (p=0.003), and parity (p=0.030). Conclusion: GSM is a prevalent condition influenced by multiple factors. Early screening, increased awareness, and timely management are essential to improve quality of life among affected women.