GSM is most directly caused by what deficiency?

GSM is most directly caused by what deficiency?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Progesterone
• C. Testosterone
• D. Cortisol

Answer: (A)

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause is driven by estrogen deficiency. Estrogen keeps the vaginal and urethral tissues thick, well vascularized, and lubricated, and it helps maintain the healthy acidity and microbiome of the vagina. When estrogen falls after menopause, the vaginal lining becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, lubrication decreases, and tissue becomes more prone to irritation and tearing. This sequence produces the hallmark symptoms: vaginal dryness and burning, itching, dyspareunia, and urinary discomfort or urgency. The other hormones listed don’t directly drive these genitourinary changes—progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol influence other aspects of health and function, but the primary change in GSM comes from estrogen deficiency.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause is driven by estrogen deficiency. Estrogen keeps the vaginal and urethral tissues thick, well vascularized, and lubricated, and it helps maintain the healthy acidity and microbiome of the vagina. When estrogen falls after menopause, the vaginal lining becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, lubrication decreases, and tissue becomes more prone to irritation and tearing. This sequence produces the hallmark symptoms: vaginal dryness and burning, itching, dyspareunia, and urinary discomfort or urgency. The other hormones listed don’t directly drive these genitourinary changes—progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol influence other aspects of health and function, but the primary change in GSM comes from estrogen deficiency.