CentraCare Shines Spotlight on Silent Struggle, Workshop Addresses GSM

(KNSI) – CentraCare is holding a workshop on a deadly condition taking the lives of women across Minnesota.

Certified menopause and sexual medicine provider Joni Steffens will lead this week’s discussion on genitourinary syndrome of menopause, a condition she says that will affect nearly 100% of postmenopausal women. “And when we talk about post menopause, we’re really talking about decades of life after that final menstrual period. So menopause is not just a box, you check, and you’re done with it. We live in that transition of our lives for the rest of our lives.”

Steffens says women need to be aware of GSM when they hit middle age. “I think every woman and person who cares about a woman over 40 should know about this condition. Even if they may not be experiencing any menopausal symptoms yet, because the best way is to have knowledge ahead of time.”

Steffens frequently sees women struggling with GSM. “These symptoms can be terribly bothersome to women. And you know, I’ve had women come to my office who no longer can sit or wear pants comfortably anymore. So it’s not just a little annoyance.”

The painful condition can lead to irritation around the skin in the genital area. That includes burning, itching, tears in the skin, bleeding, and pain with sexual activity.

She says the disease often goes undiagnosed and undertreated because of its embarrassing nature. GSM is a progressive chronic condition, meaning that it can’t be cured and will get worse over time. The issue can cause serious bladder infections, which claim the lives of older women every day.

Steffens believes more awareness could cut down on UTIs by more than 50%, leading to fewer deaths.

Doctors say the workshop is focused on women who have a history of cancer because the condition is going to happen to them sooner, and it’s going to be more severe.

The free event is on Thursday from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Coborn Healing Center, 1900 CentraCare Circle in St. Cloud. To register, call 320-229-5100.

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