What lifestyle modifications should I advise to patients experiencing symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause?

Lifestyle modifications for patients experiencing symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause include:

• Advise the use of non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers or lubricants to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort, especially for those who prefer not to use or have contraindications to vaginal oestrogen therapy.
• Encourage regular sexual activity or vaginal stimulation, which can help maintain vaginal tissue health and elasticity.
• Recommend avoiding irritants such as scented soaps, douches, or harsh hygiene products that may exacerbate vulvovaginal irritation.
• Promote good general pelvic health through pelvic floor exercises, which may improve symptoms related to urinary discomfort or incontinence.
• Advise maintaining a healthy lifestyle including smoking cessation, as smoking can worsen genitourinary symptoms.

These lifestyle measures can be used alone or alongside medical treatments such as vaginal oestrogen or other therapies as appropriate.

Note: Specific lifestyle advice is not extensively detailed in the NICE guideline NG23; however, the recommendation to consider non-hormonal moisturisers or lubricants as first-line or adjunctive management implies their role as a key lifestyle-related intervention for symptom relief ¹.