ty to @crystaluranium for adding this! later clarified that this is not exactly a movement but this paper goes over the name change & gives a proposals for alternative name/s
The term “Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause” (GSM) was introduced to replace “vulvovaginal atrophy,” a term previously used only for postmenopausal women. However, GSM remains limited by its exclusive association with menopause, even though many individuals experience genitourinary symptoms due to a wide range of medical, hormonal, and physiological factors. This restrictive terminology excludes other affected groups and may lead to misdiagnosis or insufficient care. A broader, more inclusive term that accounts for the diverse causes and populations experiencing these symptoms, will enhance diagnostic accuracy and empower both healthcare providers and patients.
i find it interesting that this says "vulvovaginal atrophy" was only used for postmenopausal women. maybe for medical professionals? but i think this name change is a surprise for most people even if its not actually recent because. most people still call it vaginal atrophy & i've learned about it primarily in a trans context. idk who this name change was for but it doesn't seem like it was for the general population? but maybe that's just selection bias on tumblr's part idk!
The term “Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause” is too restrictive and fails to encompass the diverse populations affected by genitourinary symptoms. A broader and more inclusive term, such as Genitourinary Syndrome (GS), with subcategories to capture specific conditions, is proposed to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. These subcategories would include:
● GS of Perimenopause/Menopause
● GS of Postpartum & Lactation
● GS of Hormonal Contraceptives
● GS of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
● GS of Cancer Treatment & Prevention
● GS of Endocrine Disorders (e.g., Endometriosis, PCOS, POI, anovulation, other Hypothalamic–pituitary-ovarian axis disorders, other)
● GS of Medications (e.g., Isotretinoin, Spironolactone and other acne medications, Antidepressants/SSRI’s, Anticholinergics, Chemotherapeutics, Antihypertensives, other)
● GS of Other Causes (e.g., genetic disorders, chromosomal syndromes, stress, eating disorders, sport training, other) Adopting this inclusive terminology will reduce stigma, promote equitable healthcare, and ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for all affected individuals, regardless of age, hormonal status, or gender identity.
this proposal explicitly mentions trans people which is nice. i do feel (in my unprofessional opinion) that genitourinary syndrome feels. a little vague, and having one overall term that's a little more specific would be better. but its good to have more context!
it seems like there have been a few articles in the last two years talking about the name change. if you wanna get really annoyed you can read this one by Harvard Medical School. its just really fucking annoying seeing people use this demeanor of "we're Raising Awareness and Making This Term More Accurate!" while championing the change of a term that was widely used by trans and intersex people because it was already gender neutral to a term that is less accurate about who is affected and the article uses cisperisexist language throughout.
like, i do think its good to discuss the wider impacts of hypoestrogenism on the genitourinary system. i think honestly hypoestrogenic genitourinary syndrome is a much better term to change it to. but its hard not to be upset about this name change from a trans & intersex perspective because vaginal atrophy was a rare example of a term that wasn't already gendered (it wasn't "female genital atrophy" or some bullshit like that) and it was extremely easy to talk about in different contexts. that's why it's so weird seeing that paper be like "it was only associated with menopause" maybe for your cisgender ass!!! & i've seen a lot of people in these spaces care a LOT about raising awareness about vaginal atrophy, by that name, amongst trans and intersex people who are frequently affected by both atrophy and the erasure and stigma around it that prevents people from knowing it exists.
so for them to be like Don't Worry Everyone!! We've Improved The Name :) to something that actively makes it less inclusive for trans & intersex people, whose lower levels of estrogen are not often associated with menopause even if technically one could call it menopause. because menopause is associated with older (cis peri) women and even that Harvard article doesn't talk about intersex with premature menopause, just older women. and it is less accurate about what is causing this. also
like literally "hypoestrogenism" is right there.
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