The Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a term that is used to describe the various menopausal symptoms that occur with physical changes in the vulva, vagina, and lower urinary tract.
How GSM affects women’s bodies
GSM affects women’s bodies in many ways, subsequently impacting quality of life and relationships. Common GSM signs include genital symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation; sexual symptoms, such as lack of lubrication, discomfort, or pain during or after intercourse; as well as urinary symptoms, including stress and urge incontinence, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Even though GSM is estimated to affect the well-being of more than 70% of women worldwide, it is rarely talked about and many women do not seek treatment. GSM symptoms can have a profound negative impact on physical and mental health, as well as on quality of life and mobility. Many of the symptoms cause women to adopt lifestyle modifications and accept the impact on intimate relationships. In addition to these distressing GSM symptoms, women around the age of menopause also notice changes in skin, hair, nails, and joints. This is due to the sharp drop in collagen production, which leads to ageing, dehydrated skin, thinning hair, brittle nails and joint pain.
Boley Nutraceuticals Ltd are the manufacturer of Totally Derma, an evidence-based, anti-ageing nutraceutical collagen supplement for complete collagen production, maintenance and repair from within, for an integrated, long-term health approach to skin and body rejuvenation.
The ingredients in Totally Derma® work synergistically to reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant protection and the benefits are well documented.
Improving GSM symptoms
In addition to improvements in skin hair, nails and joints, at the recommended daily dose Totally Derma® can also improve gut health, cystic acne, insomnia and bone density.
Boley Nutraceuticals Ltd had been receiving consistent feedback about the improvements in many menopausal symptoms, so in 2021 a study was commissioned to report on the effects of Totally Derma on GSM symptoms, along with skin, hair, nail, and joint health in menopausal women. Totally Derma® contains hydrolysed bovine collagen and provides the body with types I, II and III collagen – unlike marine collagen providing just type I for hair, skin and nails – whereas types II and III collagen improve joints, ligaments, gut health and blood vessels. Crucially for menopause patients, the addition of a patented highly bioavailable hyaluronic acid in the Totally Derma formulation works synergistically with the collagen production throughout the reproductive and urinary tract, including the vagina, bladder and urethra. The bioavailable hyaluronic acid also adds hydration to the pelvic tissues as well as hydrating skin, eyes and lubricating joints.
In the study, eight women (average age 51) used Totally Derma® at night for 12 weeks. The formulation of Totally Derma® Nutraceutical Drink Supplement contains high amounts of collagen amino acid peptides, hyaluronic acid, and other synergistic co-factors which are distributed via the blood vessels into the deep layer of the skin, the dermis, where they stimulate fibroblast cells to produce more collagen and hyaluronic acid. Fibroblast activity is most prolific during sleep, hence why Totally Derma® is recommended before bed. It also contains the crucial amino acids that promote better sleep, another factor that is affected during menopause. The ingredients also include 160mg of grape seed extract which has its own evidence for improving the vasomotor symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes and night sweats.
Seven of the eight participating women were post-menopausal, one was peri-menopausal. The participants were asked to rate the severity of their GSM symptoms:
*vaginal dryness
*pain during or after intercourse
*post coital bleeding
*stress urinary and urge incontinence
*external genital irritation
Relief of GSM symptoms
The participants were also asked to report on improvements in skin, hair, nail, and joint health.
The results were outstanding. Overall, the participating women reported a 70% improvement in all GSM symptoms.
Six out of eight participating women reported relief in their labial symptoms, with one experiencing no symptoms at all.
All women reported the cessation of post coital bleeding.
Six women reported that their stress urinary incontinence had improved and five women said that their urge incontinence subsided as well.
All subjects reported an improvement in skin hydration, skin texture and nail strength. Moreover, five women saw better hair growth, and three women reported a good to moderate relief in their joint pain. Overall, 7 of 8 women reported an improvement in their skin, nail, hair, and joint health.
Boley Nutraceuticals Ltd were delighted with the results, supported by the following feedback from the participants:
“Everything improved! The vulva and vagina have improved incredibly, a tiny bit sore still but nothing as bad as they were before Totally Derma®. The improvement started after 2 months and continues to improve every day.”
“Hurrah!! I am having pain free sex for the first time in a very long time with no bleeding afterwards. Vaginal lubrication is so much better, it is amazing to finally feel comfortable as I was so worried that my sex life was over the way it was so painful before. I am so thankful to Totally Derma®, it has transformed my life.”
“I have noticed my labia is much more comfortable and I am able to reduce the amount of Ovestin I use now, internally and externally”.
“I feel my body articulation has overall improved the longer I take it. My joints are more supple. I also feel much better hydration in my skin and vagina. It definitely takes time, patience is required but I feel my skin is smoother and firmer. Stronger nails were one of the first things I noticed as well as stronger hair. This collagen-boosting supplement is something I’ll be taking for life.”
“Skin is consistently hydrated and texture more smooth, the sporadic itchiness on my arms and legs I had been getting has stopped, feeling more fluid movement in my body.”
“My hair also feels strong and is growing fast and feels thick and soft. I am not losing it like I was before.”
“My skin is wonderful on my face with my hormonal acne now totally gone with only a little dark scaring (not sure if this will improve over time). The skin on my body is less dry with only a little itching on my arms.”
Totally Derma® is a powdered formulation and can be mixed in cold liquid, juice, water, smoothies or blended into yoghurt. Totally Derma® is sugar free – contains xylitol which has an added beneficial pre biotic action.
The recommended therapeutic dose is one scoop daily for 3 months and can be continued as part of a restorative and regenerative health routine.
To read more about the product and the research have a look here.
You may also reading more about Anita Eyles the founder of Totally Derma and her journey.
