Vaginal and urinary microbiomes in postmenopausal women and breast cancer survivors and their associations with genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a scoping review

This scoping review investigates the relationship between urinary and vaginal microbiomes and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) in postmenopausal women and breast cancer survivors. The authors found that microbial dysbiosis, characterized by anaerobic overgrowth of bacteria such as Gardnerella and Sneathia, is associated with GSM, particularly in breast cancer survivors who experience estrogen suppression. The study highlights the need for further exploration of microbiome-targeted treatments to address GSM symptoms.