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Nutrients Aug 2023Recent years have witnessed the emergence of growing evidence concerning vitamin D's potential role in women's health, specifically in postmenopausal women. This... (Review)
Review
Recent years have witnessed the emergence of growing evidence concerning vitamin D's potential role in women's health, specifically in postmenopausal women. This evidence also includes its connection to various genitourinary disorders and symptoms. Numerous clinical studies have observed improvements in vulvovaginal symptoms linked to the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) with vitamin D supplementation. These studies have reported positive effects on various aspects, such as vaginal pH, dryness, sexual functioning, reduced libido, and decreased urinary tract infections. Many mechanisms underlying these pharmacological effects have since been proposed. Vitamin D receptors (VDRs) have been identified as a major contributor to its effects. It is now well known that VDRs are expressed in the superficial layers of the urogenital organs. Additionally, vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting immune function and modulating the body's defense mechanisms. However, the characterization of these effects requires more investigation. Reviewing existing evidence regarding vitamin D's impact on postmenopausal women's vaginal, sexual, and urological health is the purpose of this article. As research in this area continues, there is a potential for vitamin D to support women's urogenital and sexual health during the menopausal transition and postmenopausal periods.
Topics: Female; Humans; Vitamin D; Postmenopause; Vitamins; Sexual Behavior; Receptors, Calcitriol
PubMed: 37686835
DOI: 10.3390/nu15173804 -
Nutrients Aug 2023There is a longstanding interest in the relationship between diet and hot flash symptoms during midlife, especially in whether phytoestrogens ease menopausal symptoms....
There is a longstanding interest in the relationship between diet and hot flash symptoms during midlife, especially in whether phytoestrogens ease menopausal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness in relation to the intake of foods rich in phytoestrogens among Bangladeshi women aged 35 to 59 years who were living either in Sylhet, Bangladesh ( = 157) or as migrants in London ( = 174). Consumption ranges for phytoestrogens were constructed from food frequencies. We hypothesized that diets rich in isoflavones, lignans, and coumestrol would be associated with lower symptom frequencies. However, adjusted logistic regression results showed that with each incremental increase in general phytoestrogen consumption (scale of 0 to 10), the likelihood of hot flashes increased by 1.4%. Each incremental increase in lignan consumption raised the likelihood of hot flashes by 1.6%. In contrast, the odds of vaginal dryness decreased by 2%, with each incremental increase in phytoestrogen and lignan consumption, and by 4%, with each incremental increase in isoflavone consumption. Night sweats and trouble sleeping were not associated with phytoestrogen intake in logistic regressions. Our findings add to the conflicting data on relationships between phytoestrogens and symptoms associated with menopause.
Topics: Humans; Female; Phytoestrogens; Bangladesh; London; Hot Flashes; Isoflavones; Lignans
PubMed: 37686708
DOI: 10.3390/nu15173676 -
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Sep 2023To evaluate the efficacy of daily vaginal gel containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and Biosaccharide Gum-1 (BG-1) on vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and on sexual function and...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of daily vaginal gel containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and Biosaccharide Gum-1 (BG-1) on vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and on sexual function and quality of life (QoL).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One hundred-four postmenopausal women with VVA were enrolled in the nonrandomized comparison cohort study. Of them, 50 women on HA/BG-1 participated in the study group and 54 women on lubricants/moisturizers on-demand as a control group. The primary endpoint was the efficacy of the vaginal gel on VVA evaluated by the Vaginal Health Index (VHI) score. Secondary endpoints included sexual behavior by the self-administered female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire, and quality of life (QoL), by the Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36).
RESULTS
All symptoms of AVV improved after 12 weeks of treatment in women on HA/BG-1. The VMI, although improved at the 12-week follow-up compared to baseline, it connoted a low estrogenic stimulation value. Sexual function improved significantly in women on HA/BG-1. Moreover, women reported a significant improvement in the somatic aspects of QoL. No benefits were obtained by the women in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with HA/BG-1 could have used in postmenopausal women who complain of vaginal dryness. The amelioration of VVA-related signs could improve sexual function and QoL.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cohort Studies; Hyaluronic Acid; Postmenopause; Quality of Life; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 37678998
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2023.07.011 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Jul 2023In the postpartum period, changes including pain during intercourse, lack of sexual desire, vaginal dryness, and failure to reach orgasm can affect a woman's sexual... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
In the postpartum period, changes including pain during intercourse, lack of sexual desire, vaginal dryness, and failure to reach orgasm can affect a woman's sexual response cycle.
AIM
This research aimed to determine the effect of midwifery training on postpartum sexual dysfunction among primiparous women.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
This research using a single-blind randomized controlled experimental and follow-up design. The sample consisted of 70 women, divided equally into training and control groups. Research data were collected using an information form, the Female Sexual Function Index and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale. In the first phase of our study, 306 primiparous women were interviewed.
RESULTS
The mean Female Sexual Function Index score of the women was 25.18 ± 5.47 and 40.2% reported sexual dysfunction. When comparing the training and control groups before training, the total score average of the ASEX was 10.48 ± 2.13 in the training group and 11.06 ± 3.86 in the control group. The average score in the post-training was higher in the group given education (22.45 ± 2.17) than in the control group (17.08 ± 3.92) and this difference was significant (p = 0.000). It was determined that 42% of the change in the third follow-up scores of pregnant women in the training group could be explained by the education session they received.
CONCLUSION
Our data showed a positive change in the sexual dysfunction scores of women, suggesting the education program was successful.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Single-Blind Method; Educational Status; Sexual Behavior; Coitus; Postpartum Period
PubMed: 37635579
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_656_22 -
FP Essentials Aug 2023The marked decrease in estrogen levels in menopausal women can cause bothersome symptoms that affect daily life. More than 75% of women experience menopausal symptoms,...
The marked decrease in estrogen levels in menopausal women can cause bothersome symptoms that affect daily life. More than 75% of women experience menopausal symptoms, which can include vaginal dryness, itching, discharge, dyspareunia, mood changes, hot flushes, and night sweats. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms. Benefits include decreased risk of osteoporotic fractures and vaginal atrophy, improved glycemic control, and decreased vasomotor symptoms. However, recent research on risks associated with MHT has shown increased risk of venous thromboembolism and breast cancer. MHT typically is an option for patients younger than 60 years or within 10 years of menopause onset with bothersome vasomotor symptoms. The decision to start MHT should be made on an individual basis after a thorough evaluation and counseling. Oral, intramuscular, transdermal, and intravaginal formulations are available. The goal of therapy is use of the lowest dose for the shortest time that effectively manages symptoms. The patient and physician should regularly assess the risks and benefits associated with MHT and ensure that the benefits of its use continue to outweigh the risks.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hormones; Hot Flashes; Menopause; Hormone Replacement Therapy
PubMed: 37603881
DOI: No ID Found -
Current Infectious Disease Reports Jan 2023Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection worldwide, but most research has been conducted in premenopausal women. After menopause, endogenous...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection worldwide, but most research has been conducted in premenopausal women. After menopause, endogenous estrogen production decreases, often leading to the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), characterized by vulvovaginal dryness and irritation. The estrogen-deficient postmenopausal state results in an elevated vaginal pH and depletion of vaginal lactobacilli. Use of traditional BV diagnostics (Amsel criteria, Nugent score) is difficult in post-menopausal women, especially those not on estrogen replacement therapy, as these methods were originally developed in premenopausal women. In this review, we discuss recent clinical data on BV in postmenopausal women, difficulties in diagnosis using traditional methods, the role of BV molecular diagnostics, and our current expert opinion for managing BV in this population.
RECENT FINDINGS
BV prevalence has been found to range between 2%-57% among postmenopausal women per Amsel and Nugent criteria. This is likely an over-estimate of the true prevalence due to limitations in these criteria which were only validated in pre-menopausal women. Despite increasing diagnostic options for BV in recent years, including highly sensitive and specific BV nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), the physiologic changes of menopause and limited inclusion of postmenopausal women in clinical studies, diagnosis is difficult in this population. Recent studies utilizing 16s rRNA gene sequencing suggest that the vaginal microbiota of premenopausal and postmenopausal women is quite different, even if BV is not present. Data also suggest that obese postmenopausal women have significantly lower rates of BV compared to non-obese postmenopausal women, although further research is needed in this area. Multiple treatment options exist for vaginal atrophy and BV in this population.
SUMMARY
Data are limited regarding optimal diagnostic approaches for BV in postmenopausal women; BV NAATs and 16s rRNA gene sequencing may have a role for diagnosing BV in symptomatic women although further studies are needed. Menopausal women with characteristic vaginal symptoms and an elevated vaginal pH should be initially treated for estrogen deficiency prior to considering a diagnosis of BV; subsequent treatment for BV should be driven by symptoms.
PubMed: 37601955
DOI: 10.1007/s11908-022-00794-1 -
Physiological Reports Aug 2023Loss of estrogen as a result of aging, pelvic cancer therapy, genetics, or eating disorders affects numerous body systems including the reproductive tract. Specifically,...
Loss of estrogen as a result of aging, pelvic cancer therapy, genetics, or eating disorders affects numerous body systems including the reproductive tract. Specifically, a chronic hypoestrogenic state fosters debilitating vaginal symptoms like atrophy, dryness, and dyspareunia. Current treatment options, including vaginal estrogen and hyaluronan (HA), anecdotally improve symptoms, but rectifying mechanisms are largely understudied. In order to study the hypoestrogenic vaginal environment, in particular the extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as understand the mechanisms behind current treatments and develop new therapies, we characterized a reliable and reproducible animal model. Bilateral ovariectomies (OVX) were performed on 9-week-old CD1 mice. After 1 month of estrogen loss due to ovarian removal, a phenotype that is similar to human vaginal tissue in an estrogen reduced state was noted in mice compared to sham-operated controls. The uterine to body weight ratio decreased by 80% and vaginal epithelium was significantly thinner in OVX compared to sham mice. Estrogen signaling was altered in OVX, but submucosal ERα localization did not reach statistical differences. HA localization in the submucosal area was altered and CD44 expression decreased in OVX mice. Collagen turn-over was altered following OVX. The inflammation profile was also disrupted, and submucosal vaginal CD45 and F4/80 cell populations were significantly reduced in the OVX mice. These results show altered cellular and molecular changes due to reduced estrogen levels. Developing new treatments for hypoestrogenic vaginal symptoms rely on better understanding of not only the cellular changes, but also the altered vaginal ECM environment. Further studies using this mouse model has the potential to advance women's vaginal health treatments and aid in understanding the interplay between organ systems in both healthy, aged, and diseased states.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Female; Animals; Aged; Vagina; Estrogens; Receptors, Estrogen; Uterus; Ovariectomy
PubMed: 37549960
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15762 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2023Hormonal vaginal therapy is an effective treatment option for women who experience vaginal symptoms related to hormonal changes. Estrogen and prasterone are widely used... (Review)
Review
Hormonal vaginal therapy is an effective treatment option for women who experience vaginal symptoms related to hormonal changes. Estrogen and prasterone are widely used as vaginal treatments, particularly for urogenital atrophy. These symptoms may include vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and pain during sexual intercourse, all of which can significantly affect a woman's quality of life. Previous studies have indicated that such treatment improves tissue elasticity, moisturizes the vagina, and can have a substantial impact on urine incontinence and vaginal microflora and decreases dyspareunia. Hormonal therapy is also useful and commonly used before vaginal surgical treatment. Prasterone is quite a new option for vaginal therapy in Poland and is mainly recommended for dyspareunia in menopausal women. The study related to prasterone therapy emphasizes its effectiveness and safety, making it advantageous to explore its beneficial impact. This paperwork aims to summarize the mechanism of action as well as the effects of both drugs and their beneficial action during vaginal treatment.
PubMed: 37510854
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144740 -
Radiology and Oncology Sep 2023The term genitourinary syndrome of menopause was first used in 2014 by the North American Menopause Society and the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The term genitourinary syndrome of menopause was first used in 2014 by the North American Menopause Society and the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health to describe conditions previously known as atrophic vaginitis, urogenital atrophy, or vulvovaginal atrophy. It is a complex, chronic, progressive condition characterized by a wide range of signs and symptoms affecting sexual function and the tissues of the urinary and genital tracts. The main cause of genitourinary syndrome of menopause is estrogen deficiency caused by ovarian removal or dysfunction. The most bothersome symptoms are vaginal dryness, decreased vaginal lubrication, and pain during penetration and intercourse. They all have a negative impact on the quality of life.
CONCLUSIONS
The main goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms. Treatment modalities are pharmacological or non-pharmacological. The first-line treatment for mild to moderate symptoms is the use of personal lubricants and moisturizers, but the gold standard is estrogen replacement therapy. Hormone therapy may not be an option for women with hormone-dependent cancer.
Topics: Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Vagina; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Vulva; Syndrome; Hormones; Atrophy
PubMed: 37494601
DOI: 10.2478/raon-2023-0038 -
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Oct 2023To analyze serum estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) during letrozole treatment and their association to Quality of Life (QoL) and side-effects. (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
Effects of letrozole on serum estradiol and estrone in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and tolerability of treatment: a prospective trial using a highly sensitive LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) method for estrogen measurement.
PURPOSE
To analyze serum estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) during letrozole treatment and their association to Quality of Life (QoL) and side-effects.
METHODS
Postmenopausal breast cancer patients starting adjuvant letrozole were eligible. Serum samples were taken at baseline, three, and 12 months. E2 and FSH were measured with routine chemiluminescent immunoassays. E2 and E1 were analyzed after trial completion with a highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS) with lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) of 5 pmol/L. QoL was measured at baseline and at 12 months with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 and the Women's Health questionnaires, and menopause-related symptoms with the modified Kupperman Index.
RESULTS
Of 100 screened patients 90 completed the trial. Baseline mean LC-MS/MS E2 and E1 were 12 pmol/L (range < 5-57) and 66 pmol/L (< 5-226), respectively. E2 levels measured by immunoassay and LC-MS/MS showed no correlation. E2 and E1 were completely suppressed by letrozole except for one occasion (E1 11 pmol/L at 3 months). Pain, side effects of systemic therapy, vasomotor symptoms, joint and muscle aches, and vaginal dryness increased during letrozole treatment. A high baseline E2 was significantly associated with increased aching joints and muscles, but not with the other side effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Letrozole supresses E2 and E1 completely below the LLOQ of the LC-MS/MS in postmenopausal women. High pre-treatment E2 levels were associated with more joint and muscle pain during letrozole. Automated immunoassays are unsuitable for E2 monitoring during letrozole therapy due to poor sensitivity.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Chromatography, Liquid; Estradiol; Estrogens; Estrone; Letrozole; Postmenopause; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 37491651
DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07054-3