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Sarebani Z, Chegini V, Chen H, Aali E, Mirzadeh M, Abbaspour M, Griffiths MD, Alimoradi Z. Effect of vitamin D vaginal suppository on sexual functioning among postmenopausal women: A three-arm randomized controlled clinical trial. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2023; 66:208-220. [PMID: 36825329 PMCID: PMC10191758 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.22038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vaginal atrophy, the second most common complication of menopause, can lead to sexual dysfunction. This study evaluated the effect of a vitamin D vaginal suppository on sexual functioning in postmenopausal women. METHODS This three-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted between August 2019 and August 2020. The sample comprised 105 postmenopausal women who were referred to comprehensive health service centers to receive postmenopausal care. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) being menopausal for at least 1 year, (ii) being married, (iii) being sexually active, and (iv) having sexual desire. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups for 8 weeks of treatment: intervention (vaginal suppository containing 1,000 units of vitamin D3), placebo (vaginal suppository placebo), or control (no treatment). The main outcome measure was sexual functioning, which was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI) 4 times during the study (i.e., 1 month before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, 1 month after the intervention, and 2 months after the intervention). RESULTS Immediately and 1 month after the trial, the intervention group had the highest FSFI score, followed by the placebo group, both of which were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). At the 2-month follow-up, the intervention and placebo groups had similar FSFI scores (P=0.08), both of which were significantly higher than those in the control group (P=0.001 and P=0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION Vitamin D vaginal suppositories were more effective at improving sexual functioning among postmenopausal women in the short-term and appeared to prevent aging-related sexual functioning decline in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinat Sarebani
- Students research committee, School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney, Vltimo,
Australia
| | - Venus Chegini
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology School of Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Vltimo,
Australia
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Vltimo,
Australia
| | - Ehsan Aali
- School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
| | - Monirsadat Mirzadeh
- Metabolic disease research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Abbaspour
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,
Iran
| | | | - Zainab Alimoradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institue for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin,
Iran
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Briggs P, Hapangama DK. Urogenital atrophy: The 'unknown factors' challenging current practice. Post Reprod Health 2021; 27:109-120. [PMID: 33673759 DOI: 10.1177/2053369121997673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Urogenital atrophy occurs as a result of the effect of estrogen deficiency on the tissue quality in the vulva, vagina, urethra and bladder. It is a common consequence of the menopause, with possibly up to 80% of women experiencing symptoms. Despite a number of different diagnostic methods, there is no validated objective method by which to confirm the diagnosis in clinical practice and research settings. Education, for women and clinicians, is called for to support diagnosis and treatment. However, before this can be of global benefit, development of an accessible and reproducible diagnostic test is required. Current assessment methods include routine history and clinical examination, with the clinician's opinion based on their subjective observations. A vaginal smear to assess the ratio of superficial to parabasal cells and measurement of the pH of the vaginal secretions is more commonly used in research settings. A number of formulae have been postulated to facilitate the diagnosis including the Vaginal Health Index, the Vulval Health Index, the Genitourinary Syndrome of the Menopause assessment tool, the Genital Health Clinical Evaluation and vaginal biopsy and assessment of the vaginal microbiome. However, none of these potential methods of assessment has been validated. This article focuses on what we do not know about urogenital atrophy including the prevalence, the most appropriate terminology, aetiology, pathogenesis and the most objective and reproducible method of assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Briggs
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dharani K Hapangama
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Sarebani Z, Alimoradi Z, Aali E, Mirzadeh M, Chegini V, Abbaspour M, Griffiths MD. Investigating the effect of vitamin D vaginal suppository on sexual function among postmenopausal women: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2020; 20:27. [PMID: 32070323 PMCID: PMC7029522 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-00899-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menopause is associated with changes in sexual function which are partly due to vaginal atrophy in response to estrogen reduction. Estrogen administration temporarily reduces the symptoms of vaginal dryness, but long-term exposure to this drug is likely to be associated with serious complications. Considering the promising results of previous studies concerning the effect of vitamin D on vaginal dryness, the proposed study will investigate the effect of vitamin D vaginal suppository on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. METHODS In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, 105 postmenopausal women will be randomly assigned to three groups receiving vitamin D vaginal suppository, placebo vaginal suppository, or control (no intervention). Vitamin D vaginal suppositories contain 1000 units of vitamin D3. The timing of the use of vitamin D vaginal suppositories and placebo suppositories will be every night in the first 2 weeks, and every other night in the following 6 weeks (8 weeks in total). The primary outcome will be the sexual function of participants which will be assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before and immediately after the intervention, and at 1 and 2 months after the end of the intervention. The side effects of these suppositories will be examined as a secondary consequence of the study. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software version 25. In the case of normal distribution of data, the mean score of sexual function will be compared between the groups using a repeated measurements ANOVA. If statistical analysis leads to significant results, the post-hoc test will be used to determine the differences between the groups. Comparison of demographic and fertility characteristics of the women will be carried out using statistical tests such as chi-squares and t-tests. A significance level of p < .05 will be used for statistical analyses. DISCUSSION If vitamin D vaginal suppositories improve sexual function among premenopausal women with long-term effects and minimum side effects, the suppositories will be considered a safe complementary and alternative choice for alleviating sexual dysfunction among this group. TRIAL REGISTRATION IRCT20180704040346N1 at 2018-10-13 prospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinat Sarebani
- Students research committee, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Zainab Alimoradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Bahonar blv., Qazvin, 34197-59811, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Aali
- Pharmacology Department, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Monirsadat Mirzadeh
- Community Medicine Department, Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute For Prevention Of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Venus Chegini
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Abbaspour
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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Keshavarzi Z, Janghorban R, Alipour S, Tahmasebi S, Jokar A. The effect of vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories on tamoxifen-induced vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer. Support Care Cancer 2019; 27:1325-1334. [PMID: 30729333 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-04684-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vaginal atrophy is one of the most common side effects of using tamoxifen in women with breast cancer. Hormone therapy for vaginal atrophy is prohibited in these women. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories on vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen. METHODS Women under breast cancer management receiving tamoxifen and showing symptoms of vaginal atrophy were randomized triple-blind to an 8-week trial on vaginal suppository vitamin E or vitamin D or placebo administered every night before bedtime. The genitourinary atrophy self-assessment tool was administered, and pH was measured in all three groups before the intervention and at the end of weeks 2, 4, and 8 of the intervention. The Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI) was also measured before the intervention and at the end of the eighth week. Data were analyzed with paired t tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, and chi-square test. RESULTS Thirty-two patients were randomized in each group. The results obtained showed an increase in the VMI by the end of the eighth week of the intervention in the groups receiving the vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). The vaginal pH also reduced in both groups compared with that in the placebo group (P < 0.001). The symptoms of self-reported genitourinary atrophy also improved in the two intervention groups compared with those in the placebo group by the end of the eighth week (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION These data support that vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories were beneficial in improving vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer receiving tamoxifen. Given the prohibition on hormone therapy in these women, the suppositories can be used as an alternative therapy to improve these symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Keshavarzi
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Roksana Janghorban
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Nemazee Square, Zand Blv., Shiraz, 7193613119, Iran.
| | - Shohreh Alipour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Control, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Tahmasebi
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Breast Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Azam Jokar
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Riazi H, Ghazanfarpour M, Taebi M, Abdolahian S. Effect of Vitamin D on the Vaginal Health of Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review. J Menopausal Med 2019; 25:109-116. [PMID: 32307935 PMCID: PMC6952708 DOI: 10.6118/jmm.19194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Menopause is associated with the onset of climacteric symptoms due to low estradiol levels, which may cause insufficient maturation of the vaginal mucosa. Vitamin D may regulate the growth and differentiation of cells that are adversely affected due to low estradiol levels, thereby restoring vaginal health. The objective of this systematic review, the first on this subject, was to investigate the effect of vitamin D on the vaginal health of menopausal women. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases and reference lists of hand-searched articles were searched for published studies from February 2000 to November 2018. The selection criteria were as follows: randomized or quasi-randomized trials that compared the effects of vitamin D or related compounds, alone or with calcium, on vaginal health (growth and differentiation of epithelial cells, dryness, acidity [pH]) outcomes in menopausal women. The methodological quality of these studies was examined using the Cochrane tool checklist by two independent investigators, following which the data were extracted. Of six examined studies, two showed that vitamin D administration improved the growth and differentiation of vaginal epithelial cells, improved vaginal pH, and decreased vaginal dryness in menopausal women. Although the level of evidence for the effects of vitamin D on vaginal health is low in our study, we concluded that vitamin D may improve the vaginal health of women, especially during menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedyeh Riazi
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masumeh Ghazanfarpour
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Razi School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Taebi
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Abdolahian
- Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Weber MA, Limpens J, Roovers JPWR. Assessment of vaginal atrophy: a review. Int Urogynecol J 2014; 26:15-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s00192-014-2464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Burich R, DeGregorio M. Current treatment options for vulvovaginal atrophy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/eog.11.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Effect of raloxifene on the vaginal epithelium of postmenopausal women. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2008; 139:187-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2008.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2007] [Revised: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 01/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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