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Sánchez-Borrego R, de Diego Pérez de Zabalza MV, Alfageme Gullón MJ, Alija Castrillo ML, Sánchez Prieto M, Palacios S, González Calvo AJ, Quijano Martín JJ, Cancelo MJ. Satisfaction and medication adherence in women with vulvovaginal atrophy: the CRETA. Climacteric 2023; 26:437-444. [PMID: 37017707 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2190508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the self-reported satisfaction of Spanish postmenopausal women currently treated for vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) symptoms. METHODS The CRETA (CRoss sectional European sTudy on Adherence) is a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 29 public and private hospitals in Spain, which enrolled postmenopausal women receiving treatment with ospemifene, local hormone therapy (HT) or vaginal moisturizers for VVA. After the prior informed consent of the patients, sociodemographic and treatment perception data were collected using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS Among 752 women who completed the survey, the satisfaction score was significantly higher for the group treated with ospemifene (mean 8.3 ± 1.4) compared with the local HT group (7.2 ± 1.7) and the vaginal moisturizer group (6.5 ± 2.1) according to a 10-point Likert scale (p < 0.0001). Compared to vaginal moisturizers and local HT, participants treated with ospemifene reported the highest adherence (96.7% vs. 70.2% and 78.6%, respectively) and the lowest number of missed doses in the last month (0.6 ± 1.3 standard deviation [SD] vs. 3.5 ± 4.3 SD and 2.0 ± 2.8 SD, respectively) (p < 0.0001). Ospemifene was significantly perceived as easy to use (83.9% vs. 44.9% and 58.6%, respectively; p < 0.0001), efficacious in reducing the time to relieve symptoms (17.1% vs. 7.0% and 6.7%, p = 0.0005 and p = 0.0006, respectively) and convenient for sexual life (53.1% vs. 25.6% and 42.3%, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0234, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Among postmenopausal women with VVA, treatment with ospemifene has the most positive perceptions and the highest overall satisfaction level and could be an optimal therapeutic approach, maximizing patient adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sánchez-Borrego
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Teknon Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - M J Alfageme Gullón
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Quirón Torrevieja y Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | | | - M Sánchez Prieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institut Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Palacios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Palacios Institute of Women's Health, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - M J Cancelo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Spain
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McCracken JM, Calderon GA, Le QN, Faruqui NM, Balaji S, Hakim JCE. Cellular and extracellular vaginal changes following murine ovarian removal. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15762. [PMID: 37549960 PMCID: PMC10406565 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. McCracken
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Pediatric and Adolescent GynecologyTexas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Gisele A. Calderon
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Pediatric and Adolescent GynecologyTexas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Quynh N. Le
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Pediatric and Adolescent GynecologyTexas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Natasha M. Faruqui
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Pediatric and Adolescent GynecologyTexas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Swathi Balaji
- Department of SurgeryDivision of Pediatric SurgeryTexas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Julie C. E. Hakim
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyDivision of Pediatric and Adolescent GynecologyTexas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of SurgeryDivision of Pediatric SurgeryTexas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
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Cucinella L, Martini E, Tiranini L, Battista F, Molinaro P, Casiraghi A, Cominotti S, Piccinino M, Rossini R, Nappi RE. Menopause and female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs). Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2022; 74:234-248. [PMID: 35107240 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.22.05001-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Biological and psycho-relational factors contribute equally to the development of sexual symptoms and associated distress, a key element to diagnose female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs) in menopausal women. Consultation at midlife represents an optimal time to discuss sexual life, and healthcare providers (HCPs) have to be proactive in rising the conversation, as patients may not report their sexual concerns spontaneously. An accurate sexual history is essential to characterize the primary symptom, determine the impact on patient's quality of life and identify risk and precipitating factors. Among FSDs, hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is very frequent at midlife together with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), a chronic condition negatively affecting the full sexual response. A multidimensional approach targeted to the patient's characteristics, goals and expectations is mandatory and should start from educative counselling and correction of modifiable risk factors. When specific treatments are required, they should include non-pharmacological and pharmacological options, often prescribed in combination to address concomitantly the biological and psychosocial components of FSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cucinella
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy - .,Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy -
| | - Ellis Martini
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lara Tiranini
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Battista
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pietro Molinaro
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Arianna Casiraghi
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Urogynecology Unit, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Selene Cominotti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filippo Del Ponte Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Manuela Piccinino
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Rossini
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rossella E Nappi
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Nappi RE, Cucinella L, Martini E, Cassani C. The role of hormone therapy in urogenital health after menopause. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101595. [PMID: 34711512 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Menopause represents an endocrine challenge to urogenital health, as oestrogens deprivation and androgens decline significantly contributes to age-related involution of vulvovaginal tissues and lower urinary tract. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a clinical entity including the chronic and progressive condition of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and encompassing both anatomical and functional consequences of menopause. The term GSM describes genital, sexual and urinary symptoms with a detrimental impact on quality of life (QOL). Several treatment options are available, but many barriers are still present to adequately diagnose and treat GSM. This review aims to present current evidences about epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of GSM, with a focus on prescription medications [low-dose local oestrogen therapy (LET), prasterone (DHEA) and the SERM ospemifene] for urogenital symptoms in healthy postmenopausal women and in special populations, including women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and breast cancer survivors (BCS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella E Nappi
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Dept of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Laura Cucinella
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Dept of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ellis Martini
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Dept of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Cassani
- Dept of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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Marino JM. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. J Midwifery Womens Health 2021; 66:729-739. [PMID: 34464022 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) occurs in approximately 50% of menopausal women but is both underrecognized and undertreated despite numerous treatment options. Vaginal dryness, irritation, dyspareunia, urinary frequency, and urinary urgency are some of the more common symptoms that can have a negative effect on women's lives and relationships. Treatment options can include over-the-counter moisturizers and lubricants that can be composed of water or silicone or have an oil base. However, women and health care providers need be aware of the effects of excipients in these products so that the therapy does not cause vaginal irritation. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment options include vaginally administered estrogen products as well as dehydroepiandrosterone (prasterone) and the selective estrogen receptor modulator ospemifene. The prescription options have proven efficacy and safety and can be considered for use by women with a history of cancer following collaboration with the oncologist. Despite the FDA warning that recommends vaginal lasers not be used for vaginal rejuvenation, vaginal lasers have also been used as a treatment for GSM, but studies on their safety are limited. This article reviews GSM, including its impact, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Marino
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) refers to a collection of symptoms resulting from diminished hormonal, primarily estrogenic stimulation to the vulvovaginal or lower urinary tract and may affect up to 50% of postmenopausal women. Symptoms, which are typically progressive and unlikely to resolve spontaneously, may include, but are not limited to, vulvovaginal dryness, burning or irritation, dyspareunia, or urinary symptoms of urgency, dysuria or recurrent urinary tract infection. These symptoms are typically progressive and unlikely to resolve spontaneously. Diagnosis is clinical. Telemedicine may play a role in diagnosis, initiation of treatment, and follow-up of women with GSM. Effective treatments include moisturizers and lubricants, local hormonal therapy with estrogen or dehydroepiandrosterone, and oral selective estrogen receptor agonists. Laser or radiofrequency procedures, although currently utilized, are being studied to comprehensively understand their overall effectiveness and safety. Additionally, the influence and effect of the vaginal microbiome, as well as potential of treatment via its manipulation, is being studied. We performed a literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid with search terms of vulvovaginal atrophy and GSM and reviewed major US Society Guidelines to create this narrative review of this topic. The literature suggests that healthcare providers can make a significant impact of the health and quality of life of women by being proactive about discussing and providing interventions for GSM. A systematic approach with consideration of current guidelines and attention to developing protocols for interventions should be employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A Phillips
- Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
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