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Paschou SA, Athanasiadou KI, Hafford-Letchfield T, Hinchliff S, Mauskar M, Rees M, Simon JA, Armeni E, Erel CT, Fistonic I, Hillard T, Hirschberg AL, Meczekalski B, Mendoza N, Mueck AO, Simoncini T, Stute P, van Dijken D, Lambrinoudaki I. Sexual health and wellbeing and the menopause: An EMAS clinical guide. Maturitas 2024; 189:108055. [PMID: 39226624 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108055] [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] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual health and wellbeing are significant aspects of quality of life. However, taking a sexual history is often avoided in medical practice, leaving a void in management and awareness. As the menopause can have a major impact on sexual health, it is imperative that healthcare providers are appropriately trained in sexual health and wellbeing and the aligned disciplines in order to achieve optimal care. AIM To provide an evidence-based clinical guide for the assessment and management of sexual problems at the menopause and beyond. MATERIALS AND METHODS Review of the literature and consensus of expert opinion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The assessment of sexual problems includes history taking, examination and laboratory investigation (if indicated), and occasionally the use of specific validated questionnaires. Management of sexual problems requires a multidimensional approach using biopsychosocial measures. Medical management and psychosexual counselling include pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and sex therapy and psychoeducation. Furthermore, perimenopausal women should be advised about the need for contraception if they wish to avoid pregnancy. Also, sexually transmitted diseases can be acquired at any age. To conclude, taking a sexual history should be incorporated into medical practice and healthcare providers should be appropriately trained to assess and manage sexual problems at the menopause and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula A Paschou
- Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Centre, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
| | - Kleoniki I Athanasiadou
- Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Centre, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | | | - Sharron Hinchliff
- School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Melissa Mauskar
- Department of Dermatology and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Margaret Rees
- Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - James A Simon
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, George Washington University, IntimMedicine Specialists, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eleni Armeni
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - C Tamer Erel
- Istanbul-Cerrahpaşa University, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ivan Fistonic
- Faculty for Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Timothy Hillard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Dorset, Poole, UK
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Blazej Meczekalski
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Nicolás Mendoza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Alfred O Mueck
- Department of Women's Health, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tommaso Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Petra Stute
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinic Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dorenda van Dijken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OLVG Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Irene Lambrinoudaki
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
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Md S, Kotta S. Advanced drug delivery technologies for postmenopausal effects. J Control Release 2024; 373:426-446. [PMID: 39038543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.038] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Postmenopause is the 12-month absence of menstrual periods, characterized by decreased estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to physical and psychological alterations such as hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disruptions, and skin changes. Present postmenopausal treatments include hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal drugs, lifestyle modifications, vaginal estrogen therapy, bone health treatments, and alternative therapies. Advanced drug delivery systems (ADDSs) are essential in managing postmenopausal effects (PMEs), offering targeted and controlled delivery to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health. This review emphasizes such ADDSs for addressing PMEs. Emerging trends such as artificial ovaries are also reviewed. Additionally, the prospects of technologies such as additive manufacturing (3D and 4D printing) and artificial intelligence in further tailoring therapeutic strategies against PMEs are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadab Md
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabna Kotta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
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Gollapudi M, Thomas A, Yogarajah A, Ospina D, Daher JC, Rahman A, Santistevan L, Patel RV, Abraham J, Oommen SG, Siddiqui HF. Understanding the Interplay Between Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). Cureus 2024; 16:e62788. [PMID: 39036127 PMCID: PMC11260262 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe variant of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), categorized as a mood disorder due to marked symptoms of depression and anxiety, compounded with severe physical symptoms. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) can manifest as low libido, difficulty achieving sexual pleasure, and dyspareunia, causing functional and psychological distress. PMDD and FSD are globally prevalent conditions with postulated biological, psychological, and social associations between them. Nevertheless, sexual dysfunction in PMDD is an important aspect of women's health that has been understudied and has notable methodological limitations. In this narrative review, we summarize the existing literature on sexual function in women with PMDD and PMS, specify the distinctions between PMDD and other general symptoms of PMS, highlight the significance of understanding sexual dysfunction in the female population, and outline some available therapeutic options. Studies show that women frequently experience debilitating sexual distress during the premenstrual phase; however, there is an essential need to formulate standardized tools for definite diagnosis. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) are approved medications for PMDD, while flibanserin and bremelanotide are effective in treating FSD. However, the potential effects of these treatment modalities on the two comorbid conditions render them inconclusive. Awareness of PMDD and FSD among clinicians and society can allow the implementation of targeted interventions to alleviate the suffering of women and enhance their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahati Gollapudi
- Department of Medicine, Saba University School of Medicine, Caribbean, NLD
| | - Angelica Thomas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, CHN
| | - Angelina Yogarajah
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of the Americas, Devens, USA
| | - David Ospina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, COL
| | - Jean C Daher
- Department of Medicine, Lakeland Regional Health, Lakeland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas Andrés Vesalio Guzman, San José, CRI
| | - Aaliya Rahman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, IND
| | - Lucia Santistevan
- Department of Medicine, University of San Martín de Porres, Lima, PER
| | - Ruby V Patel
- Department of Surgery, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Jeby Abraham
- Department of General Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, IND
| | - Sheethal G Oommen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", Iași, ROU
| | - Humza F Siddiqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, PAK
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Salvatore S, Benini V, Ruffolo AF, Degliuomini RS, Redaelli A, Casiraghi A, Candiani M. Current challenges in the pharmacological management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:23-28. [PMID: 36444726 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2152326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is caused by climacteric estrogens drop and leads to bothersome and progressive genital and urinary symptoms. Considering the high frequency in the population and the impact on quality of life, it is crucial to find a safe and effective treatment. Pharmacological therapies aim to modulate the hormonal system and reverse tissue changes due to hypoestrogenism and consequently the symptoms. AREAS COVERED We analyzed the scientific evidence concerning the main pharmacological treatments, which include systemic and topical estrogens, prasterone and ospemifene. This literature review focused on recent safety and efficacy findings in an attempt to identify the best treatment choice for each individual patient. EXPERT OPINION There are encouraging data regarding the efficacy of all currently available pharmacological options and concerning their short and long-term safety. There are still doubts regarding best treatment choice for oncological high-risk population, in particular for breast cancer survivors, and some issues relative to patients' poor compliance and treatment adherence. For these reasons further studies need to be conducted with a patient-tailored focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Salvatore
- Department of Urogynecology, Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Vittoria Benini
- Department of Urogynecology, Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Rebecca S Degliuomini
- Department of Urogynecology, Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Redaelli
- Department of Urogynecology, Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Casiraghi
- Department of Urogynecology, Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Department of Urogynecology, Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Current and emerging estrogen receptor-targeted therapies for the treatment of breast cancer. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:985-1001. [PMID: 34328178 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nearly 80% of all breast cancers are estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and require the activity of this transcription factor for tumor growth and survival. Thus, endocrine therapies, which target the estrogen signaling axis, have and will continue to be the cornerstone of therapy for patients diagnosed with ER+ disease. Several inhibitors of ER activity exist, including aromatase inhibitors (AIs), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), selective estrogen receptor degraders/down-regulators (SERDs), and ER proteolysis-targeting chimeras (ER PROTACs); drugs which differ in the mechanism(s) by which they inhibit this signaling pathway. Notwithstanding their significant impact on the management of this disease, resistance to existing endocrine therapies remains a major impediment to durable clinical responses. Although the mechanisms of resistance are complex and varied, dependence on ER is typically retained after progression on SERMs and AIs, suggesting that ER remains a bona fide therapeutic target. The discovery and development of orally bioavailable drugs that eliminate ER expression (SERDs and ER PROTACs) will likely aid in treating this growing patient population. All of the existing endocrine therapies were developed with the intent of inhibiting the cancer cell intrinsic actions of ER and/or with the objective of achieving extreme estrogen deprivation and most achieve that goal. A longstanding question that remains to be addressed, however, is how actions of existing interventions extrinsic to the cancer cells influence tumor biology. We believe that these issues need to be addressed in the development of strategies to develop the next generation of ER-modulators optimized for positive activities in both cancer cells and other cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME).
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Sadeghi Bahmani D, Motl RW. Rate, burden, and treatment of sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: The case for exercise training as a new treatment approach. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 51:102878. [PMID: 33761411 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.102878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent immune-mediated and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) among adults in the United States and worldwide. This disease results in impairments of physical, psychological, and social functions that compromise quality of life. This review focuses on sexual dysfunction, including its prevalence, burden, and management, in persons with MS. Sexual dysfunction is defined as sexual behaviors and experiences characterized as insufficient in quality, duration and frequency. Sexual dysfunction occurs in 40-80% percent of women and 50-90% percent of men with MS. The presence of sexual dysfunction is seemingly predicted by psychological and psychiatric issues such as depression and anxiety; sociodemographic dimensions such as older age, unemployment and lower socioeconomic status; and MS-related issues such as fatigue, higher degree of disability and motor impairments. Sexual dysfunction in persons with MS is further associated with decreased psychological and psychosocial wellbeing and impaired quality of life. There is limited research supporting pharmacological and other approaches for managing sexual dysfunction in MS, and we make the case for exercise training based on recent evidence from randomized controlled trials in MS and putative mechanisms of action targeted by exercise training in MS. This paper concludes by providing a research agenda for a deeper and broader understanding of exercise training and sexual function in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena Sadeghi Bahmani
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
| | - Robert W Motl
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Abstract
Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a frequent, underreported and underdiagnosed condition. Ospemifene is a third-generation Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) that has been shown to be effective in women with VVA and dyspareunia, vaginal dryness and vulvar vestibular symptoms. Some of the possible side effects included by FDA and EMA are hot flushes, headache, muscle spasms, vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge. Ospemifene does not increase the incidence of endometrial cancer or hyperplasia. While the efficacy is comparable with that of estrogenic treatments, ospemifene is not only well tolerated and safe but also reduces bone turnover in postmenopausal women, and available data indicate no safety concerns for breast tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lino Del Pup
- University Sanitary Agency Friuli Central, Udine, Italy
- Board of Italian Society of Third Age Gynecology (SIGiTE), Milan, Italy
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Faught BM, Soulban G, Yeaw J, Maroun C, Coyle K, Schaffer S, DeKoven M. Ospemifene versus local estrogen: adherence and costs in postmenopausal dyspareunia. J Comp Eff Res 2019; 8:1111-1123. [PMID: 31432687 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2019-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Objective was to compare adherence and persistence, as well as direct healthcare costs and utilization, of ospemifene to available local estrogen therapies (LETs). Patients & methods: This retrospective database study used integrated medical and pharmacy claims data from the IQVIA Real-World Data Adjudicated Claims - US Database. Results: Ospemifene patients had significantly greater adherence and persistence compared with the other nonring LETs. Ospemifene had the lowest mean outpatient costs of any of the LET cohorts, including the estradiol vaginal ring. Total all-cause healthcare costs were also significantly less for ospemifene patients compared with all other LETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke M Faught
- Women's Institute of Sexual Health (WISH), Nashville, TN 37212, USA
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Panay N, Palacios S, Bruyniks N, Particco M, Nappi RE. Symptom severity and quality of life in the management of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Maturitas 2019; 124:55-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Lee A, Kim TH, Lee HH, Kim YS, Enkhbold T, Lee B, Park YJ, Song K. Therapeutic Approaches to Atrophic Vaginitis in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review with a Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Menopausal Med 2018; 24:1-10. [PMID: 29765921 PMCID: PMC5949302 DOI: 10.6118/jmm.2018.24.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Atrophic vaginitis (AV), which is common in postmenopausal women, is characterized by vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and discomfort. There are a variety of therapeutic agents for the treatment of AV, besides hormone replacement therapy. We performed this systematic review to compare the effectiveness of various therapies for symptom improvement in AV patients. Methods We searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and other literature (Google Scholar, Web of Science, and hand search) for studies published between January 2010 and March 2015. AV was evaluated by the following outcomes: vaginal pH, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, or cytological change (endometrial thickness, percentages of superficial cells and parabasal cells). They measured treatment efficacy with various outcomes pertaining to AV symptoms. Results Meta-analysis suggested that ospemifene was effective against dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, endometrial thickness, and percentage changes in superficial and parabasal cells. Vaginal pH was most affected by soy isoflavone vaginal gel. Ospemifene was effective for AV symptoms. Conclusions This systematic review compared the effects of several therapeutic agents on symptoms of AV through a network meta-analysis. This study provides objective evidence for clinical treatment and efficacy management in AV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arum Lee
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea
| | - Tae Hee Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Hae Hyeog Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Yeon Suk Kim
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea
| | - Temuulee Enkhbold
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Etemo Clininc, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Bora Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoo Jin Park
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea
| | - Kisung Song
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Korea
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