Non-hormonal treatment of vulvo-vaginal atrophy-related symptoms in post-menopausal women

Abstract

In post-menopausal period vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA)-related symptoms may seriously affect women's quality of life. Hormonal replacement therapy effectively relieves these symptoms but it is not always safe or accepted, and a non-hormonal treatment is often needed instead. Over a period of 12 weeks, we tested the effect of a twice-a-week vulvo-vaginal application of a hyaluronic acid, AC collagen, isoflavones and vitamins-based cream (Perilei Pausa) on 35 women in post-menopausal period, reporting VVA-related symptoms. After 12 weeks of treatment with Perilei Pausa a significant improvement in vaginal dryness, vulvo-vaginal itching, dyspareunia (P < 0.001), dysuria (P = 0.02), nocturia (P = 0.009) and pollakiuria (P = 0.005) was reported by the women. Colposcopical score assessing the intensity of atrophic colpitis, cervico-vaginal paleness and petechiae was also reduced (P = 0.037, P = 0.016 and P = 0.032, respectively). No significant difference in terms of maturation value of cervico-vaginal epithelium was observed. In conclusion, Perilei Pausa may represent an effective and safe alternative treatment of symptomatic VVA in post-menopausal women.

Post-menopausal vulvovaginal atrophy — an overview of the current treatment options

“…Furthermore, an objective evaluation of vaginal mucosa according to VHI confirmed the subjective symptoms, showing statistically significant improvement of the mucosa quality. The obtained results are concurrent with the other authors' reports, evaluating the therapeutic effect of the hyaluronic acid in different pharmacological forms and treatment modes [31][32][33]. Some authors point out, that the therapeutic effect of hyaluronic acid is limited to the treatment period and does not involve collagen synthesis and cellular maturation [34,35].…”

Topical treatment of vaginal dryness with a non-hormonal cream in women undergoing breast cancer treatment - An open prospective multicenter study

“…Regarding subjective symptoms, feeling of dryness [24–30], itching [24, 25, 27–31], burning/ irritation [24, 25, 28, 31] as well as dyspareunia [24–31] and urinary incontinence [25, 29] were commonly assessed in these studies. However, because validated questionnaires are lacking, selection of and scoring systems for VVD symptoms vary, which makes comparisons between studies difficult.…”

A medical device containing purified bovine colostrum (Monurelle Biogel) in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: Retrospective analysis of urinary symptoms, sexual function, and quality of life

“…In these women, non‐hormone therapy could be considered a safer and more acceptable treatment. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen may represent alternative treatments, but there are no conclusive data demonstrating their efficacy in the treatment of VVA and associated urinary symptoms . Phytoestrogens could also be used in patients with VVA.…”