University of Arizona
This study is being done to compare two vaginal treatments, vaginal estrogen and vaginal DHEA, that are used to treat vaginal and urinary symptoms related to menopause. These symptoms may include vaginal dryness, discomfort, painful intercourse, or urinary problems and can affect quality of life and sexual health. Women who choose to participate will be randomly assigned to use one of the two treatments for a set period of time. Participants will complete questionnaires about their symptoms and sexual health and have simple vaginal testing at the beginning and end of the study. The goal of this research is to better understand how these treatments affect vaginal health and sexual function so healthcare providers can make informed treatment decisions and improve care for postmenopausal women.
This research study is being conducted to compare two commonly used vaginal therapies vaginal estrogen and vaginal DHEA for the treatment of vaginal and urinary symptoms that occur after menopause. Many postmenopausal women experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation, painful intercourse, decreased sexual comfort, or urinary symptoms including burning, urgency, or recurrent urinary discomfort. These symptoms, often related to decreased estrogen levels, can significantly affect daily activities, intimate relationships, and overall quality of life. In this study, women who choose to…
Inclusion Criteria: * Peri- or post-menopausal status * Presence of any genitourinary or vaginal symptom (e.g., dryness, itching, discomfort, dyspareunia) * Willingness and ability to use vaginal therapy * Ability to provide informed consent * English speaker * Ages 40-90 Exclusion Criteria: * Use of systemic hormone therapy within the last 6 months * Gynecologic malignancy * Known allergy to study medications * Active vaginal infection at enrollment * Prior pelvic radiation
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an inactive hormone precursor naturally produced by the body. When placed locally in the vagina, it is converted by vaginal cells into small amounts of estrogen and androgens exactly where the tissues need them. This helps restore the vaginal lining, improve moisture, and reduce pain.
Estradiol 0.01% vaginal cream is a local (vaginal) estrogen therapy used to treat symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)-the thinning, dryness, and inflammation of vaginal and urinary tissues caused by postmenopausal estrogen decline.
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