Effective treatment of vaginal atrophy with isoflavone vaginal gel

• Published in: Maturitas 2013-03, Vol.74 (3), p.252-258
• Main Authors: Lima, Sonia M. Rolim Rosa, Yamada, Silvia Saito, Reis, Benedito Fabiano, Postigo, Sostenes, Galvão da Silva, Maria Antonieta L, Aoki, Tsutomu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atrophy; Biological and medical sciences; Conjugated equine estrogen; Double-Blind Method; Dyspareunia - drug therapy; Endometrium; Endometrium - drug effects; Estradiol - blood; Estrogen Replacement Therapy - methods; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) - therapeutic use; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone - blood; Follow-Up Studies; Glycine max; Glycine max (L.) Merr; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Hormone replacement therapy; Humans; Internal Medicine; Isoflavone; Isoflavones - therapeutic use; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Placebos; Postmenopause - drug effects; Puberal and climacteric disorders (male and female); Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography; Vagina; Vagina - diagnostic imaging; Vagina - drug effects; Vagina - pathology; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies - therapeutic use; Vaginal Diseases - drug therapy
• ISSN: 0378-5122; 1873-4111
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.11.012

Abstract Objetive To assess efficacy and tolerability of a isoflavone ( Glycine max L. Merr.) vaginal gel to the treatment of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Methods The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Ninety women were treated for 12 weeks with isoflavone vaginal gel 4% (1 g/day) and a placebo gel and conjugated equine estrogen cream (0.3 mg/day). After 4 and 12 weeks, the vaginal atrophy symptoms were classified at none, mild, moderate and severe and the vaginal cytology were taken to determine the maturation value. The endometrial safety (by transvaginal ultrasonography) was evaluated through at screening and the end of the trial. Results Isoflavone vaginal gel appears to be effective for relief of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia symptons and an increase in the intermediate and superficial cells was noted. These results were similar to the effects with use of conjugated equine estrogens and superior to placebo gel. No changes in endometrial thickness, sera FSH and estradiol levels were observed at study endpoint. Conclusion Glycine max (L.) Merr. at 4% vaginal gel on a daily basis in postmenopausal women led to improvements in vaginal atrophy symptoms and a significant increase in cell maturation values. Isoflavones proved good treatment options for relief of vulvovaginal symptoms especially in women who do not wish to use hormonal therapy or have contra-indications for this treatment.