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Update on alternative therapies for vulvovaginal atrophy

Authors Chollet JA

Published 28 October 2011 Volume 2011:5 Pages 533—536

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S22943

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 2



Janet A Chollet1,2
1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, 2Pear Tree Pharmaceuticals, Waltham, MA, USA

Abstract: Although systemic absorption of estrogen with local treatment for vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is most likely to be negligible, it is unknown whether this minimal absorption will affect outcomes in women with breast cancer. Use of adjuvant therapy with aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer is associated with high incidence of VVA symptoms. Because of the impact of moderate to severe VVA symptoms on the quality of life in breast cancer survivors, there has been an intense search for alternative therapies. Further, the publicity that followed the publication of data from the Women’s Health Initiative Study has led to the suggestion by the medical community to use the lowest dose therapy possible for minimal time duration in order to avoid risks. This article will highlight the progress in alternative therapies for VVA.

Keywords: vulvovaginal atrophy, hormone therapy, alternative therapy

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