(070) Treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause is Beneficial for Lichen Sclerosus Patients

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Postmenopausal women with Lichen Sclerosus frequently report vulvar symptoms consistent with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) including pruritus, dyspareunia, or non-provoked pain. Our data revealed not surprising vulvar itching as the most frequently reported symptom of LS, second most frequent was general irritation, followed by vaginal dryness, and vulvar burning. Distinguishing these symptoms from GSM which occurs in 27-84% of postmenopausal women can be problematic. Objective The purpose of this study was to understand the symptoms of postmenopausal women with LS. We specifically surveyed them regarding their symptoms and treatments they had tried including both prescription and over the counter. Methods We interviewed 25 women with biopsy proven LS. This was part of a larger study on the microbiome and genetics of postmenopausal women with LS. Results Our data revealed that while the majority of the women in our study were using standard treatments such as high or medium potency steroid ointments or calcineurin inhibitor, less than 25% reported using hormonal medicines in their vulva (4 of 17), a common treatment for postmenopausal symptoms of vulvar burning, general irritation and dryness; Our data revealed that 50% of the women reported they had used at least more than one prescription or over the counter product to manage symptoms, none of which were hormone related. Conclusions Our data suggests that while these women were treated for their LS, their menopausal symptoms were not addressed. These findings lead us to believe perhaps their menopausal symptoms had been undertreated and that LS symptoms may be difficult to manage exclusively with standard treatments such as steroids and/or calcineurin inhibitors in postmenopausal women. Treatment of GSM with standard recommended treatments is beneficial for LS patients. Disclosure No