Local Estrogen Therapy Research Articles

Oestrogen therapy for urinary incontinence in post-menopausal women

It is possible that oestrogen deficiency may be an aetiological factor in the development of urinary incontinence in women. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2003 and subsequently updated in 2009. To assess the effects of local and systemic oestrogens used for the treatment of urinary incontinence. We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register of trials (searched 21 June 2012) which includes searches of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings, and the reference lists of relevant articles. Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that included oestrogens in at least one arm in women with symptomatic or urodynamic diagnoses of stress, urgency or mixed urinary incontinence or other urinary symptoms post-menopause. Trials were evaluated for risk of bias and appropriateness for inclusion by the review authors. Data were extracted by at least two authors and cross checked. Subgroup analyses were performed by grouping participants under local or systemic administration. Where appropriate, meta-analysis was undertaken. Thirty-four trials were identified which included approximately 19,676 incontinent women of whom 9599 received oestrogen therapy (1464 involved in trials of local vaginal oestrogen administration). Sample sizes of the studies ranged from 16 to 16,117 women. The trials used varying combinations of type of oestrogen, dose, duration of treatment and length of follow up. Outcome data were not reported consistently and were available for only a minority of outcomes.The combined result of six trials of systemic administration (of oral systemic oestrogens) resulted in worse incontinence than on placebo (risk ratio (RR) 1.32, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.48). This result was heavily weighted by a subgroup of women from the Hendrix trial, which had large numbers of participants and a longer follow up of one year. All of the women had had a hysterectomy and the treatment used was conjugated equine oestrogen. The result for women with an intact uterus where oestrogen and progestogen were combined also showed a statistically significant worsening of incontinence (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.18).There was some evidence that oestrogens used locally (for example vaginal creams or pessaries) may improve incontinence (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.86). Overall, there were around one to two fewer voids in 24 hours amongst women treated with local oestrogen, and there was less frequency and urgency. No serious adverse events were reported although some women experienced vaginal spotting, breast tenderness or nausea.Women who were continent and received systemic oestrogen replacement, with or without progestogens, for reasons other than urinary incontinence were more likely to report the development of new urinary incontinence in one large study.One small trial showed that women were more likely to have an improvement in incontinence after pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) than with local oestrogen therapy (RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.50 to 3.52).The data were too few to address questions about oestrogens compared with or in combination with other treatments, different types of oestrogen or different modes of delivery. Urinary incontinence may be improved with the use of local oestrogen treatment. However, there was little evidence from the trials on the period after oestrogen treatment had finished and no information about the long-term effects of this therapy was given. Conversely, systemic hormone replacement therapy using conjugated equine oestrogen may worsen incontinence. There were too few data to reliably address other aspects of oestrogen therapy, such as oestrogen type and dose, and no direct evidence comparing routes of administration. The risk of endometrial and breast cancer after long-term use of systemic oestrogen suggests that treatment should be for limited periods, especially in those women with an intact uterus.

Overcoming resistance and barriers to the use of local estrogen therapy for the treatment of vaginal atrophy

The purpose of this review is to summarize current information regarding the pathophysiology and management of vaginal atrophy (sometimes called “atrophic vaginitis”) and to identify barriers to its treatment with local (or “topical”) vaginal estrogen therapy. Relevant clinical trials, meta-analyses, and reviews were identified through the PubMed database. Local estrogen therapy is effective and safe for treatment of vaginal atrophy; however, barriers to treatment (eg, patient reluctance to discuss the condition, misinformation, incomplete understanding of the effectiveness and safety of available therapies) result in its underuse. Health care providers can help overcome barriers to effective treatment of vaginal atrophy by facilitating discussion with women about vaginal health. Discussions should occur at routine preventive health care examinations and during episodic visits when patients present with symptoms of vaginal atrophy. Education and counseling should include information on the importance of maintaining vaginal health and the benefits and risks of treatment, including the demonstrated effectiveness and safety profile of low-dose local estrogen therapy.

Prevention of complications related to the use of prosthetic meshes in prolapse surgery: guidelines for clinical practice

The objective of the study was to provide guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning adverse events related to surgical procedures involving the use of prosthetic meshes. French and English-language articles from Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database were searched, using key words (mesh; pelvic organ prolapse; cystocele; rectocele; uterine prolapse; complications; adverse event; sacral colpopexy; extrusion; infection). As with any surgery, recommendations include perioperative smoking cessation (Expert opinion) and compliance with the prevention of nosocomial infections (regulatory recommendation). There is no evidence to recommend routine local or systemic estrogen therapy before or after prolapse surgery using mesh, regardless of the surgical approach (Grade C). Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended, regardless of the approach (Expert opinion). It is recommended to check for pre-operative urinary tract infection and treat it (Expert opinion). The first procedure should be undertaken under the guidance of a surgeon experienced in the relevant technique (Grade C). It is recommended not to place a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the rectovaginal septum when a rectal injury occurs (Expert opinion). Placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the vesicovaginal septum may be considered after suturing of a bladder injury if the suture is considered to be satisfactory (Expert opinion). If a synthetic mesh is placed by vaginal route, it is recommended to use a macroporous polypropylene monofilament mesh (Grade B). It is recommended not to use polyester mesh for vaginal surgery (Grade B). It is permissible to perform hysterectomy associated with the placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh placed by the vaginal route but this is not routinely recommended (Expert opinion). It is recommended to minimize the extent of the colpectomy (Expert opinion). The laparoscopic approach is recommended for sacral colpopexy (Expert opinion). It is recommended not to place and suture meshes by the vaginal route when a sacral colpopexy is performed (Grade B). It is recommended not to use silicone-coated polyester, porcine dermis, fascia lata, and polytetrafluoroethylene meshes (Grade B). It is recommended to use polyester (without silicone coating) or polypropylene meshes (Grade C). Suture of the meshes to the promontory can be performed using thread/needle or tacks (Grade C). Peritonization is recommended to cover the meshes (Grade C). If hysterectomy is required, it is recommended to perform a subtotal hysterectomy (Expert opinion). Implementation of this guideline should decrease the prevalence of complications related to surgical procedures involving the use of prosthetic meshes.

Local estrogen therapy and risk of breast cancer recurrence among hormone-treated patients: a nested case–control study

Women with estrogen-positive breast cancers receive endocrine treatment such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AI) for 5-10 years. An important side effect of these drugs is vaginal dryness for which local hormonal therapy (LHT) represents the most effective treatment but is theoretically contraindicated. This study aimed to assess whether the use of LHT increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence among women receiving endocrine treatment. We conducted a cohort study with nested case-control analysis using the United Kingdom General Practice Research Database (GPRD). The cohort included female patients at least 18 years of age, newly diagnosed with breast cancer who received at least one AI or tamoxifen prescription between January 1, 1998 and June 30, 2008. Cases, who were patients experiencing a breast cancer recurrence during follow-up, were each matched with up to 10 controls based on age, date of cohort entry, type of endocrine treatment received, and duration of follow-up. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate rate ratios (RR), and 95 % confidence intervals. A total of 13,479 women were included in the study, of which 2,673 received AIs, 10,806 received tamoxifen, and 271 received LHT. Mean (SD) age at cohort entry was 63.7 (14.1) years, and mean follow-up was 3.5 (2.6) years. The crude recurrence rate 25.9 per 1,000 per year. Overall, the use of LHT was not associated with an increased risk of recurrence (RR: 0.78, 95 % CI 0.48-1.25) compared with non-use. In stratified analyses, LHT did not increase the risk of recurrence among tamoxifen-treated patients (RR: 0.83, 95 % CI 0.51-1.34), while the risk was not estimable among AI-treated patients since no patients receiving LHT experienced a recurrence. The use of LHT is not associated with an increase in breast cancer recurrence among women receiving a hormone therapy.

Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia sobre la prevención y el tratamiento de la atrofia vaginal

Vaginal atrophy, caused by estrogen deficiency, leads to the development of symptoms that affect quality of life.Treatment aims to restore the urogenital physiology and relieve symptoms. For symptoms such as vaginal dryness or dyspareunia associated with vaginal atrophy, the first line treatments are moisturizers (Evidence IA) and vaginal lubricants (Evidence IIB). If these treatments fail to provide sufficient improvement in symptoms or when the symptoms are moderate-to-intense, estrogen can be used. Estrogens are the most effective treatments. In patients with vaginal atrophy alone, the choice is local estrogen therapy (Evidence IA). In patients who also have vasomotor symptoms affecting quality of life, treatment consists of systemic hormone replacement therapy (Evidence IA). Low dose oestrogens are a first line pharmacological treatment for atrophic vaginitis.

Is LESS is actually more?

There has been significant evolution in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Prior to the mid-urethral tapes, options of transvaginal needle suspension, Burch colposuspension, and the autologous facial slings were available. A minimally invasive sling using polypropylene tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) was introduced in 1996. Since then, several attempts have been made to make this procedure even less invasive. The first major adjustment, the trans-obturator approach, appears to have good long-term results, with comparative trials showing fairly equivalent efficacy between the retropubic and transobturator approaches. The most recent modification is a transvaginal single-incision sling using polypropylene tape. Hinoul and colleagues in a multi-institutional study, prospectively compared the efficacy of the Gynecare TVT™ Obturator (TVT-O) sling with single-incision Gynecare TVT Secur™ sling in 194 randomly assigned patients. The authors excluded patients with a prior failed repair for SUI, prolapse of stage II or more, and those requiring concomitant surgery, from their study. The primary outcome was defined as 12-month objective SUI cure rate, determined using a standing cough stress test at a bladder volume of 300 mL or a volume greater than 70% of the maximum bladder capacity based on the patient's bladder diary. Secondary outcome measures included subjective evaluation of voiding and SUI, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and quality-of-life outcomes using the Dutch version of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI). In this study, authors found that objective SUI cure rates were higher with TVT-O at both 6 and 12 months. At 6 months, SUI was identified in 24.4% of TVT Secur patients compared with none of the TVT-O patients (P < 0.0001) and at 12 months, SUI was identified in 16.4% of TVT Secur patients compared with 2.4% of TVT-O patients (P = 0.002). A similar observation was seen with subjective SUI outcomes at 24 months, with 24% of TVT Secur patients complaining of SUI vs 8.3% of TVT-O patients. De-novo urgency and/or urge incontinence at 12 months were noted in 23% of TVT Secur patients and 16.7% of TVT-O patients, which was not statistically significant. Anticholinergic treatment was given for 12 TVT Secur and 14 TVT-O patients during the first 12 months after surgery. A significantly greater improvement in the urinary incontinence subscale of the UDI was noted in TVT-O patients compared with TVT Secur patients. The authors observed less pain with TVT Secur, with patients having a lower VAS pain score the first 2 weeks after surgery (but not thereafter), and less need for analgesics the first 5 days after surgery (but not thereafter). Mesh exposures were noted in 7 of 96 TVT Secur patients, all of which required surgical closure as compared to one in TVT-O group, in which mesh exposure resolved with local estrogen therapy. In TVT-O group, 92% were available for follow-up at 12 months compared with 65% only in the TVT Secur arm. At the end of one year, 8 patients in TVT Secur group had retreatment with another procedure (type not specified) and 6 patients of TVT Secur arm awaiting next procedure for unresolved SUI. Two patients in the TVT-O arm underwent tape release for persistent voiding symptoms.

Management of vulvovaginal atrophy-related sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women

Menopause and its transition represent significant risk factors for the development of vulvovaginal atrophy-related sexual dysfunction. The objective of this study was to review the hormonal and nonhormonal therapies available for postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy-related sexual dysfunction, focusing on practical recommendations through a literature review of the most relevant publications in this field. This study is a literature review. Available vaginal estrogen preparations are conjugated equine estrogens, estradiol vaginal cream, a sustained-release intravaginal estradiol ring, or a low-dose estradiol tablet. Vaginal estrogen preparations with the lowest systemic absorption rate may be preferred in women with history of breast cancer and severe vaginal atrophy. Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers applied on a regular basis have an efficacy comparable with that of local estrogen therapy and should be offered to women wishing to avoid the use of vaginal estrogens. Oral, transdermal, or vaginal estrogen preparations are the most effective treatment options for vulvovaginal atrophy-related sexual dysfunction. Selective estrogen receptor modulators such as lasofoxifene and ospemifene showed a positive impact on vaginal tissue in postmenopausal women. Vaginal dehydroepiandrostenedione, vaginal testosterone, and tissue selective estrogen complexes are also emerging as promising new therapies; however, further studies are warranted to confirm their efficacy and safety.

Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes (VIVA) – results from an international survey

Objective To assess knowledge of vaginal atrophy among women using the Vaginal Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes (VIVA) survey.Methods A structured online questionnaire was used to obtain information from 3520 postmenopausal women aged 55–65 years living in Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway.Results In total, 45% of women reported experiencing vaginal symptoms. Only 4% of women attributed these symptoms to vaginal atrophy, and 63% failed to recognize vaginal atrophy as a chronic condition. Overall, 44% of respondents did not have a gynecologist, but this percentage varied between countries. Most women (75%) felt that vaginal atrophy had a negative impact on life, but this perception also showed country-specific differences. Most Finnish respondents (76%) were satisfied with the amount of information available about vaginal atrophy, compared with just 37–42% of women from other countries. Most women used over-the-counter products for vaginal atrophy symptoms, but specific means of treating the underlying cause were less well known. Almost half (46%) of all respondents lacked knowledge about local estrogen therapy, with women in Great Britain, the United States and Canada being most likely to lack knowledge of such treatment. Overall, 30% of women would consider taking local estrogen therapy, with vaginal tablets being the preferred option in all countries.Conclusion Postmenopausal women have a low understanding of vaginal atrophy. Medical practitioners should proactively raise this topic, help patients to understand that vaginal atrophy is a chronic condition, and discuss treatment options. Country-specific approaches may be required.

Prévenir les complications de la chirurgie prothétique du prolapsus : recommandations pour la pratique clinique – Revue de la littérature

To provide guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning the adverse events related to surgical procedures involving the use of prosthetic meshes. French and English-language articles from Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database were searched, using key words (mesh ; pelvic organ prolapse ; cystocele ; rectocele ; uterine prolapse ; complications ; adverse event ; sacral colpopexy ; extrusion ; infection...). As with any surgery, it is recommended to provide a perioperative smoking cessation (expert opinion) and comply with the prevention of nosocomial infections (regulatory requirement). There is no evidence to recommend routine local or systemic estrogen therapy before or after prolapse surgery using mesh, regardless of the surgical approach (grade C). Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended, regardless of the approach (expert opinion). It is recommended to seek a pre-operative urinary tract infection and treat it (expert opinion). The first cases should be made under the guidance of an experienced surgeon in the relevant technique (grade C). It is recommended not to place a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the rectovaginal septum when a rectal injury occurs (expert opinion). The placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the vesicovaginal septum may be considered after the suture of a bladder injury if the suture is considered to be satisfactory (expert opinion). If a synthetic mesh is placed by vaginal route, it is recommended to use a macroporous polypropylene monofilament mesh (grade B). It is recommended not to use polyester mesh for vaginal surgery (grade B). It is allowed to perform a hysterectomy associated with the placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh placed by vaginal route but this is not routinely recommended (expert opinion). It is recommended to minimize the extent of the colpectomy (expert opinion). Laparoscopic approach is recommended for sacral colpopexy (grade C). It is recommended not to place and suture meshes by vaginal route when a sacral colpopexy is performed (grade B). It is recommended not to use silicone-coated polyester, porcine dermis, fascia lata, and polytétrafluoroéthylène meshes (grade B). It is recommended to use polyester (without silicone coating) or polypropylene meshes (grade C). Suture of the meshes to the promontory can be performed using thread/needle or tacker (grade C). A peritonization is recommended to cover the meshes (grade C). If hysterectomy is required, it is recommended to perform a subtotal hysterectomy (grade C). Implementation of this guideline should decrease the prevalence of complications related to surgical procedures involving the use of prosthetic meshes.

Identifying and Treating Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women: The Role of Estrogen

Sexual dysfunction is a common, but frequently overlooked, problem in postmenopausal women. At menopause, dramatic decreases in circulating estrogen concentrations cause physiologic changes that may affect sexual function, most notably the development of vulvovaginal atrophy. Vulvovaginal atrophy often leads to vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, reduced lubrication, dyspareunia, and vaginal bleeding associated with sexual activity. Estrogen deficiency also can affect other aspects of sexual function, including reduced vaginal blood flow and a reduced capacity for arousal and orgasm. As estrogen loss is a significant cause of sexual dysfunction in menopausal women, estrogen therapy is a logical treatment option in this population. Although both systemic and local estrogen therapy improve vaginal health and sexual functioning, local vaginal therapy with estrogen creams, rings, or tablets may be more appropriate for women without other indications for systemic estrogen therapy. These therapies are highly effective in reversing vaginal atrophy, improving vaginal symptomatology, and reducing dyspareunia, and may have effects on other dimensions of sexual function. Emerging treatments, such as ultra-low-dose vaginal estradiol tablets, new selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are other promising options for postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy and sexual dysfunction.

Severe atrophic vaginitis causing vaginal synechiae and hematocolpos at menopause

Vaginal atrophy caused by decreased levels of ovarian estrogen production is common at menopause. Atrophic vaginitis severe enough to result in vaginal stricture of the upper two thirds of the vagina and subsequent hematocolpos is unusual. A 53-year-old woman presented with nonvisualization of the cervix at the time of her annual examination. Pelvic ultrasound reported a "vaginal cyst," and the final diagnosis of hematocolpos was made by magnetic resonance imaging. The woman was managed with surgical excision of vaginal synechiae followed by local vaginal estrogen therapy and dilators, with satisfactory results. Untreated severe atrophic vaginitis at menopause can result in a shortened vagina and hematocolpos. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful to characterize vaginal pathology in postmenopausal women.

Role of Hormone Therapy in the Management of Menopause

There are many options available to address the quality of life and health concerns of menopausal women. The principal indication for hormone therapy (HT) is the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, and benefits generally outweigh risks for healthy women with bothersome symptoms who elect HT at the time of menopause. Although HT increases the risk of coronary heart disease, recent analyses confirm that this increased risk occurs principally in older women and those a number of years beyond menopause. These findings do not support a role for HT in the prevention of heart disease but provide reassurance regarding the safety of use for hot flushes and night sweats in otherwise healthy women at the menopausal transition. An increased risk of breast cancer with extended use is another reason short-term treatment is advised. Hormone therapy prevents and treats osteoporosis but is rarely used solely for this indication. If only vaginal symptoms are present, low-dose local estrogen therapy is preferred. Contraindications to HT use include breast or endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disease, thromboembolic disorders, and active liver disease. Alternatives to HT should be advised for women with or at increased risk for these disorders. The lowest effective estrogen dose should be provided for the shortest duration necessary because risks increase with increasing age, time since menopause, and duration of use. Women must be informed of the potential benefits and risks of all therapeutic options, and care should be individualized, based on a woman's medical history, needs, and preferences.

Recognizing and Treating Urogenital Atrophy in Postmenopausal Women

Urogenital atrophy resulting from postmenopausal estrogen deficiency has numerous clinical effects, including vaginal dryness, sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), all of which can cause significant distress and reduction in quality of life. Although nearly one third to one half of postmenopausal women experience these symptoms, they are often overlooked because patients may be reluctant to discuss them and clinicians fail to screen for them. As these symptoms are unlikely to resolve without treatment, the prompt diagnosis and treatment of urogenital atrophy is essential. Estrogen therapy, administered either locally or systemically, provides significant relief from symptoms related to urogenital atrophy. However, systemic estrogen therapy is contraindicated in some women and may not be accepted in women without other menopausal symptoms. Local low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy, in the form of vaginal estrogen tablets, creams, or rings, has been shown to reduce dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, restore vaginal pH, and restore normal vaginal cytology. All forms of vaginal estrogen therapy are effective and well tolerated, although vaginal tablets and rings may have fewer adverse effects and have higher rates of adherence than creams.

Efficacy and tolerability of local estrogen therapy for urogenital atrophy

This study aimed to identify vaginal discomfort in the form of dryness, itching, burning, and dyspareunia, which remains an inadequately addressed clinical problem for many postmenopausal women, and to describe the age or menopause-related dysfunction of the female urethral tract, which is prevalent. Medical literature on the incidence and treatment of vulvovaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women was reviewed. Urogenital atrophy should not be considered an inevitable consequence of menopause because various hormonal and nonhormonal products are available to relieve symptoms. Estrogen deficiency is the primary cause of atrophic urogenital changes, and postmenopausal estrogen therapy is the most logical choice for treatment. All available low-dose local estrogen formulations are effective, but the optimal dose and preferred mode of estrogen administration to achieve symptom relief can vary from woman to woman. Individualization of therapy is the key to balancing the desired local effects of topical vaginal estrogens with potential systemic effects, which may or may not be desired. This article reviews the use of products for the management of urogenital atrophy in terms of their efficacy, safety, and other characteristics that may influence prescribing and woman's preference.

Einfluss von HRT auf Haut und Haare

Hormonal changes due to the menopause may induce troublesome alterations of skin and hair. Some effects of skin ageing can be counteracted by local estrogen therapy. However, due to insufficient data systemic hormone therapy is not recommended for this indication. There are various hair diseases in dermatology. This report focuses on those relevant for the gynaecological practice at menopause. Androgenetical alopecia in women may be clinically evaluated by the Ludwig scale and hirsutism by the Ferriman-Gallwey index. Furthermore a 3-step laboratory testing and trichogram for alopecia are recommended. Androgenetical alopecia should be treated locally (2% minoxidil solution, alfatradiol). Hirsutism treatment involves topical (eflornithine) and systemic options (steroidal and non-steroidal DHT receptor inhibitors, 5α-reductase inhibitor).

P14.01: Effects of systemic and local estrogen therapy on periurethral vessels in postmenopausal incontinent women using Doppler velocimetry analysis

P14.01: Effects of systemic and local estrogen therapy on periurethral vessels in postmenopausal incontinent women using Doppler velocimetry analysis

Pharmacotherapy for women's sexual dysfunction

Background: Women's sexual function is known to be strongly influenced by mental health and relationship factors. Biological factors interrupting sexual function that might potentially be remedied by pharmacological agents are less clear. Objectives: To examine the role of medications for women's sexual dysfunction. Methods: Searches were done using Medline, Embase, Lilacs and Pubmed databases. Conclusions: Although drugs designed to boost initial sexual desire have been trialed, amelioration of reduced sexual arousability may be a more appropriate target. There is limited evidence of pharmacological benefit to arousability so far. Local oestrogen therapy benefits reduced genital vasocongestion from vulvar vaginal atrophy. Drugs acting to enhance the actions of nitric oxide or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide can only benefit reduced genital congestion: most women complaining of low arousal have normal genital vasocongestion in response to sexual stimulation. In the context of autonomic neuropathies, phosphodiesterase inhibitors may be indicated. Early results of sexual benefit from local administration of dihydroepiandrosterone allowing intracellular production of oestrogen and testosterone in genital tissues post menopause seem promising.

Local Effects of Vaginally Administered Estrogen Therapy: A Review.

The results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) led to a distinct decline in the routine use of estrogen as preventive therapy for vasomotor symptoms, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. Without estrogen replacement, one third of women experience symptoms of atrophic vaginitis including dryness, irritation, itching and or dyspareunia. Local application of estrogen has been shown to relieve these symptoms and improve quality of life for these women. In addition, local estrogen therapy may have a favorable effect on sexuality, urinary tract infections, vaginal surgery, and incontinence. This review examines the effects of vaginally applied estrogen on the vaginal epithelium, urethra and endometrium. An accompanying review examines the systemic effects of vaginally applied estrogen.

Cranberry and Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to the presence of clinical signs and symptoms arising from the genitourinary tract plus the presence of one or more micro-organisms in the urine exceeding a threshold value for significance (ranges from 102 to 103 colony-forming units/mL). Infections are localized to the bladder (cystitis), renal parenchyma (pyelonephritis) or prostate (acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis). Single UTI episodes are very common, especially in adult women where there is a 50-fold predominance compared with adult men. In addition, recurrent UTIs are also common, occurring in up to one-third of women after first-episode UTIs. Recurrences requiring intervention are usually defined as two or more episodes over 6 months or three or more episodes over 1 year (this definition applies only to young women with acute uncomplicated UTIs). A cornerstone of prevention of UTI recurrence has been the use of low-dose once-daily or post-coital antimicrobials; however, much interest has surrounded non-antimicrobial-based approaches undergoing investigation such as use of probiotics, vaccines, oligosaccharide inhibitors of bacterial adherence and colonization, and bacterial interference with immunoreactive extracts of Escherichia coli. Local (intravaginal) estrogen therapy has had mixed results to date. Cranberry products in a variety of formulations have also undergone extensive evaluation over several decades in the management of UTIs. At present, there is no evidence that cranberry can be used to treat UTIs. Hence, the focus has been on its use as a preventative strategy. Cranberry has been effective in vitro and in vivo in animals for the prevention of UTI. Cranberry appears to work by inhibiting the adhesion of type I and P-fimbriated uropathogens (e.g. uropathogenic E. coli) to the uroepithelium, thus impairing colonization and subsequent infection. The isolation of the component(s) of cranberry with this activity has been a daunting task, considering the hundreds of compounds found in the fruit and its juice derivatives. Reasonable evidence suggests that the anthocyanidin/proanthocyanidin moieties are potent antiadhesion compounds. However, problems still exist with standardization of cranberry products, which makes it extremely difficult to compare products or extrapolate results. Unfortunately, most clinical trials have had design deficiencies and none have evaluated specific key cranberry-derived compounds considered likely to be active moieties (e.g. proanthocyanidins). In general, the preventive efficacy of cranberry has been variable and modest at best. Meta-analyses have established that recurrence rates over 1 year are reduced approximately 35% in young to middle-aged women. The efficacy of cranberry in other groups (i.e. elderly, paediatric patients, those with neurogenic bladder, those with chronic indwelling urinary catheters) is questionable. Withdrawal rates have been quite high (up to 55%), suggesting that these products may not be acceptable over long periods. Adverse events include gastrointestinal intolerance, weight gain (due to the excessive calorie load) and drug-cranberry interactions (due to the inhibitory effect of flavonoids on cytochrome P450-mediated drug metabolism). The findings of the Cochrane Collaboration support the potential use of cranberry products in the prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs in young and middle-aged women. However, in light of the heterogeneity of clinical study designs and the lack of consensus regarding the dosage regimen and formulation to use, cranberry products cannot be recommended for the prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs at this time.

Infected urocolpos and generalized peritonitis secondary to labia minora adhesions

Introduction Labia minora adhesions (LMA) are a common finding in young girls. Usually, this condition is asymptomatic and spontaneously disappears during adolescence. We report on a case revealed by infected urocolpos and peritonitis and whose treatment finally required surgical reduction labioplasty. Case report A 9-year-old girl presented with a 2-day history of abdominal pain and fever. Urinary continence had never been obtained, with diurnal leaks. Physical examination showed signs of peritoneal irritation and a subtotal vulvar obstruction due to LMA. At surgery, after LMA lysis, a large amount of cloudy urine-like fluid emptied under pressure from the vagina. Laparoscopy showed generalized peritonitis without any intraabdominal cause. The same Escherichia coli was identified in the infected urocolpos and the abdominal fluid. Postoperative course was uneventful. Because of recurrent LMA, the patient underwent several courses of local estrogen therapy. Labia minora hypertrophy with LMA developed 2 years after peritonitis, requiring surgical reduction labioplasty. We used a new technique with interposition of skin flaps. The girl is now well, without LMA or infection, 4 years after labioplasty. Conclusion Although rare, subtotal vulvar obstruction because of LMA may lead to infected hydrocolpos and peritonitis. Recurrent LMA may necessitate surgical labioplasty.