Continuous low dose estradiol released from a vaginal ring versus estriol vaginal cream for urogenital atrophy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To determine if the efficacy of continuous low dose estradiol released from a vaginal ring is equivalent to estriol vaginal cream regarding improvement of the patient's subjective feeling of vaginal dryness and to determine if there is a preference for either of the two study treatments.

METHODS:

Open-label randomized parallel group trial with active control with a blind evaluation of vaginal cytology and with a cross-over (change-over) phase for preference comparison. One hundred and sixty five postmenopausal women with symptoms of vaginal dryness and signs of vaginal atrophy were randomized to an estradiol ring (Estring) or estriol cream (Synapause). The duration of each treatment period was 12 weeks.

RESULTS:

Both study treatments were equally effective regarding the ability to alleviate the symptom feeling of vaginal dryness and the signs of vaginal atrophy. Both treatments were efficient in restoring the vaginal mucosa, recorded as higher maturation values and as decreased vaginal pH. Estring was superior to estriol cream regarding preference of treatment. Both treatments were equivalent for the occurrence of adverse events, including bleeding.

CONCLUSION:

data from this change-over study confirm efficacy and safety of both the vaginal ring and cream in the treatment of postmenopausal women with urogenital atrophy symptoms and signs. The patients had a strong preference for the vaginal ring.

• Authors: R Barentsen, P H van de Weijer, J H Schram
• Journal: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology (Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol) Vol. 71 Issue 1 Pg. 73-80 (Jan 1997) ISSN: 0301-2115 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 9031963 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies
• Estradiol
• Estriol

Topics

• Administration, Intravaginal
• Atrophy
• Cross-Over Studies
• Estradiol (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Estriol (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
• Middle Aged
• Mucous Membrane (pathology)
• Patient Satisfaction
• Postmenopause
• Vagina (pathology)
• Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies