As more post menopausal women change to a low dose local vaginal estrogen to control vaginal atrophy, a group of experts have recommended that the FDA modify the package Black Box Warning label on the product packaging. The current warning is based on research done mainly on oral estrogen which is a systemic rather than local therapy. The local low-dose therapy, in fact, was designed to reduce estrogen exposure to the woman while still providing localized (vaginal) relief from vaginal atrophy. The panel of experts who wrote the editorial published in the journal Menopause, believe that the current warning is not based on this form of the estrogen and is harming women by discouraging their use of this very effective product that could improve their quality of life and prevent some serious health problems.
Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a common and progressive condition that is due to the lack of estrogen during and after the menopause. This results in the thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that can lead to painful sex and urinary disorders. Localized estrogen is an approved treatment for this disorder. To read more about menopause and the latest evidence based treatment options, visit MenopauseNU.org. a site developed by the Women's Health Research Institute at Northwestern University.
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Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) or atrophic vaginitis is a medical challenge because it is under-reported by women, under-recognized by health-care providers and, therefore, under-treated according to a new study out of Italy. More or less 50% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal discomfort attributable to VVA. Surveys suggest health-care providers should be proactive in order to help their patients to disclose the symptoms related to VVA and to seek adequate treatment when vaginal discomfort is clinically relevant. Women are poorly aware that VVA is a chronic condition with a significant impact on sexual health and quality of life and that effective and safe treatments may be available. Indeed, female sexual dysfunction and genitourinary conditions are more prevalent in women with VVA. That being so, it is very important to include VVA in the menopause agenda, by encouraging an open and sensible conversation on the topic of intimacy and performing a gynecological pelvic examination, if indicated. According to very recent guidelines for the appropriate management of VVA in clinical practice, it is essential to overcome the vaginal ‘taboo’ in order to optimize elderly women's health care. To learn more about menopause, visit menopause.northwestern.edu or read the full article :