Open AccessComparison of usefulness of estradiol vaginal tablets and estriol vagitories for treatment of vaginal atrophy
Author(s) -
DUGAL RANDI,
HESLA KNUT,
SØRDAL TERJE,
AASE KATHE HELEN,
LILLEEIDET ODDVAR,
WICKSTRØM EGIL
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2000.079004293.x
Subject(s) - vaginal atrophy , medicine , estriol , vaginitis , atrophy , vaginal disease , gynecology , estrogen , menopause , postmenopausal women , vagina , obstetrics , surgery
Background. Atrophic vaginitis is a common condition. This study compared the usefulness of estradiol vaginal tablets (EVT) and estriol vagitories (EV) in treatment of atrophic vaginitis. Methods. Ninety‐six postmenopausal women with symptoms of atrophic vaginitis were treated for 24 weeks with either EVT or with EV. Patients used the medication daily for the first 2 weeks of the study, and twice‐weekly thereafter. Results. Both EVT and EV were effective in treating vaginal atrophy and patients in both treatment groups experienced a significant improvement in vaginal symptoms such as itching, irritation, dryness, and dyspareunia. At the end of the study three (6%) EVT treated women reported leakage and none needed to use sanitary towels. Among the EV treated women 31 (65%) reported leakage and 14 (29%) required sanitary protection. Furthermore, 90% in the EVT group perceived the medication as hygienic compared to 79% in the EV group, and 49% in the EVT group indicated that the product was easy to use compared to 28% in the EV group. Endometrial thickness was increased (1.1 mm with EVT and 0.5 mm on EV) in both treatment groups during the first 2 weeks of the study, but returned to baseline levels when the frequency of drug application was reduced to twice‐weekly. Conclusions. Estradiol vaginal tablets provides an effective alternative to traditional forms of local estrogen therapy.