Zinc-containing Vaginal Moisturizer Gel Improves Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Symptoms: A Pilot Study
- Author:
Peter TAKACS
1
;
Bence KOZMA
;
Balazs ERDODI
;
Attila JAKAB
;
Kindra LARSON
;
Robert POKA
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Zinc; Vagina; Menopause
- MeSH: Burns; Dyspareunia; Dysuria; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Menopause; Pilot Projects; Pruritus; Vagina; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; Zinc
- From:Journal of Menopausal Medicine 2019;25(1):63-68
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Although vaginal estrogen is highly effective in alleviating genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), some women are reluctant to use hormonal treatment. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a zinc-containing vaginal moisturizer gel on GSM. METHODS: Women with GSM were enrolled. Patients were asked to use the vaginal gel daily for 2 weeks. Vaginal Health Index (VHI) was calculated. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was obtained on vaginal pain, dryness, burning, itching, dyspareunia and dysuria before and 2 weeks after the completion of treatment. Vaginal cytology was obtained. Vulvovaginal symptom questionnaire (VSQ-21) was used to assess subjective symptoms. RESULTS: Thirty-seven women with GSM participated in the study. The VHI improved significantly (mean ± standard deviation, 13 ± 4 before vs. 17 ± 4 after treatment, P < 0.01). The patient reported VAS combined score was significantly lower after the treatment (18 ± 14 before vs. 7 ± 12 after treatment, P < 0.01). The largest improvement occurred in vaginal dryness. The maturation value did not change significantly. There were no signs of inflammation on vaginal cytology. VSQ-21 combined scores also improved significantly (7.9 ± 5.5 before vs. 2.7 ± 3.6 after the intervention, P < 0.01). Side effects were rare and minor. CONCLUSIONS: Novel zinc-containing vaginal moisturizer gel significantly improves postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms without serious side effects.
