Vaginal Vitamin E for Treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Porterfield L, Wur N, Delgado ZS, Syed F, Song A, Weller SC
Published in J Menopausal Med, Vol. 28 (1), pp. 9-16
Methodology
Systematic review of randomised controlled trials published before October 2020 comparing vitamin E vaginal suppositories with placebo or another vaginal therapy in healthy postmenopausal women; outcome was patient-perceived genitourinary symptoms. Four of 31 screened studies met the criteria; no meta-analysis was pooled.
Key Findings
One 8-week trial (n = 42) found 1 mg vaginal vitamin E reduced vaginal symptoms more than placebo (difference in means 5.3, 95% CI 4.4 to 6.2). Another 8-week trial (n = 40) found 5 mg vaginal hyaluronic acid superior to 1 mg vitamin E (difference -0.50, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.05). Two 12-week trials (n = 52 each) found no difference between 0.5 g vaginal estrogen cream and 100 IU vaginal vitamin E.
Conclusions
Small, limited studies suggest vaginal vitamin E may relieve genitourinary symptoms of menopause; higher-quality trials are needed to settle efficacy, dosing and long-term safety.
Limitations
Only four small trials, all short (8-12 weeks), with different doses (1 mg to 100 IU) and comparators; the two estrogen-comparison trials appear to come from the same research group and period. No pooled estimate and no long-term safety data.
Supplements Studied
vaginal vitamin E may be effective in alleviating symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.