The effect of vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories on tamoxifen-induced vaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer
Keshavarzi Z, Janghorban R, Alipour S, Tahmasebi S, Jokar A
Published in Support Care Cancer, Vol. 27 (4), pp. 1325-1334
Methodology
Triple-blind randomised trial in women with breast cancer taking tamoxifen who had symptoms of vaginal atrophy: nightly vaginal suppositories of vitamin E, vitamin D or placebo for 8 weeks (32 per group). Outcomes were a genitourinary atrophy self-assessment, vaginal pH and the Vaginal Maturation Index.
Key Findings
By week 8 both vitamin suppositories raised the Vaginal Maturation Index, lowered vaginal pH and improved self-reported genitourinary atrophy symptoms compared with placebo (all P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Vitamin D and E vaginal suppositories improved tamoxifen-induced vaginal atrophy and could be used where hormone therapy is not allowed.
Limitations
Single centre, 8 weeks only; the abstract does not give the suppository doses or effect sizes. Population limited to tamoxifen users.
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