Vitamin E as alternative local treatment in genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a randomized controlled trial
Golmakani N, Parnan Emamverdikhan A, Zarifian A, Sajadi Tabassi SA, Hassanzadeh M
Published in Int Urogynecol J, Vol. 30 (5), pp. 831-837
Methodology
Randomised trial in 52 postmenopausal women aged 40-65 with genitourinary syndrome of menopause in Mashhad, Iran (2013-2014). Vitamin E vaginal suppository versus conjugated estrogen vaginal cream for 12 weeks; primary outcome the Abbreviated Sexual Function Questionnaire at weeks 4, 8 and 12.
Key Findings
Sexual function scores rose significantly from baseline in both groups (P < 0.001), and the two treatments did not differ significantly.
Conclusions
A vitamin E vaginal suppository may be an alternative to vaginal estrogen for symptoms of vaginal atrophy, especially for women who cannot use hormone therapy.
Limitations
Small, no placebo arm, blinding not described in the abstract; 'no difference' from estrogen in 52 women does not prove equivalence. The abstract does not state the suppository dose (the companion report used 100 IU). Likely the same cohort as Parnan Emamverdikhan 2016.
Supplements Studied
a vitamin E vaginal suppository may be an alternative to vaginal estrogen
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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