Pre-and-post menopause vulvovaginal conditions
Atrophic changes, before, during and after menopause due to declining estrogen levels can result in a range of symptoms, including vaginal dryness and irritation as well as increase susceptibility to vulvovaginal trauma and infection.
Vaginal Atrophy
VA is a common genital condition, affecting up to 40%-57% of postmenopausal women with some report showing a prevalence up to 90%.
Up to 70% of patients affected by breast cancer present menopausal symptoms following chemotherapy or aromatase inhibitors treatments.
15% of the female population experiences symptoms of VAbefore menopause.
Vaginal dryness is the most prevalent and bothersome symptom as it affects up
to 93% of women with VA. 1-4
Vulvovaginitis
Vulvovaginitis is a common problem. It usually presents with itching and vaginal discharge.
The likely causes differ in girls, women and postmenopausal women. Most women will experience at least one episode in their lifetime.
The symptoms of vulvovaginitis include discharge, itch, pain, odor, dysuria and dyspareunia.
Common causes include candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and skin diseases affecting the vulva. 5
Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a chronic painful disorder with an estimated prevalence of 9-12%. A rising incidence of the condition constitutes a growing problem.
The pain often is described as “burning,” but it may be irritating, sharp, prickly, or, occasionally, pruritic, and it can be mild to severe.6
Treatment options for GSM
Lubricants and moisturizers provide temporary relief from vaginal dryness and pain during sex and are suitable mostly for women with mild to moderate symptoms.4
Hormonal therapy is the usual course of treatment for GSM, which includes estrogen-based treatments that can be
administered vaginally, orally, trans-dermally or subcutaneously.
Vaginally administrated products showing better results than the others. Excess estrogen levels are associated with side effects such as an increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, thromboembolic complications, and cerebrovascular diseases.4,7
Phytoestrogens could provide temporary relief of symptoms, however, due to insufficient research and limited data, they cannot yet be recommended as an alternative treatment option.4,7
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), recommend the use of non-hormonal options as the first choice for treatment of GSM in women with current or a history of estrogen-dependent breast cancer.
2,8
Minimally invasive procedures, using lasers and radiofrequency devices, have been introduced to reduce GSM symptoms and is often referred to as vaginal rejuvenation. The most common side effects of vaginal rejuvenation are redness, swelling, burning sensation and discomfort.9
Achieving symptom relief and finding an effective treatment for long-term use, without side effects and is crucial for both physicians and patients. 2,4
StrataMGT is indicated for long-term use to maintain the health of the mucosa without the side effects of vaginally administrated hormonal therapy.
