Effects of prasterone vaginal: A Synthesis of Findings from 24 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Multiple studies have shown that prasterone vaginal is effective in treating symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), including dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) and vaginal dryness, in postmenopausal women. 18 , 11 , 21 , 23 , 15 Prasterone vaginal is thought to work by increasing estrogen and androgen levels in the vagina, improving vaginal tissue, and reducing inflammation. 12 Prasterone vaginal is administered locally and does not significantly affect blood hormone levels, which makes it a safer alternative to estrogen therapy for women with a history of breast cancer or those at risk for blood clots. 10

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Prasterone vaginal has the potential to improve symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, including dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, in postmenopausal women. 18 , 11 , 21 , 23 , 15 It may also improve sexual function. 19 , 20 Since prasterone vaginal is administered locally and does not significantly affect blood hormone levels, it may pose a lower risk of breast cancer and blood clots compared to estrogen therapy. 10

Risk Summary

Prasterone vaginal is generally considered safe. 15 , 10 However, some side effects have been reported, such as increased vaginal discharge, vaginal pain, and vaginal itching. 10 It is unclear if prasterone vaginal is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. 9 If you are considering using prasterone vaginal, talk to your doctor.

Comparison of Studies

Commonalities of Studies

Multiple studies have shown that prasterone vaginal is effective in treating symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) including dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) and vaginal dryness, in postmenopausal women. 18 , 11 , 21 , 23 , 15 It is also consistently found that prasterone vaginal is administered locally and does not significantly affect blood hormone levels. 10

Differences of Studies

There is some variation in the findings of different studies regarding the effectiveness and side effects of prasterone vaginal. 9 These differences could be attributed to factors such as the age and symptoms of the women in the studies, the dosage of prasterone vaginal used, and the design of the studies. 16 To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the effects and side effects of prasterone vaginal, a thorough evaluation of findings across multiple studies is necessary.

Consistency and Discrepancies of Results

Multiple studies have shown that prasterone vaginal is effective in treating symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) including dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) and vaginal dryness, in postmenopausal women. 18 , 11 , 21 , 23 , 15 However, there are some discrepancies in the results of different studies regarding the effectiveness and side effects of prasterone vaginal. 9 These inconsistencies could be attributed to factors such as the age and symptoms of the women in the studies, the dosage of prasterone vaginal used, and the design of the studies. 16 Further research is needed to gather more detailed information on the effects and side effects of prasterone vaginal.

Considerations for Real-World Application

Prasterone vaginal has the potential to improve symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, including dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, in postmenopausal women. 18 , 11 , 21 , 23 , 15 However, it is crucial to consult with a doctor before considering the use of prasterone vaginal to determine if it is the right treatment option for you. 9 This is particularly important for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a history of breast cancer, or are taking other medications. 10 , 8

Limitations of Current Research

There is limited data available on the long-term safety of prasterone vaginal. 9 Additionally, it is unclear if prasterone vaginal is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. 9 Future research is necessary to gather more comprehensive information on the long-term safety and effects on pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Directions for Future Research

More research is needed to further investigate the long-term safety and effectiveness of prasterone vaginal. 9 Studies on the safety of prasterone vaginal during pregnancy and breastfeeding are also crucial. 9 Moreover, more research is required to understand the effects of prasterone vaginal on sexual function in postmenopausal women.

Conclusion

Prasterone vaginal has the potential to improve symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, including dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, in postmenopausal women. 18 , 11 , 21 , 23 , 15 It is also considered a safer alternative to estrogen therapy for women with a history of breast cancer or those at risk for blood clots. 10 However, it is important to consult with your doctor before using prasterone vaginal to determine if it is the right treatment option for you. 9 Further research is needed to explore the long-term safety of prasterone vaginal and its effects on pregnant and breastfeeding women. 9

Literature analysis of 24 papers
Positive Content
22
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
1
Article Type
8
2
0
7
23
1.

Efficacy of propylthiouracil in the treatment of pregnancy with hyperthyroidism and its effect on pregnancy outcomes: A meta-analysis.

Author: MiaoYiqun, XuYang, TengPing, WangAihua, ZhangYuanyuan, ZhouYun, LiuWenwen

Improved pregnancy outcomes
Safe treatment

This meta-analysis found that propylthiouracil (PTU) treatment for hyperthyroidism during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies, neonatal hypothyroidism, or hepatotoxicity. The findings support the use of PTU during pregnancy with hyperthyroidism to improve clinical pregnancy outcomes in patients with thyroid dysfunction.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.

Language : English

4.

The therapeutic effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on vulvovaginal atrophy.

Author: WangJing, WangLing

VVA treatment
Estrogen side effects

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) shows promise for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy, especially in women with contraindications to estrogen. This review explores the latest developments in VVA and the efficacy of DHEA.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

An overview of dehydroepiandrosterone (EM-760) as a treatment option for genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Author: HoltonMichelle, ThorneChelsea, GoldsteinAndrew T

Dyspareunia Treatment
Vulvovaginal Atrophy

This article reviews the use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, prasterone) for the treatment of dyspareunia caused by vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Intravaginal DHEA is effective for dyspareunia and may be effective for other types of sexual dysfunction related to menopause. Further research is needed to explore optimal dosing regimens and other potential indications.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

7.

Practical Treatment Considerations in the Management of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

Author: KaganRisa, Kellogg-SpadtSusan, ParishSharon J

Effective treatment options
Improved quality of life

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which is a progressive condition that does not resolve without treatment and can adversely affect a woman’s quality of life, is a condition comprising the atrophic symptoms and signs women may experience in the vulvovaginal and bladder-urethral areas as a result of the loss of sex steroids that occurs with menopause.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

8.

Vulvovaginal atrophy in women after cancer.

Author: CoxP, PanayN

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
VVA

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a common consequence of menopause and cancer therapies. This review discusses the impact of VVA on women's health and quality of life, highlighting the need for open communication and appropriate treatment options, including estrogen, dehydroepiandrosterone, ospemifene, and laser therapy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

11.

Efficacy of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on moderate to severe dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, and of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Author: LabrieFernand, ArcherDavid F, KoltunWilliam, VachonAndrée, YoungDouglas, FrenetteLouise, PortmanDavid, MontesinoMarlene, CôtéIsabelle, ParentJulie, LavoieLyne, BScAdam Beauregard, MartelCéline, VaillancourtMario, BalserJohn, MoyneurÉrick,

Vulvovaginal atrophy treatment
Vaginal discharge

Daily intravaginal administration of 0.50% (6.5 mg) DHEA (Prasterone) significantly decreased parabasal cells, increased superficial cells, decreased vaginal pH, and improved pain at sexual activity (dyspareunia) in postmenopausal women.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

The role of androgens in the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM): International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) expert consensus panel review.

Author: SimonJames A, GoldsteinIrwin, KimNoel N, DavisSusan R, Kellogg-SpadtSusan, LowensteinLior, PinkertonJoAnn V, StuenkelCynthia A, TraishAbdulmaged M, ArcherDavid F, BachmannGloria, GoldsteinAndrew T, NappiRossella E, VignozziLinda

Genitourinary symptom relief

Vaginal dehydroepiandrosterone is effective for managing dyspareunia in menopause. Vaginal testosterone offers potential as a treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, but more studies are needed.

Consensus Development ConferenceA conference organized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop consensus and recommendations on medical issues.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

13.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

Author: ShifrenJan L

GSM treatment
Estrogen deficiency
Vulvovaginal atrophy

This article discusses genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), a prevalent medical condition with adverse effects on the health and quality of life of midlife women. The article highlights the availability of effective treatment options, including nonhormonal lubricants, physical therapy, vaginal estrogen therapy, and ospemifene.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

14.

Maintaining physiologic testosterone levels during combined oral contraceptives by adding dehydroepiandrosterone: II. Effects on sexual function. A phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Author: van LunsenRik H W, ZimmermanYvette, Coelingh BenninkHerjan J T, TermeerHanneke M M, AppelsNicole, FauserBart C J M, LaanEllen

Improved sexual function
Decreased sexual function
Hormonal changes

Combined oral contraceptives were associated with a decrease in some measures of sexual functioning, but DHEA co-administration may prevent these effects, particularly in women with higher free testosterone levels.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIA Phase II trial is a trial that further evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose safety has been confirmed to some extent in a Phase I trial, in a small number of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

15.

Systemic and local effects of vaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): NCCTG N10C1 (Alliance).

Author: BartonDebra L, ShusterLynne T, DockterTravis, AthertonPamela J, ThielenJacqueline, BirrellStephen N, SoodRicha, GriffinPatricia, TerstriepShelby A, MattarBassam, LafkyJacqueline M, LoprinziCharles L

Vaginal symptoms relief
Hormone-dependent cancers

This study evaluated the impact of vaginal DHEA on hormone concentrations, bone turnover, and vaginal cytology in postmenopausal women with a cancer history. Vaginal DHEA resulted in increased hormone concentrations, though still in the lowest half or quartile of the postmenopausal range, and provided more favorable effects on vaginal cytology, compared to a plain moisturizer. Estrogen concentrations in women on aromatase inhibitors were not changed.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

16.

Combined data of intravaginal prasterone against vulvovaginal atrophy of menopause.

Author: LabrieFernand, ArcherDavid F, MartelCéline, VaillancourtMario, MontesinoMarlene

Improved sexual function
Prasterone for VVA

Intravaginal prasterone demonstrated highly positive effects on all the symptoms and signs of vulvovaginal atrophy with no significant drug-related side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

17.

Comparison of intravaginal 6.5mg (0.50%) prasterone, 0.3mg conjugated estrogens and 10μg estradiol on symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy.

Author: ArcherDavid F, LabrieFernand, MontesinoMarlene, MartelCéline

VVA symptom treatment
Systemic effects

Intravaginal prasterone (DHEA) appears to be at least as effective as conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) or estradiol (E2) in treating vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms like dyspareunia and vaginal dryness.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

18.

Efficacy of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on moderate to severe dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, and of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Author: LabrieFernand, ArcherDavid F, KoltunWilliam, VachonAndrée, YoungDouglas, FrenetteLouise, PortmanDavid, MontesinoMarlene, CôtéIsabelle, ParentJulie, LavoieLyne, BeauregardAdam, MartelCéline, VaillancourtMario, BalserJohn, MoyneurÉrick,

Improved epithelial integrity
Improved epithelial thickness
Improved vaginal color
Improved vaginal dryness
Improved vaginal secretions
Increased superficial cells
Reduced pain at sexual activity
Reduced parabasal cells
Reduced vaginal pH
Vaginal discharge

Intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (6.5 mg) was shown to be effective in improving vaginal dryness and dyspareunia in women with vulvovaginal atrophy. The treatment was well tolerated, with the only common side effect being vaginal discharge.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

19.

Effect of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the female sexual function in postmenopausal women: ERC-230 open-label study.

Author: BouchardCéline, LabrieFernand, DerogatisLeonard, GirardGinette, AyotteNormand, GallagherJohn, CusanLeonello, ArcherDavid F, PortmanDavid, LavoieLyne, BeauregardAdam, CôtéIsabelle, MartelCéline, VaillancourtMario, BalserJohn, MoyneurErick,

Improved sexual function

Intravaginal DHEA is a potential treatment for improving sexual function in postmenopausal women.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

20.

Effect of Intravaginal Prasterone on Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women with Vulvovaginal Atrophy.

Author: LabrieFernand, DerogatisLeonard, ArcherDavid F, KoltunWilliam, VachonAndrée, YoungDouglas, FrenetteLouise, PortmanDavid, MontesinoMarlene, CôtéIsabelle, ParentJulie, LavoieLyne, BeauregardAdam, MartelCéline, VaillancourtMario, BalserJohn, MoyneurÉrick,

Improved sexual function

Daily intravaginal DHEA was found to improve all six domains of female sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain at sexual activity, over placebo in a placebo-controlled, prospective, double-blind and randomized study. The total Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score showed a 41.3% greater change in the DHEA group than placebo. The study confirmed the previously observed benefits of intravaginal DHEA on female sexual dysfunction and demonstrated that the effects were exerted exclusively at the level of the vagina without any significant changes in serum steroid levels.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

21.

Influence of treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy with intravaginal prasterone on the male partner.

Author: LabrieF, MontesinoM, ArcherD F, LavoieL, BeauregardA, CôtéI, MartelC, VaillancourtM, BalserJ, MoyneurE,

Improved vaginal dryness

The study found that men whose partners were treated with intravaginal DHEA for vulvovaginal atrophy reported a significant improvement in their partner's vaginal dryness, with 36% reporting no vaginal dryness at the end of treatment compared to 7.8% in the placebo group. The men also reported an improved score of 1.09 units for the DHEA group compared to 0.76 for the placebo group, with 38% scoring very improved compared to 18% in the placebo group. No adverse events were reported.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

22.

Prasterone has parallel beneficial effects on the main symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy: 52-week open-label study.

Author: LabrieFernand, ArcherDavid F, BouchardCéline, GirardGinette, AyotteNormand, GallagherJohn C, CusanLeonello, BaronMira, BlouinFrançois, WaldbaumArthur S, KoltunWilliam, PortmanDavid J, CôtéIsabelle, LavoieLyne, BeauregardAdam, LabrieClaude, MartelCéline, BalserJohn, MoyneurÉrick,

Reduced dyspareunia
Reduced irritation/itching
Reduced vaginal dryness

Daily intravaginal administration of 0.5% DHEA (prasterone) for 52 weeks improved moderate to severe (MS) symptoms and signs of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) in postmenopausal women. The severity of the VVA symptoms examined in detail in the different groups.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

23.

Treatment of pain at sexual activity (dyspareunia) with intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (prasterone).

Author: ArcherDavid F, LabrieFernand, BouchardCéline, PortmanDavid J, KoltunWilliam, CusanLeonello, LabrieClaude, CôtéIsabelle, LavoieLyne, MartelCéline, BalserJohn,

Improved vaginal health
Reduced dyspareunia
None reported

Daily intravaginal prasterone (0.50%; 6.5 mg) treatment has clinically and statistically significant beneficial effects on vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), including a decrease in the percentage of parabasal cells, an increase in the percentage of superficial cells, a decrease in vaginal pH, and a reduction in the severity of dyspareunia.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

24.

DHEA replacement for postmenopausal women: placebo or panacea?

Author: EdenJ A

Clinical trials of oral DHEA have failed to show any health benefits for postmenopausal women. However, there may be a role for vaginal DHEA.

EditorialAn article in which the editor or publisher expresses their opinion or perspective on a particular topic or issue. Its purpose is to convey a specific message or idea to the reader.

Language : English

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