Ultra-low-dose estriol and lactobacilli in the local treatment of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy

ABSTRACT

Objective The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of an ultra-low-dose vaginal estriol 0.03 mg in combination with viable Lactobacillus acidophilus KS400 (Gynoflor^® vaginal tablets) in the short-term therapy and to investigate the long-term maintenance dose in the treatment of vaginal atrophy.

Methods This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study (Controlled phase – initial therapy) followed by an open-label follow-up (Open phase – test medication initial and maintenance therapy). Included were postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy symptoms and Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI) of ≤ 40%. The method of treatment was initial therapy with test medication (or placebo in first phase), one vaginal tablet daily for 12 days, followed by maintenance therapy, one tablet on two consecutive days weekly for 12 weeks.

Results A total of 87 women completed the study. The Controlled phase results for a change in VMI demonstrated superiority of the 0.03 mg estriol–lactobacilli combination to placebo (p < 0.001). In the test group, the positive change in VMI was 35.2%, compared to 9.9% in the placebo group. In the Open phase after the initial therapy, the VMI was increased to 55.4% and, during maintenance therapy, it stayed at a comparable level (52.8–49.4%). The maturation of epithelium was followed by improvement of clinical symptoms and normalization of the vaginal ecosystem.

Conclusions The ultra-low-dose, vaginal 0.03 mg estriol–lactobacilli combination (Gynoflor^®) was superior to placebo with respect to changes in VMI after the 12-day initial therapy, and the maintenance therapy of two tablets weekly was sufficient to prevent the relapse of vaginal atrophy.

Key words::

• VAGINAL ATROPHY
• ESTRIOL
• LACTOBACILLI
• VAGINAL MATURATION INDEX
• MAINTENANCE THERAPY

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Ms Rachanida Sirithorn, Ms Somtawin Pojjanasopanakun, Ms Tanimporn Ninlagarn and Mrs Rachanee Wongwathanavikrom for their study assistance and Dr Tun Myint Win for his comments on the manuscript.

Conflict of interest Dr Philipp Grob and Dr Valdas Prasauskas are employees of Medinova AG, Switzerland. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Source of funding This study was sponsored by Medinova AG, Switzerland.