Low-dose vaginal estrogens or vaginal moisturizer in breast cancer survivors with urogenital atrophy: a preliminary study

The study aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two low-dose vaginal estrogen treatments (ETs) and of a non-hormonal vaginal moisturizer in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors with urogenital atrophy. Eighteen patients receiving estriol cream 0.25 mg (n = 10) or estradiol tablets 12.5 mu g (n = 8) twice/week for 12 weeks were evaluated and compared with eight patients treated with polycarbophil-based moisturizer 2.5 g twice/week. Severity of vaginal atrophy was assessed using subjective [Vaginal Symptoms Score (VSS), Profile of Female Sexual Function (PFSF)] and objective [Vaginal Health Index (VHI), Karyopycnotic Index (KI)] evaluations, while safety by measuring endometrial thickness and serum sex hormones levels. After 4 weeks, VSS and VHI were significantly improved by both vaginal ETs, with further improvement after 12 weeks. PFSF improved significantly only in estriol group (p = 0.02). Safety measurements did not significantly change. Vaginal moisturizer improved VSS at week 4 (p = 0.01), but score returned to pre-treatment values at week 12; no significant modification of VHI, KI, PFSF was recorded. Both low-dose vaginal ET are effective for relieving urogenital atrophy, while non-hormonal moisturizer only provides transient benefit. The increase of serum estrogens levels during treatment with vaginal estrogen at these dosages is minimal.