Management of vulvovaginal atrophy-related sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women:  an up-to-date review.
OBJECTIVE
Menopause and its transition represent significant risk factors for the development of vulvovaginal atrophy-related sexual dysfunction. The objective of this study was to review the hormonal and nonhormonal therapies available for postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy-related sexual dysfunction, focusing on practical recommendations through a literature review of the most relevant publications in this field.


METHODS
This study is a literature review.


RESULTS
Available vaginal estrogen preparations are conjugated equine estrogens, estradiol vaginal cream, a sustained-release intravaginal estradiol ring, or a low-dose estradiol tablet. Vaginal estrogen preparations with the lowest systemic absorption rate may be preferred in women with history of breast cancer and severe vaginal atrophy. Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers applied on a regular basis have an efficacy comparable with that of local estrogen therapy and should be offered to women wishing to avoid the use of vaginal estrogens.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral, transdermal, or vaginal estrogen preparations are the most effective treatment options for vulvovaginal atrophy-related sexual dysfunction. Selective estrogen receptor modulators such as lasofoxifene and ospemifene showed a positive impact on vaginal tissue in postmenopausal women. Vaginal dehydroepiandrostenedione, vaginal testosterone, and tissue selective estrogen complexes are also emerging as promising new therapies; however, further studies are warranted to confirm their efficacy and safety.
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
Orkun
O
Tan
Karen
K
Bradshaw
Bruce R
BR
Carr
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001284:Atrophy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054327:Lubricants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014621:Vagina / Q000473:pathology*; D014844:Vulva / Q000473:pathology*
D004967:Estrogens; D054327:Lubricants; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone