J Menopausal Med.  2019 Apr;25(1):63-68. 10.6118/jmm.2019.25.1.63.

Zinc-containing Vaginal Moisturizer Gel Improves Postmenopausal Vulvovaginal Symptoms: A Pilot Study

• Takacs P
• Kozma B
• Erdodi B
• Jakab A
• Larson K
• Poka R

• KMID: 2443629
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.6118/jmm.2019.25.1.63

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Although vaginal estrogen is highly effective in alleviating genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), some women are reluctant to use hormonal treatment. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a zinc-containing vaginal moisturizer gel on GSM.
METHODS
Women with GSM were enrolled. Patients were asked to use the vaginal gel daily for 2 weeks. Vaginal Health Index (VHI) was calculated. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was obtained on vaginal pain, dryness, burning, itching, dyspareunia and dysuria before and 2 weeks after the completion of treatment. Vaginal cytology was obtained. Vulvovaginal symptom questionnaire (VSQ-21) was used to assess subjective symptoms.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven women with GSM participated in the study. The VHI improved significantly (mean ± standard deviation, 13 ± 4 before vs. 17 ± 4 after treatment, P < 0.01). The patient reported VAS combined score was significantly lower after the treatment (18 ± 14 before vs. 7 ± 12 after treatment, P < 0.01). The largest improvement occurred in vaginal dryness. The maturation value did not change significantly. There were no signs of inflammation on vaginal cytology. VSQ-21 combined scores also improved significantly (7.9 ± 5.5 before vs. 2.7 ± 3.6 after the intervention, P < 0.01). Side effects were rare and minor.
CONCLUSIONS
Novel zinc-containing vaginal moisturizer gel significantly improves postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms without serious side effects.

Keyword

Zinc; Vagina; Menopause

MeSH Terms

Burns
Dyspareunia
Dysuria
Estrogens
Female
Humans
Inflammation
Menopause
Pilot Projects*
Pruritus
Vagina
Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies
Zinc
Estrogens
Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies
Zinc

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