Current trends in the prevention and treatment of genitourinary menopausal syndrome

Abstract

Genitourinary menopausal syndrome is still a widespread problem that significantly affects the quality of life in postmenopause. The cause of this state is hypoestrogenism that is associated with menopause and the following change in the vaginal microflora due to the elimination of lactobacilli. The disturbance of the vulval and vaginal microflora provides risks for the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms, and the deficiency of sex hormones is associated with atrophy of the epithelium of the urogenital tract. An analysis of published clinical studies using a combination of L. acidophilus and 0.03 mg estriol (Gynoflor® E) in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy, breast cancer survivors, in postmenopausal women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors was performed. Treatment with a combination of L. acidophilus and 0.03 mg of estriol (Gynoflor® E) can be evaluated as safe without risk of endometrial effects or other systemic effects. Local estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women can restore the vaginal epithelium, and a useful lactobacillus flora is needed to prevent urogenital infections. Local application of estriol is preferable, as it causes a local proliferative response and has no stimulating effect on the endometrium. This method of therapy may also be considered for hormone-sensitive women with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors. However, today, there are not enough clinically validated studies proving the absolute safety of this treatment method among breast cancer women. The effect of this therapy is achieved due to the synergistic action of estriol and lactobacilli.