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The pathogenesis of endometriosis is a hotly debated topic, yet still cloaked in multiple layers of hypothetical theories. A recent report raises the possibility that bacterial infection, especially those of the genus Fusobacterium , may be the cause of endometriosis, at least in certain women. More importantly, the demonstration that treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics significantly reduced the size of lesions in a mouse endometriosis model rekindles the hope for new non-hormonal treatments. The development of new therapies has been plagued by strings of unsuccessful clinical trials over the last two decades. Is this antibiotic therapy, a silver lining for the research and development of non-hormonal drugs for endometriosis? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To assess the safety and efficacy of non-hormonal agents for mild vasomotor symptoms of menopause. Materials and methods. The study included 173 females aged 4855 with mild vasomotor symptoms during the early postmenopausal period. Patients in the study cohort were stratified into two groups by the double-blind method. In group 1 (study), the patients took the homeopathic agent Neoclimsal 1 tablet 4 times a day sublingually until completely dissolved for 4 weeks (n=86). In group 2 (n=87), the patient received a placebo (30 mg of microcrystalline cellulose) in a regimen mimicking the study treatment. Twenty-three patients withdrew from the study due to protocol violation or revoked their consents for reasons not related to medication. At the end of the study, 75 patients remained in both groups. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed based on the Greene and MENQOL scores change. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to evaluate patients' quality of life, and the average rate of falling asleep was calculated to assess the change in sleep disturbance. The change of M-echo and mammography results were reviewed using the BI-RADS scale 12 months after the start of the treatment to assess the agent's safety. Study design: A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Results. The course of Neoclimsal, sublingual tablets, reduced the severity of vasomotor symptoms by 2.3 times, the severity of depression by half (p0.001), and at the end of treatment after 12 weeks of observation, the therapeutic effect not only persisted but tended to increase (p0.001). Improvement in the quality of life of patients treated with Neoclimsal was confirmed by an improvement in the MENQOL score by 1.4 times a month after the start of therapy while maintaining the achieved result after 12 weeks of observation (p0.001). The drug's safety is confirmed by the absence of adverse side effects and allergic reactions, the absence of endometrial thickness change within 3 months after the start of treatment, and mammography results using the BI-RADS scale at 12 months. Conclusion. The results indicate the effectiveness of non-hormonal therapy in relieving vasomotor symptoms of mild postmenopause with a high safety profile. The drug has a beneficial effect on sleep disorders, reducing the severity of mental distress and improving the general quality of life.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of non-hormonal therapy with citalopram vs fluoxetine for treating vasomotor syndrome (VMS) and urogenital syndrome of menopause (GSM) in Mexican women. Methods: A parallel prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted in 91 postmenopausal women with a total score on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) ≥ 17 and with the clinical diagnosis of VSM and GSM. Patients were randomly assigned to receive citalopram (n = 49) or fluoxetine (n = 42). Follow-up was carried out at 3 and 6 months. Results: The citalopram group experienced a significant improvement compared to the fluoxetine group in the MRS total score (p < 0.01), as well as in the psychological (p < 0.001) and somatic (p < 0.0001) domains at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. After 6 months of follow-up, the group that received citalopram decreased the relative risk (RR) to present VMS symptoms (RR = 0.30, CI 0.19–0.5, p = 0.0001), depressed mood (RR = 0.31, CI 0.15–0.6, p = 0.0002), irritability (RR = 0.40, CI 0.22–0.73, p = 0.002), anxiety (RR = 0.30, CI 0.13–0.69, p = 0.003), physical and mental exhaustion (RR = 0.35, CI 0.18–0.67, p = 0.001), sexual problems (RR = 0.18, CI 0.06–0.48, p = 0.0001), vaginal dryness (RR = 0.34, CI 0.14–0.80, p = 0.01), and urinary problems (RR = 0.36, CI 0.14–0.92, p = 0.043). Conclusion: We conclude that citalopram tends to improve VSM and GSM symptoms in postmenopausal Mexican women. Thus, we recommend the daily use of citalopram 20 mg. However, further studies will be required to support the results of the present work. These should include a larger number of patients and a placebo group. Clinical Trial Registration: This clinical trial was retrospectively registered by the United States National Library of Medicine in the www.clinicaltrials.gov database on 04/20/2022. The given test Registration Number is NCT05346445. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urogenital aging is a common process affecting all women in the post-menopausal period of their life, and it is substantially due to oestrogen deprivation after ovarian function cessation. These changes can lead to a progressive, chronic, and complex association of symptoms identified as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which has a significant impact on quality of life. Genitourinary syndrome and urogenital aging do not resolve spontaneously and usually recur when treatment is stopped. Therefore, appropriate long-term management is of paramount importance, and local oestrogen is the most effective treatment to reverse urogenital aging and to improve symptoms of genitourinary syndrome as replacement therapy. In some women, topical oestrogen may be inconvenient, it may not achieve complete response, or it may be contra-indicated. Several non-hormonal therapies have been investigated, but few treatments have been reported as potentially able to reverse the urogenital aging process similarly to exogenous oestrogens. Laser seems the most promising, although further studies to define its safety and efficacy are mandatory. Vitamin D and E, and phytotherapy have returned conflicting results and require further confirmation. Lifestyle modifications, physiotherapy, and electrical stimulation represent inexpensive and applicable treatments that might slow urogenital aging. Among the hormonal non-oestrogenic therapies, the use of vaginal oxytocin and dehydroepiandrosterone have been found to be effective compared to placebo , as well as the use of oral ospemifene, which partially relieves vulvovaginal atrophy.

Aino Fianu Jonasson,1 Mikael Åstrom2 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention, and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; 2StatCons, Malmö, SwedenCorrespondence: Aino Fianu JonassonDepartment of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 171 77, SwedenTel +46-70-483-6028Email aino.fianu.jonasson@ki.sePurpose: This pilot study assessed the efficacy of 12 weeks of daily treatment with a vaginal gel based on a water-based cellulose gel in reducing the severity of moderate–severe symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and followed adverse events in female breast cancer patients undergoing treatment with adjuvant aromatase- inhibitor therapy.Methods: In this open, uncontrolled pilot study, the efficacy and safety of the gel during a treatment period of 12 weeks (daily 1× 1 mL) were evaluated (n=28). The gel is made of water and hypromellose, a hydropropylmetyl cellulose, which works by coating the vagina, and was developed to treat moderate–severe symptoms of VVA. The primary efficacy variable was the most bothersome symptom (MBS; among vulvovaginal irritation and itching, vaginal dryness, dysuria, or dyspareunia) self-identified at baseline on a four-point scale.Results: A total of 28 patients fulfilled all entry criteria and had data available after the start of treatment. Treatment with the gel reduced MBS scores from baseline (n=28, mean 2.71) to week 12 (n=27, mean 1.33, mean reduction 1.37; p=0), and reduced the overall total scores for VVA symptoms from a mean of 5.39 at baseline to 2.25 at week 12 (p=0). Eleven subjects (39%) reported 19 AEs.Conclusion: A 12-week treatment with the gel significantly reduced the severity of MBSs and VVA symptoms, improved quality of life, and was safe to use in women with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant aromatase-inhibitor therapy. In view of the beneficial effects of nonhormonal treatments, for cancer patients in particular, the water-based cellulose gel VagiVital is a suitable candidate for first-choice treatment of VVA symptoms in breast cancer patients and in women predisposed to cancer.Keywords: vulvovaginal atrophy, MBS, nonhormonal therapy, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, adjuvant AI therapy, breast cancer

Aino Fianu Jonasson,1 Marie Bixo,2 Inger Sundström Poromaa,3 Mikael Åstrom4 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; 2Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden; 3Research Group; Reproductive Health, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; 4StatCons, Malmo, SwedenCorrespondence: Aino Fianu JonassonDepartment of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, SwedenTel +4670 483 60 28Fax +4608 31 11 01Email aino.fianu.jonasson@ki.sePurpose: The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of 12 weeks of daily treatment with Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal (Vagivital®) gel versus Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel plus 400 IU oxytocin gel in reducing the severity of the most bothersome vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms (MBS: itching, dysuria, bleeding, and pain/discomfort during vaginal sexual activity) observed at baseline. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the other vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms, vaginal pH, superficial squamous cells, and the safety and tolerability of both gels.Patients and Methods: This double-blind, randomized study evaluated the safety and efficacy of subjects randomly assigned to 12 weeks of daily intravaginal oxytocin gel (n=79) or Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel (n=78). The efficacy evaluation was performed using data from all included subjects who fulfilled entry criteria.Results: Both treatments induced statistically significant reductions in the severity of the MBS from baseline until 4 weeks (Vagivital mean reduction 0.90, p=0.0000; Oxytocin mean reduction 0.82, p=0.0000) and 12 weeks post baseline (Vagivital mean reduction 1.28, p=0.0000; Oxytocin mean reduction 1.16, p=0.0000), but the reduction of MBS severity was not significantly different between the treatment groups at either time point. No serious adverse events were reported in the Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel group during the treatment period, but one (breast cancer) was reported in the oxytocin gel group (assessed as unlikely related to the study compound).Conclusion: Significant reductions in the severity of the MBS were seen in both the Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel and the oxytocin gel groups, but with no significant differences in severity reduction seen between the groups. Both gels were safe and well tolerated. Given the benefits of avoiding the use of hormones, Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel is an attractive first choice in the treatment of postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms.Keywords: most bothersome vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms, MBS, non-hormonal therapy, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness

Urogenital aging is a common process affecting all women in the post-menopausal period of their life, and it is substantially due to oestrogen deprivation after ovarian function cessation. These changes can lead to a progressive, chronic, and complex association of symptoms identified as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which has a significant impact on quality of life. Genitourinary syndrome and urogenital aging do not resolve spontaneously and usually recur when treatment is stopped. Therefore, appropriate long-term management is of paramount importance, and local oestrogen is the most effective treatment to reverse urogenital aging and to improve symptoms of genitourinary syndrome as replacement therapy. In some women, topical oestrogen may be inconvenient, it may not achieve complete response, or it may be contra-indicated. Several non-hormonal therapies have been investigated, but few treatments have been reported as potentially able to reverse the urogenital aging process similarly to exogenous oestrogens. Laser seems the most promising, although further studies to define its safety and efficacy are mandatory. Vitamin D and E, and phytotherapy have returned conflicting results and require further confirmation. Lifestyle modifications, physiotherapy, and electrical stimulation represent inexpensive and applicable treatments that might slow urogenital aging. Among the hormonal nonoestrogenic therapies, the use of vaginal oxytocin and dehydroepiandrosterone have been found to be effective compared to placebo, as well as the use of oral ospemifene, which partially relieves vulvovaginal atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidence of dysmenorrhea in female adolescents was shown to be 28.4 % of all gynecological disorders (41 %). The study involved treatment of 88girls aged 14-18 by complex of non-hormonal and physiotherapy.The effectiveness of complex non-hormonal therapy for gynecological patients was 76.6-83.3 %. No side effects and complications were observed. For most of patients the positive effect of treatment was preserved for 2-3 months.

Objective: Menopausal symptoms, such as hot Alushes (HFs), night sweats, vaginal dryness, psychological symptoms, and sexual dysfunction are a significant issue in breast cancer (BC) survivors, especially in those with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) subtype. Since hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not indicated in these patients due to its estrogenic activity, we sought to investigate the role of cytoplasmic pollen extract (Femal®) with non-estrogenic efffects as an adjuvant treatment in BC women. Methods: This case series study included 12 women with HR+, eight with Luminal A and four with Luminal B cancers, with a median age of 47 years (range 37-53) who received cytoplasmic pollen extract for 3 months. Menopause symptomatology was monitored through the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) at the beginning of the treatment (T0) and at 90 days (T3). Tolerance was evaluated by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) score. Results: Affter 3 months of treatment, all cases had an improvement in HFs, cardiac symptoms, irritability and anxiety symptoms. No side efffects were found. Tolerance and compliance were excellent during the study. Conclusions: This observational study suggests that cytoplasmic pollen extract is well tolerated when administered to BC (HR+) women with contraindications to HRT together with a positive impact on the patient's menopausal related symptoms. However, longer follow-up afand future randomized studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgency of the problem of uterine fibroids is associated with a high frequency and a constant tendency to increase, rejuvenation of the pathology and adverse effects on the possibility of implementing reproductive function. The study was made of the efficacy of Epigalin in the treatment of uterine fibroids in women of reproductive age for influencing the clinical manifestations of the disease, the size of the nodes and the uterus, taking into account the immunohistochemical markers of the pathological process. In the clinical study, 80 patients of reproductive age with uterine leiomyoma aged from 26 to 43 years were under observation. 43 women who formed the main group received a complex preparation of plant origin Epigalin containing 200 mg of indole-3-carbinol and 45 mg of epigallocatechin-3-gallate, 1 capsule twice a day for 3 months. The results were compared with the data of 37 patients with uterine leiomyoma receiving a single-component preparation containing indole-3-carbinol at a daily dose of 400 mg divided into two doses for 3 months (comparison group). The effectiveness of treatment was assessed after three months for clinical manifestations, complaints and ultrasound data. Immunohistochemical studies have shown that the lower the expression of TNF-α as a key mediator of the inflammatory response and immune response, which provides antitumor protection by regulating apoptosis, the greater the proliferative potential in uterine myoma cells. Therefore, the administration of drugs that regulate apoptosis, in particular epigallocatechin-3-gallate, is pathogenetically justified. Depending on the clinical and morphological picture of the disease, Epigalin can be used as an independent therapy, or in combination with other drugs, as well as adjuvant therapy after surgical treatment, since myomectomy does not eliminate the underlying cause of the disease. Using Epigalin for 2 capsules for 3 months in women with uterine leiomyoma allows to achieve subjective and objective improvement in 65.1% and 60.5% of patients. A good tolerance and safety of the drug allows you to assign it a long course.

Purpose: The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of 12 weeks of daily treatment with Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal (Vagivital®) gel versus Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel plus 400 IU oxytocin gel in reducing the severity of the most bothersome vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms (MBS: itching, dysuria, bleeding, and pain/discomfort during vaginal sexual activity) observed at baseline. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the other vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms, vaginal pH, superficial squamous cells, and the safety and tolerability of both gels. Patients and Methods: This double-blind, randomized study evaluated the safety and efficacy of subjects randomly assigned to 12 weeks of daily intravaginal oxytocin gel (n=79) or Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel (n=78). The efficacy evaluation was performed using data from all included subjects who fulfilled entry criteria. Results: Both treatments induced statistically significant reductions in the severity of the MBS from baseline until 4 weeks (Vagivital mean reduction 0.90, p=0.0000; Oxytocin mean reduction 0.82, p=0.0000) and 12 weeks post baseline (Vagivital mean reduction 1.28, p=0.0000; Oxytocin mean reduction 1.16, p=0.0000), but the reduction of MBS severity was not significantly different between the treatment groups at either time point. No serious adverse events were reported in the Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel group during the treatment period, but one (breast cancer) was reported in the oxytocin gel group (assessed as unlikely related to the study compound). Conclusion: Significant reductions in the severity of the MBS were seen in both the Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel and the oxytocin gel groups, but with no significant differences in severity reduction seen between the groups. Both gels were safe and well tolerated. Given the benefits of avoiding the use of hormones, Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel is an attractive first choice in the treatment of postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women are living a significant portion of their adult lives in the post-reproductive phase, and many seek help for debilitating menopausal symptoms. Every individual's experience of menopausal transition is unique. Adopting a holistic approach to managing the menopause using a combination of lifestyle, hormonal, and non-hormonal interventions is key to maximise the quality of life of affected women. However, many opt to use non hormonal options or have contraindications to using hormonal therapy. Studies have shown that several pharmacological non-hormonal medications such as SSRIs, SSRI/SNRIs, Gabapentin, and Pregabalin are effective for managing vasomotor symptoms as well as other menopausal symptoms. Their main side effects are dry mouth, nausea, constipation, reduced libido, and loss of appetite. Clonidine is the only non-hormonal drug which is licenced for control of vasomotor symptoms in the UK, but has several side effects including dizziness and sleep disturbance. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is recommended as a treatment for anxiety, sleep problems and vasomotor symptoms related to menopausal transition. Evidence for clinical efficacy and safety of herbal remedies and alternative therapies remains weak. Studies with neurokinin receptor 3 antagonists on women with hot flushes have shown improvement in vasomotor symptoms and results of large-scale studies are awaited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An average of 60-80% of all menopausal women experience bothersome vasomotor symptoms (VMSs), such as flushing and sweating, within the first seven years of onset. However, despite increasing prevalence, these hot flashes remain hard to treat and have a negative effect on the quality of life. Though hormone replacement therapy is commonly utilized as a standard treatment for VMSs, this therapy is not recommended for all women. Specifically, the oral form of hormone replacement therapy is associated with several contraindications, including a history of thromboembolic disease, migraine headache with aura, liver failure, heart disease, and hormone-dependent cancers. For women with these medical conditions, current literature indicates that nonhormonal therapies such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are suitable alternatives to reduce the frequency and intensity of VMSs. Currently, the only SSRI that is FDA-approved for the treatment of VMSs is paroxetine, but studies show that fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline are also proven to provide similar benefits. Similarly, the SNRI venlafaxine has also been well tolerated and has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. The present investigation reviews the physiology of VMSs and examines the evidence for the use of nonhormonal pharmacologic therapies as treatment for women experiencing hot flashes. These interventions should be considered whenever hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated, with therapy individualized based on the severity of symptoms., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Witten et al.)

The joint burden of cancer and menopause impacts millions of women globally. This review provides an approach to management of menopausal symptoms after cancer in all settings. This includes an overview of current evidence for both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments for vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness after cancer. Systemic menopausal hormone therapy provides symptom control and may be used after most cancers but should be avoided after estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and after some other estrogen-dependent cancers. Non-hormonal therapies have been minimally studied in women after a cancer diagnosis and, where they have been studied, it is usually in women with breast cancer. Non-hormonal methods to manage vasomotor symptoms include cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, clonidine, and gabapentin. Vaginal estrogen may be useful to address vaginal dryness. However, safety data in breast cancer patients are still lacking and there is currently no consensus. Lubricants may also help with pain with sexual activity. Management of menopausal symptoms after cancer may be challenging and should include information about induced menopause and possible symptoms as well as available treatments. Management then requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach with individualized care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain in women of reproductive age. Traditional medical therapies are hormonal in nature, including estrogen-progestin contraceptives, progestins, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. Other hormonal options are androgens and aromatase inhibitors, with research also suggesting a possible role for GnRH antagonists and selective progesterone receptor modulators. Other than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, further work is required for nonhormonal therapies such as antiangiogenic and immune-modulating drugs.Medical treatment of endometriosis can be complex, and requires consideration of side effects, the anatomic type of endometriosis, role of surgery, current infertility or future fertility desires, and other contributors to pain (e.g., central sensitization). These factors should be discussed for each patient, to ensure personalized treatment and optimal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although not life-threatening, vasomotor symptoms might have a detrimental effect on quality of life and represent a major determinant of poor therapeutic compliance in breast cancer patients. Limitations of hormonal therapies have fostered the use of non-estrogenic pharmacological agents, which mainly include centrally acting compounds, antidepressant drugs, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Integrating therapeutic tools have recently come from a wide range of heterogeneous approaches varying from phytoestrogens use to ganglion block. We herein critically review the most updated evidence on the available treatment options for management of vasomotor symptoms. The need for a patient-oriented approach following systematic evaluation of the presence and degree of vasomotor disturbances is also discussed and future perspectives in therapeutics are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 80% of postmenopausal women experience vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats - symptoms that are associated with sleep disruption and can lead to fatigue and mood changes. Moreover, hot flashes can be embarrassing for women, causing difficulties at work and in their social lives. Many therapies have been advocated for relief of vasomotor symptoms, but only hormone therapy has been US Food and Drug Administration approved. However, after the Women's Health Initiative Study suggested that there was a correlation between hormone therapy and increased risk for breast cancer and cardiovascular events, many women stopped taking hormone therapy, and many do not want to initiate it. Hormone therapy is also contraindicated in certain women, such as those with a history of hormone-stimulated cancer like breast and uterine cancer. Gabapentin (Neurontin) has shown efficacy in relieving vasomotor symptoms and is used as off-label for this indication. A new extended-release formulation of gabapentin has also shown efficacy in treating hot flashes and improving sleep quality with possibly fewer side effects than regular gabapentin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. In addition to hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal therapy, particularly Japanese traditional herbal medicine (Kampo), has been used to alleviate the various symptoms of female menopause. The efficacy and safety of Japanese traditional herbal medicine for male late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) are investigated. Methods. One hundred fifty-one patients with LOH were treated via the administration of Japanese traditional herbal medicine. The most appropriate Japanese traditional herbal medicine was administered to patients according to their pathogenic alteration. After 4 weeks, the clinical efficacy was evaluated based on improvement of LOH symptoms and the score of the simplified menopausal index (SMI). Additionally, predictive factors of efficacy of Japanese traditional herbal medicine were analyzed. Results. Among 151 patients with LOH, 63 (41.8%) achieved both relief from LOH symptoms and normalized SMI score (Excellent response group), whereas 44 (29.1%) achieved either relief from LOH symptoms or normalized SMI score (Fair). However, 44 (29.1%) patients displayed neither relief from LOH symptoms nor normalized SMI score (Poor). Adverse reactions were observed only in four (2.6%) patients. Patients displaying excess conditions and mild LOH symptoms appeared to be superior candidates for Japanese traditional herbal medicine. Conclusion. Japanese traditional herbal medicine is an effective and safe treatment for LOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are monoclonal, benign tumors that contain abnormal smooth muscle cells and the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Although benign, UFs are a major source of gynecologic and reproductive dysfunction, ranging from menorrhagia and pelvic pain to infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and preterm labor. Many risk factors are involved in the pathogenesis of UFs via genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. The latter involving DNA methylation and demethylation reactions provide specific DNA methylation patterns that regulate gene expression. Active DNA demethylation reactions mediated by ten-eleven translocation proteins (TETs) and elevated levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine have been suggested to be involved in UF formation. This review paper summarizes the main findings regarding the function of TET enzymes and their activity dysregulation that may trigger the development of UFs. Understanding the role that epigenetics plays in the pathogenesis of UFs may possibly lead to a new type of pharmacological fertility-sparing treatment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Increasing numbers of women are requesting non-hormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms. Estrogen-containing HRT is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms in healthy women but is contraindicated for some women and avoided by many others. This review will assess the evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of non-hormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms. Relatively few high quality studies have addressed this issue, almost all have only addressed the treatment of hot flushes and there are few long-term data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Menorrhagia is a common complaint and accounts for 12% of referrals to gynaecology clinics. Prevalence increases with age and peaks just prior to menopause. It has been estimated that the treatment of menorrhagia accounts for up to 1% of all healthcare costs. Effective medical treatments do exist, but clinicians are poor prescribers of the most effective treatments. The main classes of drugs employed for the medical treatment of menorrhagia are non-hormonal (inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis, antifibrinolytic agents and haemostatic agents) and hormonal therapies. First-line management of menorrhagia consists of prostaglandin inhibitors, antifibrinolytic agents, oral contraceptive pill, high dose progestogens and progesterone intra-uterine systems, which can reduce menstrual blood loss by 25%, 50%, 50%, 85% and 90%, respectively. Second-line treatment consists of danazol and GnRH agonists which reduce menstrual loss by 50% and 100%. These treatments are second line as these use is limited by side-effects and or limited duration of use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nearly 75% of all menopausal women experience bothersome vasomotor symptoms including hot flushes and night sweats. Yet vasomotor symptoms continue to be an undertreated and underdiagnosed symptom of menopause which can negatively affect a woman's overall quality of life. While hormone therapy has been widely utilized to ameliorate hot flushes, not all women are candidates for use, especially those with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, thromboembolic disease, and/or women at an increased risk of certain hormone-dependent cancers. The current literature provides strong evidence for non-hormonal therapies in women who experience vasomotor symptoms. This article reviews the evidence for the use of non-hormonal pharmacologic therapies for the treatment of menopausal symptoms including antidepressants, gabapentinoids, clonidine and anticholinergics. We also review data on emerging therapies including the latest evidence on neurokinin-1 and -3 antagonists. These therapies should be considered when hormonal options are contraindicated and/or not preferred by the patient. While there are many options available, clinicians should individualize therapy based on the patient's needs and goals while mitigating bothersome side effects., Competing Interests: Financial disclosure: Sabrina Sahni, Angie Lobo-Romero and Taryn Smith have no financial or non-financial relationships or activities to declare in relation to this article., (© Touch Medical Media 2021.)

Purpose: The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of 12 weeks of daily treatment with Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal (Vagivital ® ) gel versus Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel plus 400 IU oxytocin gel in reducing the severity of the most bothersome vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms (MBS: itching, dysuria, bleeding, and pain/discomfort during vaginal sexual activity) observed at baseline. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the other vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms, vaginal pH, superficial squamous cells, and the safety and tolerability of both gels., Patients and Methods: This double-blind, randomized study evaluated the safety and efficacy of subjects randomly assigned to 12 weeks of daily intravaginal oxytocin gel (n=79) or Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel (n=78). The efficacy evaluation was performed using data from all included subjects who fulfilled entry criteria., Results: Both treatments induced statistically significant reductions in the severity of the MBS from baseline until 4 weeks (Vagivital mean reduction 0.90, p=0.0000; Oxytocin mean reduction 0.82, p=0.0000) and 12 weeks post baseline (Vagivital mean reduction 1.28, p=0.0000; Oxytocin mean reduction 1.16, p=0.0000), but the reduction of MBS severity was not significantly different between the treatment groups at either time point. No serious adverse events were reported in the Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel group during the treatment period, but one (breast cancer) was reported in the oxytocin gel group (assessed as unlikely related to the study compound)., Conclusion: Significant reductions in the severity of the MBS were seen in both the Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel and the oxytocin gel groups, but with no significant differences in severity reduction seen between the groups. Both gels were safe and well tolerated. Given the benefits of avoiding the use of hormones, Aqueous Hypromellose-based vaginal gel is an attractive first choice in the treatment of postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy symptoms., Competing Interests: Dr Inger Sundström Poromaa reports personal fees from Peptonics, during the conduct of the study; personal fees from Bayer AB, Shire/Takeda, and Gedeon Richter, outside the submitted work. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2020 Fianu Jonasson et al.)

Introduction: Menopause is associated with adverse effects on quality of life of perimenopausal and post-menopausal women. It also has an impact on the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hormonal treatments are the most effective medications for menopausal symptoms relief. Given the fact that hormonal treatments are contraindicated for many women, non-hormonal treatment, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), gabapentin, pregabalin, clonidine and phytoestrogens, constitute alternative treatments. Nevertheless, little is known about their effects on CVD risk., Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched for the effects of non-hormonal treatment on CVD risk, blood pressure, heart rate, lipids and glucose concentrations, weight gain, cardiovascular events, stroke, mortality and morbidity., Results: Phytoestrogens, pregabalin and gabapentin seem to have no adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Phytoestrogens, in particular, seem to reduce CVD risk through many pathways. On the other hand, SSRIs and SNRIs, although effective in reducing menopausal vasomotor symptoms, should be cautiously administered to women with known CVD (e.g. with cardiac arrhythmias, atherosclerotic disease or stroke). As clonidine has been associated with cardiovascular adverse effects, it should be administered only in cases where blood pressure regulation is mandatory., Conclusion: Further research is needed to produce definite conclusions regarding the cardiovascular safety of non-hormonal medications for menopausal symptoms relief., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)