As estrogen levels decline, postmenopausal women commonly experience uncomfortable and distressing symptoms of genital atrophy, or genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Moreover, aromatase inhibitors (AIs), increasingly used as adjuvant therapy by menopausal breast cancer survivors, contribute to vaginal dryness and sexual pain. This discussion focuses on studies of several local vaginal treatments (including a recently approved agent) that ameliorate GSM symptoms but do not appreciably raise serum sex steroid levels—reassuring data for certain patient populations.
EXPERT COMMENTARY
Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD, is University of Florida Research Foundation Professor and Associate Chairman, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine–Jacksonville. He is the Medical Director and Director of Menopause and Gynecologic Ultrasound Services, UF Women’s Health Specialists–Emerson. Dr. Kaunitz serves on the OBG Management Board of Editors.
Dr. Kaunitz reports that in 2015 he served on a contraception advisory board for Pfizer, which markets the low-dose estradiol vaginal ring.