Non-hormonal therapy of atrophic vaginitis at different postmenopausal stages
DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2025-8-4-10
Yu.E. Dobrokhotova, A.Kh. Karanasheva
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Aim: to evaluate efficacy of a non-hormonal agent containing phytoestrogens, lactobacilli, and hyaluronic acid in correcting vaginitis manifestations depending on a postmenopausal stage according to the STRAW+10 (Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop) criteria.
Materials and Methods: 58 women diagnosed with atrophic vaginitis according to the STRAW+10 criteria at various postmenopausal stages were examined. Three groups were formed: +1a, +1b — 16 patients (average age: 48.3±3.1 years); +1c — 14 patients (average age: 53.2±2.3 years); and +2 — 28 patients (average age: 59±3.3 years). A non-hormonal pre-dosed intimate cream containing phytocomplex, lactobacilli and hyaluronic acid, was injected to treat atrophic vaginitis into the vulvar vestibule daily at the bedtime within 30 days.
Results: after the treatment course, complaints persisted in significantly fewer women (p<0.05): 2 (12,5%), 2 (14.38%), and 4 (14.3%) cases were reported in the groups +1a, +1b, +1c and +2 respectively. After the treatment, a decrease in pH values and an increase in Vaginal Health Index (VHI) were statistically significant (p<0.05) in the group +1a, +1b, and pH value became normal along with an increase in VHI in the groups +1c and +2 (p>0.05). As a result of the therapy, Lactobacillus spp. replaced both facultative aerobes (Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp., etc.) and obligate anaerobes (Gardnerella vaginalis, Peptostreptococcus spp., Atopobium vaginae, etc.) whose number decreased at all postmenopausal stages. Severity of symptoms of vaginal atrophy according to the visual analog scale adapted by E.I. Ermakova, decreased in all patients (p<0.05). In sexually active women, subjective well-being improved in all the groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: the use of non-hormonal topical agent containing phytoestrogens, lactobacilli and hyaluronic acid, has significantly reduced clinical manifestations of atrophic vaginitis and improved the quality of life in patients. At the same time, the efficacy did not depend on a menopausal stage.
Keywords: atrophic vaginitis, non-hormonal therapy, postmenopausal stages according to the STRAW+10 criteria, phytoestrogens, hyaluronic acid.
For citation: Dobrokhotova Yu.E., Karanasheva A.Kh. Non-hormonal therapy of atrophic vaginitis at different postmenopausal stages. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2025;8(4):346–351 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2025-8-4-10
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Yulia E. Dobrokhotova — Dr. Sc. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Institute of Surgery, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University; 1, Ostrovityanov str., Moscow, 117513, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0002-7830-2290
Albina Kh. Karanasheva — C. Sc. (Med.), Teaching Assistant of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Surgery, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University; 1, Ostrovityanov str., Moscow, 117997, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0003-3410-2059
Contact information: Albina Kh. Karanasheva, e-mail: kar.albina@gmail.com
Financial Disclosure: no authors have a financial or property interest in any material or method mentioned.
There is no conflict of interest.
Received 02.10.2025.
Revised 27.10.2025.
Accepted 21.11.2025.
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