Author/Authors :
Radmanesh ، Maryam Department of Traditional Medicine - School of Traditional Medicine - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Malekzadeh ، Mona Department of Radiation Oncology - Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Heidarirad ، Ghazaleh Department of Traditional Medicine - School of Traditional Medicine - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Mehri-Ardestani ، Mozhgan Department of Persian Medicine - Faculty of Medicine - AJA University of Medical Sciences , Zayeri ، Farid Department of Biostatistics - Proteomics Research Center, School of Allied Medical Sciences - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences , Tansaz ، Mojgan Department of Traditional Medicine - School of Traditional Medicine - Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
Background: Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) usually occurs during and after menopause due to low estrogen levels and can cause frustrating symptoms. Existing treatments such as estrogen compounds have undesired side effects. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a chicken tallow product for vaginal use on subjective symptoms of VVA in women with breast cancer. Methods: Menopause induced by chemical drugs with subjective symptoms of VVA were selected from the Oncology-Radiotherapy Clinic of Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital between March and July 2020. Informed consent was obtained. Patients were instructed to apply 5g cream every other night before bedtime for 2 weeks, and 2 nights a week for the next 2 weeks and stop themedication. Patients were assessed at the time of initiation of medication, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after initiation of the trial, and VVA subjective symptoms were assessed. VVA subjective symptom score (VVA-SSS) form was used to assess itching, burning, dryness, and dyspareunia, using a 5-point Likert scale. Data were, then, analyzed. Results: Fifty women were included in the study (age above 18 years). All 5 monitored indices (itching, burning, dryness, dyspareunia, and VVA subjective symptoms score) diminished after initiation of intervention and reached a minimum level after 4 weeks of intervention (1.10 ± 1.16 baseline to 0.04 ± 0.20 at 4 weeks for itching, 1.42 ± 1.09 to 0.04 ± 0.20 for burning, 2.68 ± 0.91 to 0.30 ± 0.54 for dryness, 2.96± 0.88 to 0.50 ± 0.61 for dyspareunia, and 8.12 ± 2.70 to 0.86 ± 1.07 for VVA-SSS). During the 4 weeks following discontinuation of treatment, the symptoms slightly increased but remained significantly lower than the baseline (P-value 0.001 for all 5 indices at all monitored time points). Conclusions: The proposed treatment, rooted in Persian traditional medicine, may offer a safe and effective treatment for VVA symptoms in BCS.
Keywords :
Atrophy , Menopause , Cancer Survivors , Traditional Medicine
