Non-hormonal therapy shows menopause promise

A non-hormonal therapy restored vaginal tissue in an animal study, suggesting a possible new treatment for menopause-related GSM.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM, is a chronic condition caused by falling oestrogen levels.

It affects the vulva, vagina and urinary tract, causing symptoms including vaginal dryness, painful sex and recurring vaginal or urinary tract infections.

Steve Nordeen, the study’s senior author and professor emeritus in the department of pathology at the CU Anschutz School of Medicine, said: “For too many women, the current options are either products that only provide temporary relief or hormone-based treatments they may not feel comfortable using.

“Our goal was to develop a therapy that addresses the underlying cause of the vaginal changes that follow menopause, not just the symptoms, without relying on steroid hormones.

“While more research is needed, these findings suggest we may have a promising new approach.”

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz developed the treatment to restore oestrogen signalling only within vaginal tissue, without exposing the rest of the body to the hormone.

In a preclinical animal study, the therapy restored vaginal tissue structure and function lost through oestrogen deficiency.

The results suggest it could address the underlying cause of GSM rather than offer only temporary relief from symptoms.

An estimated 50 to 70 per cent of women experiencing natural or medically induced menopause develop one or more symptoms of GSM.

Women may have to choose between living with painful symptoms, using over-the-counter products with limited effectiveness or taking hormone-based treatments that replace oestrogen.

Some women cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy because of concerns about potential risks. This is particularly relevant to those with a history of breast cancer or an increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.

The researchers synthesised a novel non-steroidal oestrogen-signalling molecule called 3-fluoro 6,4′-dihydroxyflavone, or 3F.

Delivered as a vaginal suppository, the therapy regenerated the vaginal epithelium in a preclinical model of menopause. The epithelium is the layer of cells lining the vagina.

Researchers found no evidence of systemic oestrogenic activity, meaning the treatment did not appear to trigger oestrogen responses elsewhere in the body.

The team is seeking support to move the treatment into human clinical trials.

Nordeen said: “Our findings suggest the prospect of a safer and more effective therapy is within reach.

“The next step is securing the support needed to move this therapy into human clinical trials so we can determine whether it offers women a new treatment option.”

The researchers said the therapy could provide a new option for millions of women with GSM if future clinical trials confirm the findings.