The comparison of hyaluronic acid vaginal tablets with estradiol vaginal tablets in the treatment of atrophic vaginitis: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of the vaginal tablets of hyaluronic acid and estrodiol for the treatment of atrophic vaginitis.

Materials and methods: Forty-two postmenopausal women with symptoms of atrophic vaginitis were randomized to take vaginal tablets of 25 μg estradiol (n = 21) (group I) or 5 mg hyaluronic acid sodium salt (n = 21) (group II) for 8 weeks. The symptoms of atrophic vaginitis were evaluated by a self-assessed 4-point scale of composite score and the degree of epithelial atrophy was determined as, none, mild, moderate and severe. Vaginal pH and maturation index were measured and compared in both the groups.

Results: The symptoms were relieved significantly in both the groups (P < 0.001). The relief of symptoms was significantly superior in group I compared with group II (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in epithelial atrophy and vaginal pH were detected in both the groups (P < 0.01) after treatment. The vaginal maturation values were also significantly improved at both study groups (P < 0.001). The mean maturation value was significantly higher in group I when compared with group II (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Both treatments provided relief of vaginal symptoms, improved epithelial atrophy, decreased vaginal pH, and increased maturation of the vaginal epithelium. Those improvements were greater in group I. Hyaluronic acid vaginal tablets can be used in patients with atrophic vaginitis who do not want to or can not take local estrogen treatment.