Use of a vaginal CO2 laser for the management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in gynecological cancer survivors: a systematic review

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) may arise from the hypoestrogenism caused by ovarian function destruction following gynecological cancer treatments. GSM may also be present in menopausal women and its symptoms might be exacerbated by cancer treatments. Historically, patients with hormone-dependent gynecological cancer and physicians have been less comfortable using vaginal estrogen due to fear of recurrence. CO₂ vaginal laser therapies have demonstrated efficacy as a non-hormonal alternative for GSM treatment in healthy menopausal patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the data on the effect of a CO₂ vaginal laser for the management of GSM in gynecological cancer patients. Databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar. Selected studies assessed use of a CO₂ vaginal laser in gynecological cancer patients with GSM. A total of 269 studies were retrieved. Four studies met the inclusion criteria. Each study followed a different type of CO₂ vaginal laser protocol for the management of GSM in gynecological cancer patients. There are no randomized controlled trials that assess the use of a CO₂ vaginal laser in gynecologic cancer patients. The number of published gynecological cancer patients treated with a CO₂ laser for the management of GSM is extremely limited (N < 100). There is a lack of literature on the impact and safety of vaginal CO₂ laser use to manage GSM in gynecologic cancer patients.

The impact of cannabis use on vasomotor symptoms, mood, insomnia and sexuality in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the published data on the effect of cannabis use in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women to alleviate menopausal symptoms, insomnia and anxiety.

METHODS

Databases searched included Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane, LILACS and AMED. Selected studies assessed perimenopausal or postmenopausal women, cannabis use impact and menopausal symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 564 studies were retrieved. Three studies met the inclusion criteria. One study controlled for participant cannabis use and reported on the effects of cannabis and placebo cigarette smoking on mood in 10 postmenopausal women. Another study assessed associations between drug use with hot flashes and insomnia in 120 HIV-infected women and found that menopausal status and cannabis use was crudely associated with the presence of hot flashes. The last study evaluated expectancies of 115 menopausal patients who endorsed lifetime cannabis use and reported that women expected cannabis to improve depression, anxiety, hot flashes and problems with sleep. None of these studies assessed quality of life as an outcome.

CONCLUSION

There is a paucity of literature on the impact of cannabis use in menopause. Research into cannabis consumption in menopause is essential, as it is frequently used to alleviate symptoms without evidence of its benefits.

Premature ovarian insufficiency: an International Menopause Society White Paper

The aim of this International Menopause Society White Paper on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is to provide the latest information regarding this distressing condition. The impact of POI has far-reaching consequences due to its impact on general, psychological, and sexual quality of life, fertility prospects, and long-term bone, cardiovascular, and cognitive health. Progress in fully understanding the etiology, diagnosis, and optimal management options has been slow thus far due to the complexity of the condition and fragmented research. Recent advances in epidemiological and genetic research have improved our understanding of this condition and randomized prospective trials are being planned to determine the intervention strategies, which will optimize quality of life and long-term well-being. The International Menopause Society has commissioned a number of experts at the forefront of their specialty to define the state of the art in the understanding of this condition, to advise on practical management strategies, and to propose future research strategies. It is hoped that a global task force will subsequently be convened in order to formulate a consensus statement across key societies, to accelerate date collection and analysis of a global POI registry, and to facilitate progress in the key defined areas of research.

Medical and gynecological comorbidities in adult women with Turner syndrome: our multidisciplinary clinic experience

Objective: Women with Turner syndrome (TS) are at increased risk for chronic health conditions. Reports describing the presence of comorbidities in older adult women with TS are limited. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of endocrine, gynecological, and other chronic medical conditions in a cohort of adult TS patients.Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients seen between 1 February 2015 and 1 July 2018 in a multidisciplinary TS clinic at a university-based ambulatory hospital in Toronto, Canada. All women seen at the TS clinic with a diagnosis of TS aged >18 years were included. The prevalence of diseases was determined overall and stratified by age (<40 and ≥40 years). Statistical comparisons were done using the chi-square test. The main study outcomes included the presence of comorbidities.Results: Of 122 adult women with TS, 24.5% had hypothyroidism, 16% had dysglycemia, and 27.9% had decreased bone mass. Hypothyroidism and dysglycemia were more common among older women (respectively age ≥40 years vs. age <40 years: 36.7% vs. 17.8%, p = 0.018; and 24.5% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.023). Gynecological conditions were identified in 35% of patients and were more common among older women (42.8% age ≥40 years vs. 13.7% age <40 years, p = 0.003). Overall, 41% had hearing impairment, 36.1% had cardiac abnormalities, 14.8% had hypertension, 18.8% had renal abnormalities, and 9% had celiac disease.Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a high prevalence of medical conditions in women with TS, especially those ≥40 years of age. Our study underscores the importance of multidisciplinary adult TS clinics for ongoing screening and management of comorbidities.

Interventions to address sexual problems in people with cancer

BACKGROUND

Sexual dysfunction in people with cancer is a significant problem. The present clinical practice guideline makes recommendations to improve sexual function in people with cancer.

METHODS

This guideline was undertaken by the Interventions to Address Sexual Problems in People with Cancer Expert Panel, a group organized by the Program in Evidence-Based Care (pebc). Consistent with the pebc standardized approach, a systematic search was conducted for existing guidelines, and the literature in medline and embase for the years 2003-2015 was systematically searched for both systematic reviews and primary literature. Evidence found for men and for women was evaluated separately, and no restrictions were placed on cancer type or study design. Content and methodology experts performed an internal review of the resulting draft recommendations, which was followed by an external review by targeted experts and intended users.

RESULTS

The search identified 4 existing guidelines, 13 systematic reviews, and 103 studies with relevance to the topic. The present guideline provides one overarching recommendation concerning the discussion of sexual health and dysfunction, which is aimed at all people with cancer. Eleven additional recommendations made separately for men and women deal with issues such as sexual response, body image, intimacy and relationships, overall sexual functioning and satisfaction, and vasomotor and genital symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge this clinical practice guideline is the first to comprehensively evaluate interventions for the improvement of sexual problems in people with cancer. The guideline will be a valuable resource to support practitioners and clinics in addressing sexuality in cancer survivors.

Update on ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester. Its incidence is increasing, probably owing to the increasing incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease. Although up to 15% of patients have been reported to present in shock, a large number seek care earlier because of pelvic pain and irregular menses. With strong clinical suspicion and the use of culdocentesis, assays of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood and ultrasonography, the diagnosis can be made before rupture occurs. Although the woman's subsequent fertility has traditionally been poor, some improvement has been achieved with the use of conservative surgical techniques. Early diagnosis facilitates this approach.