Sexual Health
CMECNE

Prasterone for Vulvovaginal Atrophy – What is it and How to Prescribe

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Learning Objectives and CME/Disclosure Information

CLINICAL ACTIONS:

Vulvovaginal atrophy is a common symptom of atrophic vaginitis (also referred to as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause or GSM) and can occur in both perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. If a patient reports vaginal dryness consider the following:

  • Confirm diagnosis of postmenopausal atrophy through vaginal exam
  • Discuss use of vaginal estrogen as an option
  • If patient is not an appropriate candidate for local estrogen or if patient would prefer not to use a direct estrogen product, prasterone may be an effective alternative
    • One vaginal insert (6.5 mg of prasterone) each evening at bedtime

SYNOPSIS:

Prasterone is an approved, steroid-based FDA treatment for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy. Use is appropriate for women who complain of dyspareunia, or general discomfort due to dryness and thinning of the vaginal mucosa.

KEY POINTS:

  • During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels decline in vaginal tissues and is referred to as vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), which may result in discomfort or pain during intercourse
    • Local estrogen can be considered a first line treatment of VVA but may not be appropriate or desired by all patients
  • The FDA approved prasterone to treat women experiencing moderate to severe dyspareunia, a symptom of VVA, due to menopause
    • Prasterone is the first FDA approved product containing the synthetic active ingredient dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
  • DHEA can convert to androgens and/or estrogens and, while the likelihood is low and the quantities minimal, a physician should disclose the following
    • Based on the fact that there is minimal data on safety in the setting of hormonally sensitive malignancy, the FDA warns against using prasterone if there is a history of or known or suspected breast cancer
    • Unexplained uterine bleeding is a contraindication to use
    • It is indicated for use only in postmenopausal women

Learn More – Primary Sources:

FDA approves Intrarosa for postmenopausal women experiencing pain during sex

FDA: Prescribing information for Intrarosa (prasterone)

ACOG Committee Opinion No. 659: The Use of Vaginal Estrogen in Women With a History of Estrogen Dependent Breast Cancer

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: an overview of clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management

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Related ObG Topics:

Practical info on sexual health for your women's healthcare practice
Dyspareunia – Is it a Diagnosis or a Description?
Prescribing Ospemifene for Postmenopausal Vaginal Atrophy
Treating Postmenopausal Vaginal Atrophy When Estrogen is Not an Option

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