RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Atrophic vulvovaginitis in women aged 50 years and above, both current and non-users of hormone replacement therapy, attending a genitourinary medicine clinic
JF Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care
JO J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 135
OP 136
DO 10.1783/147118902101196261
VO 28
IS 3
A1 Jean Tobin
A1 Veerakathy Harindra
YR 2002
UL http://jfprhc.bmj.com/content/28/3/135.abstract
AB Introduction In women aged 50 years and over attending a genitourinary medicine (GUM) department the commonest presentation was with symptoms of vulval soreness, irritation or dryness. Atrophic vulvovaginitis (AVV) was the commonest diagnosis made. This study was undertaken to determine if the presence of AVV was related to the use, or not, of systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Method A prospective study was made of all women aged 50 years and over attending a GUM department over a 3-month period. Results Of the 124 women seen in this age group, 60 (40%) had AVV and 28 (23%) had vaginal candidiasis. No difference was found in current users or non-users of HRT. Conclusion Accurate diagnosis is essential in women with vulval symptoms to ensure that appropriate therapy is given. In the present study symptomatic women aged 50 years and over were more likely to have AVV than candidiasis irrespective of their use of systemic HRT.