So I found this study that said 250 or so women used DHEA suppositories intravaginally for 12 weeks and reported that vaginal atrophy symptoms were relieved. They used varying strengths, to see if that mattered. As it turned out, the 3.25 mg DHEA ovule or suppository seemed to have pretty good results. I found a pharmacist that reported some of their customers had success with 3.25mg DHEA vaginal suppositories (or ovules), inserting 1 suppository nightly for 12 weeks, then 2-3 times per week thereafter. Has anyone tried this?
Another study I came across, the participants utilized a vaginal suppository containing hyaluronic acid sodium salt 5 mg, vitamin E acetate 1 mg, and vitamin A palmitate 1 mg. Dosing was a suppository intravaginally every night for 14 nights, then tapering to every other night for 14 nights. Of 150 women, 126 women completed the study in full. The study assessed efficacy of the study medication in the areas of burning, itching, inflammation and irritation. Results showed that any symptom that was reported as severe initially was resolved to either mild or absent at the end of four weeks. Anyone ever heard of this?
My wife's in a very demanding job, and doesn't have time to research this, so I'll be checking back to hear from you as to what works for you, while I continue to research further and report anything new I find.
Replied By James (Denver, Co, Usa) on 07/27/2012
Update - I learned, from doing more research, that 1mg Vaginal E3 Suppositories were more commonly used than the DHEA ones (that is, they have a longer track record; the DHEA suppositories, though, are up-and-coming it seems. ) So I ordered some E3's on-line, after searching for E3 suppositories, or 1mg E3 Vaginal Suppositories. One Naturopathic Doctor who was kind enough to reply, suggested starting out with 1 a week. So, this is our first week. I'll report back later.Replied By James (Denver, Co, USA) on 09/09/2012
Me again, with an update. We've gone from theory to experience. My wife has been using the 1 mg E3 vaginal suppositories by Bezwecken (available over the web - just search for them). She used them nightly for 2 weeks, and then tapered off to 2 times a week (last week). Happy to report that the discomfort she felt is almost totally gone. Several months ago it was actually painful for her sometimes to have sex. But last night, she reported that there's only minor tenderness. That's awesome progress. After buying these suppositories over the web, and starting to use them, she decided to meet with a Naturopath to be safe. It was fun to have her prescribe the same thing she was already using. Ideally (or supposedly) we can taper off to 1 a week. Just had to post an update, because it sure helped things.Replied By Downs (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) on 11/19/2012
I have been following the story on the DHEA but have not hear any more on it. I am a nurse of 23 years with vaginal atrophy after a hysterectomy 20 years. As a nurse I can tell you how afraid of hormones I am. But I had to have something due to prolapsed of vaginal vault and bladder or have surgery. I have tried the E3 and thought my heart was going to stop. My chest hurt for days. My breast hurt so bad I could not touch them. Vaginal vault hurt and burned with positive for blood when void. I would like to know if there is any more news with the DHEA. I have got to try something or have the surgery. I have read all on the internet and research papers.Replied By Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 11/19/2012
Downs: if you haven't found any info on the use of DHEA for your specific condition, then simply give it a personal trial. Also search your condition as it relates to the mother hormone Pregnenalone and sister Progesterone. Since these are bioidenticle hormones in the human body in synthetic or supplement forms, there are virtually no negative side effects. So the question becomes not "should I supplement DHEA" but "how much". There are a growing number of health professionals and clinics using these Bio-identical hormones in the treatment of many common age-related illnesses. Search Bio-identical Hormone Therapy as opposed to Hormone Replacement Therapy (which has negative side effects). I use a Pregnenalone or DHEA supplement daily as I have a degenerative condition. Since these hormones are "parent" they don't create an imbalance or, testosterone or estrogen dominance; you simply get an increase of both (which is the purpose). I take either 25mg Pregnenalone or 50mg DHEA daily w/ noticeable good results (increase stamina). It's advised to begin w/ small doses and gradually increase to desired results. There are also a number of herbs that are helpful in promoting hormone synthesis in the body.
Also, you may also consider an B-12 / Folic Acid deficiency as that can have negative consequences in the Cervical / Vaginal area.
Replied By Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 11/20/2012
Timh, you mention herbs that are good for hormone balance. What are they?Replied By Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 11/20/2012
Dong Quai / Angelica, and Siberian Ginsing / Eleuthero Root.Replied By Downs (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) on 11/21/2012
Timh, have you had any negitive side effect from the DHEA? What I have read make me concern. Some say great hair loss, palpations and anxiety, on and on of course, the benefits are equal. My prolapsed is do lack of hormone to strength the vaginal vault, and no cervix, due to vaginal histerectomy. I an sixty years and I am tired of having surgeries. Not one surgery seams to help just makes another problem. There is a co. (not china )that makes a 5 mg sublingual. My state doesn't compound the DHEA or will not without script. I think I am going to try this. I will break them in fourth. Any advice.Replied By Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 11/22/2012
Downs: Most health food stores or pharmacies carry otc DHEA, so yes, start w/ low mg and work your way up. I would recommend also using the herbs I suggested. Rotate from one to the other on a weekly basis while also taking the DHEA.
Also consider Growth Hormone boosting as it could compliment the other recommends and you would increase your chances of a real and lasting benefits. The Amino Acid GABA boost Growth Hormone production as much as 40% (take one grm before retiring). I take the GABA in conjunction w/ YouTube Growth Hormone Release or Pituitary release harmonics. Athletic trainers have discovered that quick burst exercise (also found on YouTube) has dramatic Growth Hormone release. Speaking of hormones, make sure your Thyroid is good. Supplement Iodine.
Replied By Downs From Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Ok) on 12/28/2012
For those who would like to try DHEA there is a lab called Douglas lab that does not use China Vitamin and is a very reliable co. whom make DHEA 5 mg that you can use. It is a sublingual that I divide into fourth. You can't get DHEA compound here without script.