Top in women’s health: Capsule for vulvovaginal atrophy; breaking down US birth data

A phase 1/2 clinical trial found that a vaginal tamoxifen capsule was safe in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy, researchers reported.

The hormone-free capsule, DARE-VVA1 (Daré Bioscience), could “be an important new treatment option to address one of the most common vaginal side effects associated with breast cancer therapy,” as current estrogen-based therapies are “often contraindicated for the hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patient population,” Sabrina Martucci Johnson, president and CEO of Daré Bioscience, said in a press release.

It was the top story in women’s health last week.

Another top story was a Q&A with Juviza Rodriguez, MS, senior director of consumer health at March of Dimes, exploring last year’s data on U.S. births, which showed a lower overall birth rate, racial disparities in preterm birth rates and cesarean deliveries, and more.

Read these and more top stories in women’s health below:

Vaginal tamoxifen capsule safe in women with postmenopausal thinning, dryness

Treatment with a vaginal tamoxifen capsule in postmenopausal women with moderate to severe vulvovaginal atrophy was safe with minimal drug exposure, researchers reported in a phase 1/2 clinical study. Read more.

Q&A: Driving factors for US birth outcomes ‘complex and layered’

Despite the decreases noted in a recently released CDC report for teenage and preterm birth rates and cesarean section rates, experts highlight the need for continued work in improving maternal and infant health outcomes. Read more.

Q&A: Current gynecologic oncology drug shortage a ‘public health crisis’

So far in 2023, there has been an overwhelming shortage of chemotherapy drugs, of which several specifically impact gynecologic oncology providers and patients. Read more.

Statewide analysis: Significant variation in surgical method for prolapse hysterectomies

A Michigan statewide analysis found significant variations in surgical approaches for hysterectomies performed to treat pelvic organ prolapse, according to study data. Read more.

Maternal OCD linked to adverse pregnancy, delivery, neonatal outcomes

Maternal obsessive-compulsive disorder was associated with increased adverse pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes, according to findings from two cohort studies published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.