Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 40 to 90 Women only

Vaginal DHEA vs Vaginal Estrogen for Menopause Symptoms

Official title: The Use of Vaginal Estrogen vs DHEA in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women

Run by University of Arizona · NCT07574216 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether vaginal DHEA or vaginal estrogen helps with vaginal dryness, discomfort, and urinary symptoms in peri- or post-menopausal women by randomly assigning participants to one treatment and measuring their symptoms over time.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years to 90 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment324 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Arizona
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Phoenix, Arizona)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 4, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2031
Study endsDecember 31, 2031
Registry record updatedSeptember 21, 2026
Trial IDNCT07574216 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Women aged 40-90 who are peri- or post-menopausal and have vaginal or urinary symptoms, are willing to use vaginal therapy, and speak English.

Probably not a fit

Individuals without vaginal or urinary menopausal symptoms or with recent systemic hormone therapy may experience no benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this study, peri- or post-menopausal women with genitourinary symptoms are randomized to receive either vaginal DHEA or 0.01% estradiol vaginal cream for a defined treatment period. Participants complete questionnaires on symptoms and sexual health, and undergo simple vaginal assessments at baseline and study end. The goal is to compare effects on vaginal tissue health, sexual function, and urinary symptoms to inform treatment choices for menopausal care. The study is conducted at Banner University Medical Center Phoenix with University of Arizona as the lead sponsor. Randomization aims to minimize bias and provide fair comparisons between the two therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help doctors and patients choose the more effective option for relieving vaginal and urinary menopausal symptoms.

How similar studies have gone: Previous trials have explored vaginal therapies for menopausal symptoms, with mixed but informative results guiding practice toward personalized options.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Peri- or post-menopausal status
* Presence of any genitourinary or vaginal symptom (e.g., dryness, itching, discomfort, dyspareunia)
* Willingness and ability to use vaginal therapy
* Ability to provide informed consent
* English speaker
* Ages 40-90

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of systemic hormone therapy within the last 6 months
* Gynecologic malignancy
* Known allergy to study medications
* Active vaginal infection at enrollment
* Prior pelvic radiation

Where it's running

  • Banner University Medical Center Phoenix
    Phoenix, Arizona, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.