VEDA Study (DHEA vs Estradiol)

Summary

This study is being done to compare two vaginal treatments, vaginal estrogen and vaginal DHEA, that are used to treat vaginal and urinary symptoms related to menopause. These symptoms may include vaginal dryness, discomfort, painful intercourse, or urinary problems and can affect quality of life and sexual health. Women who choose to participate will be randomly assigned to use one of the two treatments for a set period of time. Participants will complete questionnaires about their symptoms and sexual health and have simple vaginal testing at the beginning and end of the study. The goal of this research is to better understand how these treatments affect vaginal health and sexual function so healthcare providers can make informed treatment decisions and improve care for postmenopausal women.

Timeline

Start

2026-06-01

Primary completion

2031-12-31

Completion

2031-12-31

Publications

• Background Kaufman MR, Ackerman AL, Amin KA, Coffey M, Danan E, Faubion SS, Hardart A, Goldstein I, Ippolito GM, Northington GM, Powell CR, Rubin RS, Westney OL, Wilson TS, Lee UJ. The AUA/SUFU/AUGS Guideline on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. J Urol. 2025 Sep;214(3):242-250. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000004589. Epub 2025 Apr 29.
• Background Pieta W, Smolarczyk R. Vaginal dehydroepiandrosterone compared to other methods of treating vaginal and vulvar atrophy associated with menopause. Prz Menopauzalny. 2020 Dec;19(4):195-199. doi: 10.5114/pm.2020.101943. Epub 2021 Jan 7.
• Background Bouchard C, Labrie F, Archer DF, Portman DJ, Koltun W, Elfassi E, Grainger DA, Ayotte N, Cooper TA, Martens M, Waldbaum AS, Labrie C, Cote I, Lavoie L, Martel C, Balser J; VVA Prasterone Group. Decreased efficacy of twice-weekly intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone on vulvovaginal atrophy. Climacteric. 2015;18(4):590-607. doi: 10.3109/13697137.2014.992012. Epub 2015 Mar 3.
• Background Porcari I, Uccella S, Casprini C, Bosco M, Zorzato PC, Garzon S. Vulvovaginal estrogen therapy for urinary symptoms in postmenopausal women: a review and meta-analysis. Climacteric. 2026 Feb;29(1):13-22. doi: 10.1080/13697137.2025.2517138. Epub 2025 Jun 26.
• Background Danan ER, Sowerby C, Ullman KE, Ensrud K, Forte ML, Zerzan N, Anthony M, Kalinowski C, Abdi HI, Friedman JK, Landsteiner A, Greer N, Nardos R, Fok C, Dahm P, Butler M, Wilt TJ, Diem S. Hormonal Treatments and Vaginal Moisturizers for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause : A Systematic Review. Ann Intern Med. 2024 Oct;177(10):1400-1414. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-24-00610. Epub 2024 Sep 10.
• Background Simon JA, Goldstein I, Kim NN, Davis SR, Kellogg-Spadt S, Lowenstein L, Pinkerton JV, Stuenkel CA, Traish AM, Archer DF, Bachmann G, Goldstein AT, Nappi RE, Vignozzi L. The role of androgens in the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM): International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) expert consensus panel review. Menopause. 2018 Jul;25(7):837-847. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001138.
• Background Misasi G, Russo E, Montt Guevara MM, Tomatis V, Fidecicchi T, Luisi S, Giannini A, Mannella P, Caretto M, Pomara G, Simoncini T. Effects of vaginal DHEA on stress urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy. Maturitas. 2025 May;196:108232. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2025.108232. Epub 2025 Mar 1.
• Background Portman DJ, Gass ML; Vulvovaginal Atrophy Terminology Consensus Conference Panel. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: new terminology for vulvovaginal atrophy from the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health and the North American Menopause Society. J Sex Med. 2014 Dec;11(12):2865-72. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12686. Epub 2014 Aug 25.

Drugs

Indications