Post-menopauseNCT07574216
VEDA Study (DHEA vs Estradiol)
A study testing DHEA ovals and Estradiol 0.01% Vag Cream in people with Post-menopause and Pre-menopause, run by University of Arizona at 1 site in United States.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 90 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Post-menopause, Pre-menopause, Sexual Function
- What is being tested?
- DHEA ovals and Estradiol 0.01% Vag Cream
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 324 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 4 Aug 2026to 31 Dec 2031
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 90 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Banner University Medical Center Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, 85006
Iris Jaramillo, 602-827-2078, iyjarami@arizona.edu
Pamela C Garcia-Filion, MD, 602-827-2882, pgarciafilion@arizona.edu
About this study
Official title: The Use of Vaginal Estrogen vs DHEA in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women
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.
Read the detailed description
This research study is being conducted to compare two commonly used vaginal therapies vaginal estrogen and vaginal DHEA for the treatment of vaginal and urinary symptoms that occur after menopause. Many postmenopausal women experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation, painful intercourse, decreased sexual comfort, or urinary symptoms including burning, urgency, or recurrent urinary discomfort. These symptoms, often related to decreased estrogen levels, can significantly affect daily activities, intimate relationships, and overall quality of life.
In this study, women who choose to participate will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to use either vaginal estrogen or vaginal DHEA for a defined treatment period. Randomization ensures that each participant has an equal chance of receiving either treatment, which helps researchers make fair and unbiased comparisons between the two options.
Participants will complete questionnaires at several time points throughout the study to report on their symptoms, sexual health, comfort, and overall satisfaction with treatment. At the beginning and end of the study, participants will also undergo simple vaginal assessments, which may include vaginal pH testing, collection of vaginal swabs, or other non-invasive measurements to evaluate changes in vaginal health over time.
The goal of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of how each treatment affects vaginal tissue health, sexual function, urinary symptoms, and overall well-being. By comparing these two therapies directly, the study aims to provide healthcare providers with clearer evidence about which treatment may be more effective for specific symptoms or patient needs. Ultimately, the findings may help improve clinical care and offer women more tailored, evidence-based options for managing postmenopausal vaginal and urinary symptoms.
- Conditions
- Post-menopause, Pre-menopause, Sexual Function, Menopause, Vaginal Dryness, Painful Intercourse
- Being tested
- DHEA ovals, Estradiol 0.01% Vag Cream
- Keywords
- DHEA, vaginal estrogen
- Medical subject headings
- Dyspareunia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
DHEA ovalsDrug
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an inactive hormone precursor naturally produced by the body. When placed locally in the vagina, it is converted by vaginal cells into small amounts of estrogen and androgens exactly where the tissues need them. This helps restore the vaginal lining, improve moisture, and reduce pain.
Estradiol 0.01% Vag CreamDrug
Estradiol 0.01% vaginal cream is a local (vaginal) estrogen therapy used to treat symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)-the thinning, dryness, and inflammation of vaginal and urinary tissues caused by postmenopausal estrogen decline.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| DHEA suppository | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Drug: DHEA ovals |
| Estradiol 0.01% vaginal cream | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Drug: Estradiol 0.01% Vag Cream |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Genitourinary Symptoms
To compare the change in FSFI scores from baseline visit to post-treatment visit with vaginal DHEA versus vaginal estrogen among postmenopausal women with genitourinary symptoms.
Measured: Baseline/post treatment (6 month follow up)
Secondary outcomes (1)
Recurrent urinary tract infections
To compare changes from baseline-visit to post-treatment visit in: vaginal pH and recurrent urinary tract infections before and after treatment with vaginal DHEA vs Vaginal estrogen. Data will show if vaginal pH is greater than 4.5 indicating a UTI.
Measured: Baseline/post treatment (6 month follow up)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 May 2026
- Study start4 Aug 2026
- Primary completion31 Dec 2031 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2031 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (8)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Post-menopauseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 324 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Arizona
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Shaida Molloy, University of Arizona
- Investigators
- Molloy Shaida, Principal investigator, University of Arizona
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07574216
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- STUDY00007779
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 21 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 21 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: There is not a plan to make IPD available.
Publications
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.
PubMed 40298120Pieta 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.
PubMed 33488333Bouchard 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.
PubMed 25511551Porcari 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.
PubMed 40569036Danan 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.
PubMed 39250810Simon 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.
PubMed 29870471Misasi 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.
PubMed 40068355Portman 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.
PubMed 25155380
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Use of Vaginal Estrogen vs DHEA in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07574216
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- STUDY00007779
- Conditions
- Post-menopause, Pre-menopause, Sexual Function, Menopause, Vaginal Dryness, Painful Intercourse
- Keywords
- DHEA, vaginal estrogen
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 324 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of ArizonaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 4 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2031 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2031 (estimated)
- First posted
- 7 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
This research study is being conducted to compare two commonly used vaginal therapies vaginal estrogen and vaginal DHEA for the treatment of vaginal and urinary symptoms that occur after menopause. Many postmenopausal women experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation, painful intercourse, decreased sexual comfort, or urinary symptoms including burning, urgency, or recurrent urinary discomfort. These symptoms, often related to decreased estrogen levels, can significantly affect daily activities, intimate relationships, and overall quality of life.
In this study, women who choose to participate will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to use either vaginal estrogen or vaginal DHEA for a defined treatment period. Randomization ensures that each participant has an equal chance of receiving either treatment, which helps researchers make fair and unbiased comparisons between the two options.
Participants will complete questionnaires at several time points throughout the study to report on their symptoms, sexual health, comfort, and overall satisfaction with treatment. At the beginning and end of the study, participants will also undergo simple vaginal assessments, which may include vaginal pH testing, collection of vaginal swabs, or other non-invasive measurements to evaluate changes in vaginal health over time.
The goal of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of how each treatment affects vaginal tissue health, sexual function, urinary symptoms, and overall well-being. By comparing these two therapies directly, the study aims to provide healthcare providers with clearer evidence about which treatment may be more effective for specific symptoms or patient needs. Ultimately, the findings may help improve clinical care and offer women more tailored, evidence-based options for managing postmenopausal vaginal and urinary symptoms.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| DHEA suppository | Active comparator | Drug: DHEA ovals |
| Estradiol 0.01% vaginal cream | Active comparator | Drug: Estradiol 0.01% Vag Cream |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 90 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| DHEA ovalsDHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an inactive hormone precursor naturally produced by the body. When placed locally in the vagina, it is converted by vaginal cells into small amounts of estrogen and androgens exactly where the tissues need them. This helps restore the vaginal lining, improve moisture, and reduce pain. | Drug | DHEA suppository |
| Estradiol 0.01% Vag CreamEstradiol 0.01% vaginal cream is a local (vaginal) estrogen therapy used to treat symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)-the thinning, dryness, and inflammation of vaginal and urinary tissues caused by postmenopausal estrogen decline. | Drug | Estradiol 0.01% vaginal cream |
Primary outcome
Genitourinary Symptoms
Time frame: Baseline/post treatment (6 month follow up)
To compare the change in FSFI scores from baseline visit to post-treatment visit with vaginal DHEA versus vaginal estrogen among postmenopausal women with genitourinary symptoms.
1 secondary outcome
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Time frame: Baseline/post treatment (6 month follow up)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 40298120Kaufman 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: PubMed 33488333Pieta 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: PubMed 25511551Bouchard 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: PubMed 40569036Porcari 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: PubMed 39250810Danan 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: PubMed 29870471Simon 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: PubMed 40068355Misasi 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: PubMed 25155380Portman 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.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. There is not a plan to make IPD available.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Molloy Shaida principal investigator
University of Arizona
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing DHEA ovals and Estradiol 0.01% Vag Cream in people with Post-menopause and Pre-menopause, run by University of Arizona at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Iridian (Iris) Jaramillo, M.S. (602-827-2078, iyjaramillo@arizona.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Genitourinary Symptoms (time frame: Baseline/post treatment (6 month follow up)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07574216, which also lists 8 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Sep 2026.