Soy isoflavones, inulin, calcium, and vitamin D3 in post-menopausal hot flushes: an observational study.

Purpose of investigation To evaluate the effect of soy isoflavones and inulin (SII) on hot flushes (HF) and quality of life in a clinical setting, the authors conducted an observational study. Materials and methods The authors performed an observational, prospective, multicentric study on women in peri-/post-menopause treated or untreated with a product present on the Italian market, consisting in a mixture of calcium (500 mg), vitamin D3 (300 IU), inulin (3 g) and soy isoflavones (40 mg). Results A total of 135 patients, 75 (55.6%) in the SII group and 60 (44.4%) in the untreated group entered the study. After three months, the mean number of HF declined of 2.8 (SD 3.7) in the SII group and 0.0 in the untreated one. The corresponding values after six months were -3.7 (SD 2.7) in the SII group and -0.9 (SD 5.3) in the control group (p = 0.02). Conclusion This observational trial suggests a possible beneficial effect of a dietary soy supplement containing 40 mg of isoflavone/day plus inulin in the management of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes

Progestogens and estroprogestins in the treatment of pelvic pain associated with endometriosis

We performed a MEDLINE and EMBASE search to identify all studies published in the English language literature on the use of progestogens for die treatment of endometriosis. The aim of our review was to clarify the biological rationale for treatment and define the drugs that can be used. It has been demonstrated that progestogens may prevent implantation and growth of regurgitated endometrium by inhibiting the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and angiogenesis, and they have several anti-inflammatory in vitro and in vivo effects that may reduce the inflammatory state generated by the metabolic activity of the ectopic endometrium. Oral contraceptives increase the abnormally low apoptotic activity of the endometrium of patients with endometriosis. Moreover, anovulation, decidualization, amenorrhoea and the establishment of a steady estrogen-progestogen milieu contribute to disease quiescence. Progestogens are able to control pain symptoms in approximately three out of four women with endometriosi. Different compounds can be administered by the oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravaginal or intrauterine route, each with specific advantages or disadvantages. Medical treatment plays a role in the therapeutic strategy only if administered over a prolonged period of time. Given their good tolerability, minor metabolic effects and low cost, progestogens must therefore be considered drugs of choice and are currently the only safe and economic alternative to surgery. However, their contraceptive effectiveness limits their use to women who do not wish to have children in the short-term

The use and effectiveness of in vitro fertilization in women with endometriosis : the surgeon's perspective

Objective: To assess the use and effectiveness of IVF in a cohort of women undergoing surgery for endometriosis. Design: Cohort study. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): Four hundred thirty-eight patients who attempted to become pregnant after conservative surgery for endometriosis. Intervention(s): Interview. Main Outcome Measure(s): Pregnancy and IVF use. Result(s): One hundred ninety-four women conceived in vivo (44%). One hundred twenty-four women did not undergo IVF despite their infertility status (51% of the group of women who failed to conceive in vivo). One hundred thirty-nine women underwent at least one IVF attempt. The cumulative rate of IVF use at 36 months of infertility was 33%. The live-birth/ongoing pregnancy rate per started cycle and per patient was 10% and 20%, respectively. Conclusion(s): In a large tertiary care and referral center, IVF played only a minor role in the treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility

Fibroids and female reproduction : a critical analysis of the evidence

Observational epidemiological studies aimed at elucidating the relationship between fibroids and infertility are inconclusive due to methodological limitations. However, two main pieces of clinical evidence support the opinion that the fibroids interfere with fertility. First, in IVF cycles, the delivery rate is reduced in patients with fibroids but is not affected in patients who have undergone myomectomy. Second, even if randomized studies are lacking, surgical treatment appears to increase the pregnancy rate: approximately 50% women who undergo myomectomy for infertility, subsequently conceive. Available evidence also suggests that submucosal, intramural and subserosal fibroids interfere with fertility in decreasing order of importance. Although more limited, some data supports an impact of the number and dimension of the lesions. Drawing clear guidelines for the management of fibroids in infertile women is difficult due to the lack of large randomized trials aimed at elucidating which patients may benefit from surgery. At present, physicians should pursue a comprehensive and personalized approach clearly exposing the pros and cons of myomectomy to the patient, including the risks associated with fibroids during pregnancy on one hand, and those associated with surgery on the other hand

The second time around : reproductive performance after repetitive versus primary surgery for endometriosis

After repetitive surgery for recurrent endometriosis, 20 of 89 (22%) women achieved spontaneous pregnancy, compared with 165 of 411 (40%) after first-line procedure (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.32 to 0.82), and the 12- and 24-month cumulative pregnancy rates were 14% and 26% in the former group compared with 32% and 38% in the latter. Among infertile patients at baseline, 13 of 67 (19%) conceived after reoperation compared with 98 of 290 (34%) after primary surgery (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.30 to 0.99), and the 12- and 24-month cumulative pregnancy rates were 13% and 22% in the former group and 25% and 30% in the latter

Deep endometriosis: definition, pathogenesis, and clinical management

"Deep endometriosis" includes rectovaginal lesions as well as infiltrative forms that involve vital structures such as bowel, ureters, and bladder. The available evidence suggests the same pathogenesis for deep infiltrating vesical and rectovaginal endometriosis (i.e., intraperitoneal seeding of regurgitated endometrial cells, which collect and implant in the most dependent portions of the peritoneal cavity and the anterior and posterior cul-de-sac, and trigger an inflammatory process leading to adhesion of contiguous organs with creation of false peritoneal bottoms). According to anatomic, surgical, and pathologic findings, deep endometriotic lesions seem to originate intraperitoneally rather than extraperitoneally. Also the lateral asymmetry in the occurrence of ureteral endometriosis is compatible with the menstrual reflux theory and with the anatomic differences of the left and right hemipelvis. Peritoneal, ovarian, and deep endometriosis may be diverse manifestations of a disease with a single origin (i.e., regurgitated endometrium). Based on different pathogenetic hypotheses, several schemes have been proposed to classify deep endometriosis, but further data are needed to demonstrate their validity and reliability. Drugs induce temporary quiescence of active deep lesions and may be useful in selected circumstances. Progestins should be considered as first-line medical treatment for temporary pain relief. However, in most cases of severely infiltrating disease, surgery is the final solution. Great importance must be given to complete and balanced counseling, as awareness of the real possibilities of different treatments will enhance the patient's collaboration

Reproductive performance in infertile women with rectovaginal endometriosis: Is surgery worthwhile?

Objective: This study was undertaken to ascertain whether the incidence of pregnancy is increased and time-to-conception is reduced in infertile women with rectovaginal endometriosis undergoing conservative surgery compared with those on expectant management. Study design: A total of 105 infertile women under the age of 40 years with rectovaginal endometriosis and no other associated major infertility factor underwent first-line conservative surgery at laparotomy or expectant management according to a shared decision-making approach. Results: Among the 44 women who had resection of rectovaginal endometriosis, 15 became pregnant, compared with 22 of the 61 women who choose expectant management (24-month cumulative probabilities, 44.9% and 46.8%, respectively; log-rank test, \u3c721 = 0.75; P = .38). One major and 9 minor postoperative complications occurred. Significant differences in pain-free survival time in favor of the surgery group were observed for dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and dyschezia. Conclusion: Conservative surgery for rectovaginal endometriosis in infertile women does not modify the reproductive prognosis although it does increase pain-free survival time

Effect of delaying post-operative conception after conservative surgery for endometriosis

The objective of this study was to determine whether delaying attempts to conceive after surgery for endometriosis impacts on reproductive prognosis. Patients operated on for endometriosis who were not seeking pregnancy at the time of surgery were selected (n = 124) from a large survey regarding reproductive outcome of women with the disease. Pregnancy rate and rate of second surgery were compared between women who attempted conception within 12 months after surgery (n = 61) and those compared who postponed attempts for 12 months or more (n = 63). In women delaying attempted conception, the adjusted incidence rate ratio for pregnancy and repetitive surgery was 0.79 (95% CI 0.46-1.35) and 1.70 (95% CI 0.86-3.38), respectively. In conclusion, attempting conception shortly after surgery appears advisable since delaying is associated with a lower pregnancy rate and a higher rate of recurrence. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance and this advice is thus not mandatory. Larger studies are warranted to validate these conclusions