Local Estrogen Adherence: A Prospective Pilot Study

Objectives: Local estrogen therapy (LET) has many benefits, but little is known regarding adherence and reasons for discontinuation. We aimed to evaluate fill/continuation rates of LET and assess factors associated with not filling/discontinuation. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study of adult women newly prescribed LET. Participants completed Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 (PFDI-20) and the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging (DIVA) at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-months from initial prescription. Participants who discontinued LET were queried regarding reason for discontinuation. Results: A total of 155 participants were included. Mean age was 65 (+/-10) and 57% had private insurance. The most common indications for prescription with LET were atrophic vaginitis 61 (39%) and recurrent urinary tract infection 34 (22%). At baseline, 94% filled initial prescription. Continuation rates were 78%, 90%, and 79% at 3-, 6-, and 12-months, respectively, but 93 (60%) were lost to follow-up over the study period. Common reasons for not starting LET included cost (33%) and concern for side effects (22%). Common reasons for discontinuing were mess of using therapy (19%) and concern for side effects (16%). PFDI-20 and DIVA domain scores except self-concept decreased across all timepoints for all participants with no difference between women who continued versus discontinued LET. Univariate analysis did not find any factors associated with LET discontinuation. Conclusions: LET use is associated with improved pelvic floor and vaginal symptoms up to 12 months following initiation. Prospective evaluation was challenging due to high loss to follow-up. A total of 26% discontinued LET over 1 year. Barriers to initiation and discontinuation such as cost, mess, and concern for side effects are potentially modifiable factors that physicians can address to improve adherence.