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Menopause Symptoms

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Development Stage

Early Stage

Focused ultrasound research is in the laboratory phase and is not yet available for patients.

Clinical Trials

Focused ultrasound for this condition is being researched in clinical trials.

International Approval

Focused ultrasound is approved to treat this condition outside the US. Patients can seek commercial treatment at participating international sites.

FDA Approved

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved focus ultrasound for this condition. Patients can seek commercial treatment at participating sites.

Early Stage

Clinical Trials

International

FDA Approved

Focused ultrasound for this condition has been researched in clinical trials. However, at this time, we are not aware of any open clinical trials.

Focused Ultrasound Therapy 

Focused ultrasound is a rapidly evolving, therapeutic technology that could transform the quality of life and decrease the cost of care for patients with symptoms of menopause. The genitourinary symptoms of menopause is a relatively new term, and includes not only genital symptoms (dryness, burning and irritation) but may also include sexual symptoms (lack of lubrication, impaired function, discomfort or pain) and urinary symptoms (urgency, dysuria, and recurrent urinary tract infections). This novel technology focuses beams of ultrasound energy precisely and accurately on targets deep in the body without damaging surrounding normal tissue. 

How it Works 

Where the beams converge, focused ultrasound produces several therapeutic effects that are being evaluated. The use of focused ultrasound can alter the vaginal mucosa and improve the genital symptoms. It may also help with the lack of lubrication and functional impairment. Early work is being done on the urinary symptoms as well. While significant work has been accomplished, there is still much to be done before this technology will be widely available. 

The primary options for treatment of menopause include medication and at times invasive surgery.  

For certain patients, focused ultrasound could provide a more effective and non-invasive alternative to surgery with less risk of complications and lower cost.  

Advantages 

  • Focused ultrasound is non-invasive, so it does not carry added concerns like surgical wound healing or infection.  
  • Focused ultrasound can reach the desired target without damaging surrounding tissue. 
  • It can be repeated, if necessary. 

Clinical Trials 

At the present time, there are no clinical trials recruiting patients for focused ultrasound treatment of menopause symptoms.  

Regulatory Approval and Reimbursement  

Focused ultrasound treatment for menopause symptoms is not yet approved by regulatory bodies or covered by medical insurance companies. 

Notable Papers 

Kolczewski P, Kozłowski M, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. Micro-Focused Ultrasound Therapy in Patients with Urogenital Atrophy and Vaginal Laxity. J Clin Med. 2022 Nov 26;11(23):6980. doi: 10.3390/jcm11236980. PMID: 36498554  

Li R, Jiang J. The efficacy and safety of secondary focused ultrasound therapy for recurrence of non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva. Int J Hyperthermia. 2022;39(1):1310-1314. doi: 10.1080/02656736.2022.2131000. PMID: 36202394  

Yin Y, Pan F, He M, Zhang C, Liu Y. High intensity focused ultrasound combined with ultrasound-guided suction curettage treatment for cesarean scar pregnancy: a comparison of different HIFU sonication strategies. Int J Hyperthermia. 2022;39(1):390-396. doi: 10.1080/02656736.2022.2044078. PMID: 35196957  

Click here for additional references from PubMed.