Can a vaginal ring or moisturizer ease dryness for breast cancer survivors?

NCT ID NCT01984138

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at two treatments for vaginal dryness in women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who are taking aromatase inhibitors. One group uses a vaginal estrogen ring that releases a low dose of estrogen over 90 days, while the other uses a non-hormonal vaginal moisturizer called Replens. The goal is to see which option better improves symptoms like dryness and itching, and whether it affects hormone therapy compliance. The trial enrolled 33 postmenopausal women and tracked their symptoms over six months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

estradiol vaginal ring (ESTRING) and Replens vaginal moisturizer

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a safe way to ease vaginal dryness and improve quality of life for breast cancer survivors on hormone therapy.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study with only 33 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Vaginal estrogen might raise estrogen levels slightly, which could be a concern for hormone-sensitive cancers.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast neoplasm estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Houston Methodist Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States