PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:~I. To examine the ability of oral omega-3 fatty acids to improve symptoms of atrophic vaginitis as reported by postmenopausal breast cancer survivors as compared to survivors not taking omega 3.~II.To examine the ability of oral omega-3 fatty acids to decrease inflammation related to atrophic vaginitis in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors as compared to survivors not taking omega 3.~III. To examine the ability of oral omega-3 fatty acids to uptake systemically and to validate adherence; these measures will be compared to demographic data including body mass index to observe if differences exist in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors vs. those not taking omega 3.~IV. To examine the effect of oral omega 3 fatty acids as compared to placebo of dietary supplement on serum female hormone levels in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.~V. To examine cytokine levels in women taking oral omega 3 fatty acids as compared to women not taking omega 3 to determine effect.~OUTLINE: Patients were randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms.~ARM I: Patients received 3.5g omega-3 fatty acid orally (PO) daily for 6 months.~ARM II: Patients received placebo of dietary supplement (7 capsules) PO daily for 6 months.
This randomized double-blind clinical trial studied the effect of oral omega-3 fatty acid on atrophic vaginitis in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (N=52). Omega-3 fatty acid may reduce inflammation and improve vaginal symptoms in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.