Chronic cystitis is a common and debilitating condition affecting menopausal women. It often proves resistant to conventional treatments, including antibiotics and antimuscarinic agents such as solifenacin (Vesicare). Persistent symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, leading to urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, and chronic pelvic pain. As current therapeutic options are limited, there is a growing need for alternative approaches. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin A supplementation in alleviating symptoms associated with chronic cystitis in postmenopausal women.

A total of 35 menopausal women, aged between 45 and 70 years, diagnosed with chronic cystitis unresponsive to standard therapies, were enrolled in the study. All participants received an oral daily dose of 10,000 IU of vitamin A over a period of one year. Symptom severity was assessed using two validated tools: the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and the Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI). Measurements were taken at baseline, after 6 months of supplementation, and at the end of the 12-month period. Participants were monitored for adherence and any adverse effects throughout the study.

Significant improvements were observed in key urinary symptoms, including frequency, urgency, nocturia, and pelvic pain, when compared to baseline scores. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the reductions in symptom severity were significant (p < 0.05) at both the 6- and 12-month evaluations.

Vitamin A supplementation may offer a novel therapeutic option for postmenopausal women with chronic cystitis resistant to conventional treatments.

Vitamin A supplementation may provide a promising new therapeutic option for postmenopausal women suffering from chronic cystitis resistant to conventional treatments. The findings suggest potential benefits in symptom reduction and overall improvement in quality of life. However, larger multi-center trials with more diverse patient populations are necessary to confirm these preliminary results and to further investigate the optimal dosage and safety profile of long-term vitamin A therapy in this patient group.