Reviewer ’s rep ort 
 
Title: Investigating the effect of vitamin D vaginal suppo sitory on sexual function among 
postmenopausal women: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial  
 
Version: 0 Date: 18 Aug 2019  
 
Reviewer: Sevil Hakimi  
 
Reviewer's report:  
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1. Section Goals and hypothesis: The authors mentioned vit D can improve sexual function via 
improving sy mptoms of vaginal atrophy. Using which mechanism? It should me explain briefly 
in this section  
2. Specific objectives: They should be re - written.  Comparison of sexual function in 
postmenopausal women between groups and within group.  
3. Absolute contrain dication of vit D should be consider in exclusion criteria.  
4. This study is not triple blind, In randomization section authors mentioned classification of 
groups. A: suppository  of vit D, B: group of placebo and C: control group. How this is triple 
blind?  
5. T- test is not suitable for comparing quantitative data. there are 4 groups. one way ANOVA 
must be placed.  
6. If data distribution is not normal which rest will be done instead of RM ANOVA?  
5.In every RCT side events should be evaluated. So side e ffect of Vit D3 should written as " side 
event" not side effect (see CONSORT guidline) and it not consider as secondary outcome.  
6. Its better evaluate vaginal maturation index also for better assessment of atrophic vaginitis.  
 
Are the methods  appropriate and well described?  
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Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
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Yes 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
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Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manus cript or would you recommend an 
additional statistical review?  
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assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Needs some language corrections before being published  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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