The effect of vaginal cream containing herbal extracts (Foeniculum vulgare, Salvia officinalis and Flaxseed) on the mental symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Most menopausal women experience changes due to decreased estrogen secretion. Vaginal atrophy is one of the most common changes during menopause. This study was performed with aim to determine the effect of vaginal cream containing herbal extract (Foeniculum vulgare, Salvia officinalis and Flaxseed) on mental symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Methods: The triple-blind clinical trial study was performed in 2019 on 60 postmenopausal women with symptoms of vaginal atrophy referred to the selected health centers in Ahvaz, Iran. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of 30 women to receive vaginal cream containing herbal extract (Foeniculum vulgare, Salvia officinalis and Flaxseed) and placebo for eight weeks. Mental symptoms of vaginal atrophy including dryness, burning and itching, vaginal pain and pain during intercourse were assessed using the most bothersome symptom (MBS) checklist before the intervention and two, four and eight weeks after the treatment. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22) and Mann-Whitney, Friedman and independent t-test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After treatment with the vaginal cream containing herbal extracts (Foeniculum vulgare, Salvia officinalis and Flaxseed) in the intervention group, the mental symptoms of vaginal atrophy significantly reduced compared to the beginning of the study (P<0.001). The vaginal cream containing herbal extracts (Foeniculum vulgare, Salvia officinalis and Flaxseed) compared to placebo cream significantly reduced the mental symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women after two weeks (P=0.046), four weeks (P<0.000) and eight weeks (P<0.000). Conclusion: The use of vaginal cream containing herbal extracts (Foeniculum vulgare, Salvia officinalis and Flaxseed) compared with placebo cream reduces the symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Therefore, this cream is recommended for women with vaginal atrophy.

Keywords

• flaxseed
• foeniculum vulgare
• menopause
• phytoestrogen
• salvia officinalis