The effect of Fennel seed powder on estradiol levels, menopausal symptoms, and sexual desire in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was designed to determine the effect of Fennel seed powder on menopausal symptoms, sexual desire, and serum estradiol levels in postmenopausal women. Methods: The present study was conducted on 80 eligible women (45-60 y) who were referred to the Mofatteh Gynecology Clinic in Yasuj, Iran. Participants were randomized into equal intervention and control (control) groups. The intervention and control groups received four capsules of Fennel seed powder (2 gr) and starch-containing capsules (2 gr) daily over 8 weeks, respectively. Menopausal symptoms and sexual desire of the participants were evaluated using both the menopausal Kupperman index and Hurlbert index of sexual desire. The questionnaires were completed at baseline, week 4 and week 8 of the study by the participants. The serum estradiol levels were measured at baseline and also at the end of the study. The Chi-square test, independent t test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. Results: Menopausal symptoms score significantly decreased from 30.8 ± 6 to 19 ± 5.5 in the intervention group and also from 31.2 ± 6.5 to 26.4 ± 6.2 in the control group (P < 0.05). Treatment with Fennel seed did not significantly enhance the participants sexual desire (P > 0.05). The estradiol levels declined in the intervention (from 60.4 ± 43.4 to 52.6 ± 25.7) and control groups (from 55.1 ± 22.4 to 39.9 ± 26.9). However, this decrease was lower in the intervention group than in the control group. The intergroup differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicated that daily use of Fennel seed significantly improved menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women over 8 weeks, though its effect on estradiol levels and sexual desire was not significant. Further studies with a larger sample size and longer duration are needed to verify these findings.

Mexican traditional medicines for women’s reproductive health

“…Serum estradiol levels were measured at the beginning and at the end of the trial. The results of the study showed that menopausal symptoms were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the treatment group but there was no change in sexual desire 43 . In a triple-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial involving 90 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 years 45 .…”

“…Foeniculum vulgare Mill (Apiaceae) is an aromatic plant native to the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe, that was introduced into Mexico and is now cultivated across the Sierra Madre 40 . In MTM, fennel has been used traditionally for the management of dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding, to increase breast milk, as well as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory to manage menopausal symptoms [41][42][43] . Traditionally, fennel has also been used for the treatment of respiratory disorders, indigestion, PMS, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, as well as to increase breastmilk production and libido 43 .…”

“…In MTM, fennel has been used traditionally for the management of dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding, to increase breast milk, as well as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory to manage menopausal symptoms [41][42][43] . Traditionally, fennel has also been used for the treatment of respiratory disorders, indigestion, PMS, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, as well as to increase breastmilk production and libido 43 . Clinical support for these uses is reported in a double blind, randomized clinical trial involving 60 postmenopausal women 44 .…”

“…Treatment with a vaginal cream containing a fennel extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced itching, dryness, pallor, and dyspareunia in women with vaginal atrophy as compared with the placebo group 44 . In another controlled clinical trial, 80 menopausal women (45-60 y) were randomized to receive treatment with encapsulated fennel seed powder (2 gr) or placebo capsules (2 gr) daily for 8 weeks 43 . Menopausal symptoms and sexual desire were evaluated using Kupperman index and Hurlbert index of sexual desire.…”

Effect of Fennel Aromatherapy (Foeniculum Vulgare) On Decreasing Menopause Symptom Levels in Menopausal Women in Tunjung Village Bangkalan Regency Indonesia

“…It is said to be effective for exerting estrogenic activity and lowering dysmenorrhea. The research of Ghaffari, et al [17] concluded that fennel seeds can significantly improve menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women although their effects on estradiol levels and sexual desire are insignificant. This is reinforced by the research of Malakouti, et al, [15] showing that aromatherapy combination of lavender, fennel, geranium and rose shows a positive impact in improving sexual function without side effects in postmenopausal women.…”