Study: Beneficial Effects of Fennel on Postmenopausal Sexual Function

Despite the fact that it is one of the most debilitating menopause symptoms, women rarely seek medical help for sexual dysfunction. To offer sufferers easy and natural solutions to their ailments, Iranian researchers evaluated the effects of fennel on sexual function in women after menopause.

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Study Design

There were 60 postmenopausal women participating in this trial. They suffered from various symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as itching, burning, vaginal dryness, and painful sex.

Once researchers randomly assigned them to two groups, women were instructed to use either fennel vaginal cream (5 grams) or a placebo at night. The trial lasted for eight weeks.

Women's symptoms as well as vaginal pH and cytology of the vaginal mucosa were assessed before and after the trial.

Study Findings

After eight weeks, women using fennel vaginal cream showed significant improvements in all areas of sexual function, such as arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and pain. The average Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score improved from 8.2 before the trial to 33.79 after its completion.

Women in the placebo group also showed improvements (the FSFI score increased from 8.03 to 18.99), but not as significant as those in the fennel group.

What Does It Mean?

As seen in the results of this clinical trial, fennel improves sexual function in postmenopausal women. These findings are of great importance as female sexual dysfunction is estimated to affect up to 41% of women.¹

Being natural and free of side effects, fennel is an attractive alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly for women who cannot take synthetic hormones.

Offering middle-aged women safe and effective solutions to vaginal dysfunction will hopefully encourage them to reach out for help and relieve their symptoms.