Comparison of the effect of licorice vaginal cream and estrogen vaginal cream on sexual function of postmenopausal women: An RCT

Background: Menopause is a stage in woman’s life that some women experience in middle age and some at a younger age (premature menopause). Low levels of ovarian hormones, during menopause can lead to various complications. Menopause is one of the factors that can affect a woman's sexual function. Objective: The present study was conducted to compare the effect of licorice vaginal cream and estrogen vaginal cream on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, ۸۲ postmenopausal women who were referred to health centers in Ilam, Iran from July to November ۲۰۲۰ were randomly divided into ۲ groups (n = ۴۱/each). One group was given estrogen vaginal cream ۲%, and the other vaginal licorice cream ۲%. Participants used the ۲ medications for ۱۴-day periods each. We used the finite randomization method. Data collection questionnaires, including a demographic information questionnaire before treatment and a female sexual function index questionnaire were completed before, one month after the medication, and ۲ months after using the medication. Results: The mean score of sexual function in the licorice group was ۱۷.۸۶ ± ۴.۳۷ and increased to ۲۰.۳۱ ± ۴.۶۳ at the end of the study. The mean score of sexual function in the estrogen group was ۱۷.۱۴ ± ۳.۹۹ and increased to ۲۲.۹۷ ± ۵.۰۹ at the end of study (p = ۰.۰۱۵). Conclusion: The effect of estrogen vaginal cream on the sexual function of postmenopausal women was greater than licorice vaginal cream.

Keywords:

Vagina , Post menopause , Glycyrrhiza , Estrogens. , واژن , یائسگی , زنان , شیرین بیان , استروژن.