Effects of pomegranate supplement on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in menopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Menopausal symptoms have negative effects on the aspects of quality of life and impose a high cost on the health system. In traditional Persian medicine, pomegranate is recommended to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Material and methods: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed among 78 healthy women. Participants were interviewed three times: Before receiving the supplement/placebo, after completing the treatment, and after 3 weeks with no intervention. They filled out the demographic information sheet, modified-Kupperman index, and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaires. Results: The mean scores of the modified-Kupperman index and MENQOL characteristics before and after the treatment and after the follow-up period were significantly different between pomegranate and placebo groups in both modified-Kupperman and MENQOL scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 4 weeks' treatment with the pomegranate supplement significantly ameliorates the irritating symptoms of menopause and improves the quality of life in menopausal women even after 4 weeks' medicine deprivation.