A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on menopausal symptoms: A high placebo response

Mahsa Sadat MOUSAVI, Mona Najaf NAJAFI, Nosrat Baharian SHARGHI, Hassan RAKHSHANDEH, Masumeh GHAZANFARPOUR, Masoudeh BABAKHANIAN

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral fennel on menopausal symptoms.Material and Methods: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 50 postmenopausal women in Mashhad(Iran). Patients were randomly divided into two groups of fennel (n=25) and placebo (n=25). Measurements were performed at baseline andafter three months using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire.Results: Both placebo and treatment groups revealed significant improvements in the hot flush score (p