OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of treatment with Trifolium pratense on climacteric symptoms and sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This study was prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled. We selected 120 women, aged between 45 and 65 years with climacteric symptoms, with absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) for more then one year and without any treatment in the last six months. After selection, women were divided into two groups: GT received 40 mg of Trifolium pratense (one capsule per day); GP received placebo (control, one capsule of lactose per day). Treatment lasted 12 months and women were evaluated before and after four, eight and twelve months of treatment by clinical (Kupperman Menopausal Index -KMI and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction) and laboratory exams. At study end, each group had 50 patients. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease of symptoms after four months of treatment according to the KMI, mainly of hot flashes in relation to baseline data for both groups, but not between both groups. Evaluation of sexual satisfaction did not disclose any difference in both groups before and after treatment. CONCLUSION: The 40mg/day Trifolium pratense treatment may not ameliorate menopausal symptoms or improve sexual satisfaction.
Menopause; Sexual satisfaction; Trifolium pratense; Hot Flashes