Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Thirty postmenopausal women, whose quality of life was decreased due to vaginal atrophy, saw significant improvement of symptoms after just 8 weeks of using a vaginal fennel cream when compared to the control group of women
Vaginal atrophy affects an estimated 40% of postmenopausal women worldwide (1, 2). It is a common condition due to low estrogen levels after menopause. Symptoms include pale vaginal epithelium (pallor), dryness of the labia and vagina, inflammation, increased tearing, increased pH, itching and pain during sex (1, 3). Recent research has found vaginal fennel cream to be helpful in reducing symptoms of vaginal atrophy and improving quality of life (1).
Vaginal atrophy can negatively affect postmenopausal women, with more than 50% reporting that the condition decreases their quality of life (4). Most women with this condition use vaginal lubricants or hormone replacement therapy (5). However, due to the potential side effects of hormone replacement therapy and the unclear safety issue for women who have survived breast cancer, many women turn to alternatives (1).
The recent research included 60 postmenopausal women who were randomly assigned to either a placebo group or a fennel vaginal cream group (5% fennel). The subjects were instructed to apply 5 grams of cream per day for 8 weeks and to keep a daily record of their usage of the cream, symptoms and any side-effects (1).
The following results were observed after 8 weeks:
| Fennel Group | Placebo | Significance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Itching | 100% without itching | 43.3% without itching | p=0.017 |
| Dryness | 100% without dryness | 3.3% without dryness | p<0.001 |
| Pallor | 100% without pallor | 0% without pallor | p<0.001 |
| Pain during sex | 93.3% without pain | 0% without pain | p<0.001 |
The number of superficial cells increased in the fennel group compared to the control group (76.1 +/- 15.3 vs 11.8 +/- 8, p<0.001). The vaginal pH also decreased significantly in the fennel group compared to the control group (100% vs 7.4%; p<0.001). Both of these results indicate cellular changes in the vagina and cervix (1).
There were also no negative side effects reported (1). This was the first study of its kind to examine the effect of fennel cream on vaginal atrophy (1).
In conclusion, fennel vaginal cream improved vaginal cells, decreased vaginal pH, and improved symptoms of vaginal atrophy, including itching, pallor, dryness and pain during sex (1). Future studies over a longer period of time and with a larger group of women should be considered to confirm results (1).
Source: Yaralizadeh, Masomeh, Parvin Abedi, Shahnaz Najar, Foroogh Namjoyan, and Amal Saki. “Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.” maturitas 84 (2016): 75-80.
© 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Posted September 26, 2016.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Yaralizadeh M, et al. Effect of Foeniculum vulgate (fennel) vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.
- Bachmann GA, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of atrophic vaginitis. Am Fam Physician 61 (May (10) (2000) 3090-96.
- Pandit L and Ouslander JG. Postmenopausal vaginal atrophy and atrophic vaginitis. Am J Med Sci 314 (1997) 228-231.
- Nappi RE and Kokot-Kierepa M. Women’s voices in the menopause: results from and International survey on vaginal atrophy. Maturitas 67 (3) (2010) 233-38.
- North American Menopause Society, The role of local vaginal estrogen for treatment of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women:2007 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 14 (3 pt 1) (2007) 355-69.
