Written by Jessica Patella, ND. The participants that took 60 mg of Pycnogenol showed a 56% decrease in menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, difficulty sleeping and, irritability(p<0.05).
There are an estimated 37.5 million women reaching or currently at menopause (2). Approximately 75% of these women will experience hot flashes, the most common and reported to be the most bothersome symptom of menopause (1,2). Recent research has shown that Pycnogenol extract (French maritime pine bark) improves hot flashes and other symptoms in women during perimenopause and menopause (1).
Menopause occurs one year after the woman’s final menstruation. The transitional time leading up to menopause, is known as perimenopause, which is recognized by multiple symptoms. The symptoms can include hot flashes, heart palpitations, depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, memory problems, lack of concentration, vaginal dryness and urgency of urination (1, 3).
Recent research included 170 perimenopausal women from 42-58 years of age. These women were not taking hormonal therapy of any kind. The women were randomly divided into two groups,: a placebo group and a Pycnogenol group. The Pycnogenol group received 30 mg of Pycnogenol at breakfast and 30 mg of Pycnogenol at dinner, for a total of 60 mg per day (1).
A total of 156 women completed the study. Seven participants from each group dropped out of the study, but none of them terminated the study because of side effects (1). Symptoms of perimenopause were recorded by the Women’s Health Questionnaire and Kupperman’s index.
The 25 symptoms covered by the Women’s Health Questionnaire include: hot flashes, abnormal perception (numbness of limbs), insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, dizziness, tiredness, muscular pain, headache, heart palpitations, formication (sensation of insects crawling on skin), memory problems, menstrual problems, sexual problems and sense of attractiveness. The Pycnogenol group reported statistically significant improvement of all symptoms after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment, with the exception of abnormal perception and formication symptoms.
The Kupperman index is an average score of symptoms that include hot flashes, perspiration, sensation of cold, shortness of breath, numbness, difficulty falling asleep, fitful sleep, irritability, nervousness, melancholy, nausea/vertigo, headache, palpitation and tingling sensation. The Kupperman index showed a 56% decrease in symptoms in the Pycnogenol group (16.0 +/- 9.2 at baseline; 7.5 +/- 7.2 after 12 weeks of supplementation) compared to placebo (p<0.05). The decrease in score represents an overall decrease in symptoms (1).
In conclusion, 60 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved a large range of perimenopausal symptoms, including hot flashes (1). This was the first study to show the safety of Pycnogenol in perimenopausal women. Due to the number of symptoms improved and the lack of negative side effects, the researchers suggest that Pycnogenol should be considered as a daily supplement for perimenopausal and menopausal women (1). During the study, hormone levels did not change in either group, indicating the reduction in symptoms was not due to hormonal regulation.
Source: Kohama, Takafumi, and Masako Negami. “Effect of low-dose French maritime pine bark extract on climacteric syndrome in 170 perimenopausal women.” J Reprod Med 58 (2013): 39-46.
© Journal of Reproductive Medicine®, Inc.
Posted February 28, 2013.
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:
- Kohama T, Negami M. Effect of Low-dose French Maritime Pine Bark Extract on Climacteric Syndrome in 170 Perimenopausal Women. 2013 J Reproductive Med, 58; 39-46.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Menopause: Women’s Reproductive Health.
- Zapantis G, Santoro N: The menopausal transition: Characteristics and management. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003;17:33–52.
