Comparing Urtica dioica to placebo on vaginal cytology and pH in postmenopausal women: A randomized, controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction

Decreased estrogen in the period of menopause causes thinning of the vaginal lining, a rise in vaginal acidity, and a drop in vaginal maturation levels. Menopausal women are seeking treatment for bothersome vaginal symptoms, opting for herbal treatments instead of hormone therapy due to their side effects or contraindications.

Methods

In 2021–2022, a triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 84 postmenopausal women aged 45–60 from Golestan who had the eligibility criteria and sought services from comprehensive health centers. The qualified females were given 5% vaginal cream containing Urtica dioica extract and a placebo for a duration of 8 weeks. Analysis of data was performed with SPSS. Vaginal PH and maturation value were measured before, as well as four and eight weeks following the intervention.

Results

Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the mean (SD) scores of the vaginal pH and VMV between the two groups. During the fourth and eighth weeks post-intervention in the Urtica dioica group, the mean (SD) vaginal pH scores were 4.8 ± 0.7 and 4.3 ± 1.0, and also the mean (SD) VMV scores were 50.8 ± 8.8 and 51.3 ± 8.9, respectively. There was a significant difference between the intervention group and the placebo group (P<0.001).

Conclusions

After using Urtica dioica vaginal cream for eight weeks, postmenopausal women displayed higher vaginal maturation value and lower vaginal pH.