Evaluating the Therapeutic Effectiveness of Pennyroyal on Menopausal Symptoms and Its Association with FSH Hormonal Changes

Menopause is frequently accompanied by vasomotor, psychological, and somatic symptoms that can significantly affect quality of life. Herbal therapies have gained increasing attention as potential alternatives to hormone replacement therapy. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) has traditionally been used for women’s health, yet its clinical efficacy on menopausal symptoms and hormonal modulation remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of pennyroyal on menopausal symptoms and to examine its association with changes in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. A single‑arm clinical study was conducted on ۲۰ menopausal women aged ۴۵–۵۵ years. Participants received standardized pennyroyal extract orally for eight weeks. Menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) at baseline and post‑intervention. Serum FSH levels were measured before and after treatment. Data were analyzed using paired statistical comparisons to determine clinical and hormonal changes. Pennyroyal administration resulted in a noticeable reduction in total MRS scores, particularly in vasomotor and psychological domains. A moderate but statistically meaningful decrease in serum FSH levels was observed following the intervention. Symptom improvement showed a positive correlation with the magnitude of FSH reduction. The findings suggest that pennyroyal may offer therapeutic benefits for alleviating menopausal symptoms, potentially through partial modulation of FSH levels. Larger randomized controlled trials are recommended to confirm these preliminary results and clarify underlying mechanisms.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pennyroyal ، Menopause ، FSH ، Herbal Therapy ، Clinical Trial