Abstract

BACKGROUND: Menopause is a stage in woman's life that some women experience in middle age and some at a younger age (premature menopause). Low levels of ovarian hormones, during menopause can lead to various complications. Menopause is one of the factors that can affect a woman's sexual function. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to compare the effect of licorice vaginal cream and estrogen vaginal cream on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial study, 82 postmenopausal women who were referred to health centers in Ilam, Iran from July to November 2020 were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 41/each). One group was given estrogen vaginal cream 2, and the other vaginal licorice cream 2. Participants used the 2 medications for 14-day periods each. We used the finite randomization method. Data collection questionnaires, including a demographic information questionnaire before treatment and a female sexual function index questionnaire were completed before, one month after the medication, and 2 months after using the medication. RESULTS: The mean score of sexual function in the licorice group was 17.86 +/- 4.37 and increased to 20.31 +/- 4.63 at the end of the study. The mean score of sexual function in the estrogen group was 17.14 +/- 3.99 and increased to 22.97 +/- 5.09 at the end of the study (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The effect of estrogen vaginal cream on the sexual function of postmenopausal women was greater than licorice vaginal cream.