Comparison of the effect of licorice vaginal cream and estrogen vaginal cream on sexual function of postmenopausal women: An RCT

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 $\pm$ 4.37 and increased to 20.31 $\pm$ 4.63 at the end of the study. The mean score of sexual function in the estrogen group was 17.14 $\pm$ 3.99 and increased to 22.97 $\pm$ 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.