Effect of porcine placental extract on menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of oral administration of porcine placental extract (PPE) on the menopausal symptoms of Korean women. Materials and methodsThis study was a multicenter, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. A hundred menopausal Korean women were randomly allocated either to the PPE 400 mg per day or the control group during 12 weeks of the study period. Menopausal symptoms were evaluated using the Kupperman Index (KMI). ResultsThe KMI decreased after 12 weeks in both groups; however, the difference in the changes was not statistically significant. Among overweight or obese women whose body mass index (BMI) was 23 kg/m2 or higher, the KMI decreased more significantly in the PPE group than placebo group after 12 weeks (−18.52 ± 9.09 vs −11.40 ± 10.68, P < 0.05). Among 49 early menopausal women whose duration of menopause was less than 3 years, the KMI decreased more significantly in the PPE group after 12 weeks (−17.29 ± 9.07 vs −11.29 ± 10.68, P < 0.05). The baseline estradiol level was not statistically different between the two groups before trial, but the estradiol level of the PPE group was significantly increased at 12 weeks (11.13 ± 35.13 pg/m, P < 0.05). ConclusionsOral administration of 400 mg PPE per day decreases menopausal symptoms in women with BMI 23 kg/m2 or higher or in early menopausal women. PPE may be considered as a short-term complementary treatment to reduce menopausal symptoms, especially in overweight or early menopausal women.