Effect of Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) on postmenopausal sexual dysfunction: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective: Female sexual dysfunction is a common distressing problem among women which may result from reducing circulating endogenous estrogen. Humulus lupulus L (Hop) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and estrogenic properties. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of Hop on postmenopausal sexual dysfunction. Methods: Study populations consisted of 63 postmenopausal women who were randomly categorized into two groups. In the Hop group (N=33), women received the Vaginal gel containing Hop extract every day for seven days and then continued for two months, twice weekly. In the Estradiol group (N=30), women were treated with vaginal estradiol (0.625 mg) over two 28-day cycles (21 days of therapy and seven days rest). The sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results: No statistically significant differences in FSFI scores (sexual desire, sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, satisfaction, orgasm, sexual pain, and total FSFI) (P>0.05) were noticed after treatment between Hop and estradiol groups. Conclusion: Vaginal Hop was as effective as estradiol in improving the sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women with no adverse events.