Effect of Nigella sativa on Estradiol Levels and Menopausal Symptoms in Post-Menopausal Females

Introduction: Menopause is the permanent cessation of menses, typically occurs in women of 45-55 years. Menopause is associated with a number of somatic, psychological and sexual symptoms due to decline in estradiol levels resulting in poor quality of life of postmenopausal females. Aims & Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of Nigella sativa on menopausal symptoms and estradiol levels in postmenopausal females. Place and duration of study: Department of Physiology PGMI, Lahore for 8 weeks. Material & Methods: It was an interventional study conducted on 30 postmenopausal females. Nigella sativa was administered in the dose of 1g/day after breakfast for a period of 8 weeks. Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) was filled and blood sample was taken before and after giving Nigella sativa for estradiol and testosterone levels. Data was analyzed by paired t-test using SPSS-21 and p- value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The result of the study showed that there was statistically significant reduction in the overall score of MRS (p = 0.001) and in all its domains, somatic (p=0.001), psychological (p=0.001) and urogenital (p=0.017). There was also significant improvement in blood estradiol level after 8 weeks of Nigella sativa administration (p= 0.021). Conclusion: Nigella sativa supplementation increases estradiol level and decreases menopausal symptoms severity as indicted by significant reduction in the 3 domains of MRS and may be used by postmenopausal females on regular basis to improve their quality of life.