Efficacy and safety of human placenta extract in alleviating climacteric symptoms: prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of human placenta extract in the relief of climacteric symptoms.


METHODS
A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 108 women with menopausal symptoms. Human placenta extract or placebo was administered to the women for 4 weeks. Climacteric symptoms were assessed with the Kupperman Index (KMI).


RESULTS
Both groups showed a significant reduction in the KMI score at the end of treatment. However, the decrease in the KMI score was significantly greater in the product group than in the placebo group (-12.30 +/- 10.44 vs -7.15 +/- 9.11, P = 0.012) after 4 weeks of treatment. The level of lipid profiles and liver function tests demonstrated no significant changes before and after treatment in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Human placenta extract reduced climacteric symptoms more than the placebo. The safety evaluation showed a good safety and tolerability profile in the placenta extract group. The results of the present study suggest that human placenta extract can be an alternative therapy in women with menopausal symptoms.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Yoo-Kyung
YK
Lee
Hyun Hoon
HH
Chung
Soon-Beom
SB
Kang
D002979:Climacteric / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010920:Placenta / Q000737:chemistry*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014020:Tissue Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D014020:Tissue Extracts