Menopause, 11/17/2016 de Souza KZD, et al.

For this study, researchers assess the adequacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women and assess its impact on the serum levels of testosterone. Tribulus terrestris might be a safe alternative for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women since it was viable in diminishing symptoms with few side effects. It is a likely mechanism of action involves an increase in the serum levels of free and bioavailable testosterone.

Methods

• In this study researchers played out a prospective randomized, double–blinded, placebo–controlled study, amid year and a half.
• An aggregate of 45 healthy sexually active postmenopausal women reporting decreased libido were chosen to participate in the study and were haphazardly appointed to get 750 mg/d of T terrestris or placebo for 120 days.
• Randomization was performed utilizing sealed envelopes.
• All participants answered the Female Sexual Function Index and the Sexual Quotient–female version questionnaires and had their serum levels of prolactin, thyroid–stimulating hormone, total testosterone, and sex hormone–binding globulin measured.

Results

• A sum of 36 participants finished the study because 3 from each group were excluded because of side effects and 3 dropped out because of personal reasons.
• FSFI questionnaire results showed an improvement in all domains in both groups (P < 0.05) except for lubrication which was enhanced only in the study group. QS–F results demonstrated a significant improvement in the domains of desire (P < 0.01), arousal/lubrication (P = 0.02), pain (P = 0.02), and anorgasmia (P < 0.01) in women who utilized T terrestris, whereas no improvement was seen in the placebo group (P > 0.05).
• Moreover, free and bioavailable testosterone levels demonstrated a significant increase in the T terrestris group (P < 0.05).