The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Effect of Vitamin E on Anxiety and Depression in Postmenopausal Women: A Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sara Soltani 1
Mina Iravani 2
Saeed Ghanbari 3
Zahra Abbaspoor 2
1 M.Sc in Midwifery, Department of Midwifery, Menopause Andropause Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of Midwifery, Menopause Andropause Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
10.22038/ijogi.2026.75005.5864
Abstract
Introduction: Menopause is one of the critical stages in women's lives that can be associated with mood problems such as depression and anxiety. The present study was conducted with aim to evaluate the effect of vitamin E on anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women.
Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was conducted in 2022 on 92 postmenopausal women referred to gynecology clinics in Najaf Abad city. The participants were allocated in two groups of placebo and intervention with a random block of 4 and allocation ratio of 1:1. The intervention group received a daily capsule containing 400 units of vitamin E and the placebo group received a capsule containing corn oil for 8 weeks. Depression and anxiety before and after the intervention were measured using the Beck questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26) and paired and independent t-tests and covariance analysis. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The findings of the study indicated that there was no significant difference in anxiety and depression pre-test scores in the two intervention and control groups (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of intervention, the vitamin E receiving group compared to the placebo group had a significant improvement in anxiety level from 13.26 ± 4.89 to 9.02 ± 3.33 (P=0.004) and depression from 15.21 ± 3.69 to 10.84 ± 3.08 (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The use of vitamin E in postmenopausal women, especially those who have limited use of antidepressants or who suffer from its side effects, can effectively improve the side effects of anxiety and depression.
Keywords
Alpha-Tocopherol
Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Menopause
Vitamin E
Subjects
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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 29, Issue 3
May 2026
Pages 46-61