The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

Effects of Oral Curcumin Capsules on Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A triple-blind clinical trial

Document Type : Guideline

Authors
1 Professor, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2 MSc Student in Midwifery, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4 Assistant Professor of Biostatistics, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.22038/ijogi.2026.94454.6678
Abstract
During menopause, various aspects of women’s lives, including sexual function, can be adversely affected. Considering the limitations and potential adverse effects of hormone replacement therapy, safer complementary options such as curcumin have received increasing attention. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral curcumin capsules on sexual function in postmenopausal women.

Methods: This triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2025 on 100 postmenopausal women. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin (Group A) or placebo (Group B). The intervention consisted of one 500-mg capsule taken daily after breakfast for 8 weeks. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) at baseline, one month after the intervention, and immediately after completion of treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS with independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and chi-square test, with the significance level set at 0.05.

Results: The FSFI score in the curcumin group increased significantly after the intervention compared with baseline (p<0.05). Significant improvements were observed in sexual desire, arousal, vaginal lubrication, and sexual satisfaction (p<0.05), while changes in sexual pain were minimal. Regarding safety, most participants reported no adverse events, and no significant difference was observed between the two groups in the incidence of side effects (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Oral curcumin supplementation for 8 weeks significantly improved sexual function in postmenopausal women, particularly in the domains of sexual desire, arousal, vaginal lubrication, and sexual satisfaction. However, its effect on reducing sexual pain was limited and not considered clinically meaningful.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 06 September 2026