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Red clover for treatment of hot flashes and menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

  • 2015-10-15
  • Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 36(3)
    • M Ghazanfarpour
    • R Sadeghi
    • R Latifnejad Roudsari
    • I Khorsand
    • T Khadivzadeh
    • B Muoio

Study Design

Type
Meta-Analysis
Population
peri/postmenopausal women
Methods
Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library) were searched
This study evaluated the efficacy of red clover to relieve hot flashes and menopausal symptoms in peri/postmenopausal women. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library) were searched. The mean frequency of hot flashes in red clover groups was lower compared with that in the control groups (close to statistical significance). Difference in means (MD) of hot flashes frequency was - 1.99 (- 4.12-0.139; p = 0.067; heterogeneity P > 0.01; I(2) = 94.93%; Random effect model). Subjective (vaginal dryness) and objective (maturation value) symptoms of vaginal atrophy showed a significant improvement with 80-mg dose of red clover. Red clover showed less therapeutic effect on psychology status, sexual problems and sleeping disorders. Red clover consumption may decrease frequency of hot flashes, especially in women with severe hot flashes (≥ 5 per day). Red clover may reduce other menopausal symptoms. Further trials are needed to confirm the current systematic review findings.

Research Insights

  • Red Clover→Improved Psychological Status

    Red clover showed less therapeutic effect on psychology status, sexual problems and sleeping disorders.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    not explicitly stated for the meta-analysis overall
  • Red Clover→Improved Sexual Function

    Red clover showed less therapeutic effect on psychology status, sexual problems and sleeping disorders.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    not explicitly stated for the meta-analysis overall
  • Red Clover→Improved Sleep Quality

    Red clover showed less therapeutic effect on psychology status, sexual problems and sleeping disorders.

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    not explicitly stated for the meta-analysis overall
  • Red Clover→Improved Vaginal Dryness

    Subjective (vaginal dryness) and objective (maturation value) symptoms of vaginal atrophy showed a significant improvement with 80-mg dose of red clover.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    80 mg dose
  • Red Clover→Increased Vaginal Lactobacilli Levels

    Subjective (vaginal dryness) and objective (maturation value) symptoms of vaginal atrophy showed a significant improvement with 80-mg dose of red clover.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Moderate
    Dose
    80 mg dose
  • Red Clover→Reduced Hot Flash Frequency

    The mean frequency of hot flashes in red clover groups was lower compared with that in the control groups (close to statistical significance). Difference in means (MD) of hot flashes frequency was - 1.99 (- 4.12-0.139; p = 0.067; heterogeneity P > 0.01; I(2) = 94.93%; Random effect model).

    Effect
    Neutral
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    not explicitly stated for the meta-analysis overall; 80 mg dose used for vaginal atrophy outcomes
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