Effects of placental extract on menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

[Objective] This study aimed to verify whether placental extract is effective in improving menopausal symptoms through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

[Methods] Randomized controlled trials that administered placental extract to humans and analyzed the improvement of menopausal symptoms were searched across multiple electronic databases (Ichushi, CiNii, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase). Studies meeting the selection criteria were evaluated for quality using the Modified Jadad scale, followed by a meta-analysis regarding the improvement of menopausal symptoms and changes in the secretion of hormones related to those symptoms using Easy R.

[Results] Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. From the overall assessment of menopausal symptoms and the evaluation of fatigue, it was revealed that placental extract showed an improvement effect. Additionally, while placental extract did not promote the secretion of estrogen, it decreased the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone.

[Conclusion] It was confirmed that placental extract has a certain effect on improving menopausal symptoms. Since it does not promote the secretion of estrogen, it is considered that placental extract is not an alternative therapy for hormone replacement therapy with female hormones, but rather an adjunctive therapy aimed at symptom improvement.