CompletedPhase 2

The Effect of Individualised Homeopathic Treatment on Low Sexual Desire in Perimenopause

South Africa10 participantsStarted 2015-01

Plain-language summary

Low sexual desire, or decreased libido, is one of the most prevalent sexual complaints in females. Menopause is defined as the physiologic cessation of menses brought on by a decrease in ovarian function and is established once menses have been absent for at least twelve months. Perimenopause refers to the period shortly before as well as the twelve months after the last menstrual period. The duration of perimenopause varies greatly and signs and symptoms usually begin appearing during a woman's forties. A longitudinal study conducted in Seattle showed that women experienced a significant reduction in sexual desire during the late perimenopausal and early postmenopausal stages, with the biggest decline in sexual desire occurring from three years prior to two years after the final menstrual period. Despite being a prevalent female complaint, currently no standard treatment for low sexual desire exists. Homeopathy may offer a safe and effective solution for this common problem, however limited research has been conducted to date. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of individualised homeopathic treatment on low sexual desire in perimenopausal females using detailed case studies, the desire and arousal subscales of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) as well as Item 13 of the Female Sexual Distress Scale - Revised (FSDS-R).

Who can participate

Age range

40 Years – 60 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Females aged 40-60 years who are perimenopausal (up to one year after final menses) * Low sexual desire present for the last 3 months * At least 2 of the additional common signs and symptoms of perimenopause present for the last 3 months such as menorrhagia, irregular menses, amenorrhoea, hot flushes, night sweats, heart palpitations, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, memory and/or concentration loss, headaches, joint pain and vaginal dryness * History of normal libido, with onset of low sexual desire coinciding with or appearing after the onset of other symptoms of perimenopause. Exclusion Criteria: * Cessation of menses for more than 1 year (postmenopause) * Total hysterectomy * Early menopause (before age 40) * Pelvic or abdominal surgery in the preceding 6 months * Pregnant or lactating women or childbirth in the preceding 12 months * Gynaecological disorders such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, dyspareunia or vaginismus * Chronic diseases that affect sexual desire * Chronic medication that can affect sexual desire such as: Hormone Replacement Therapy, oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, opioids, carbamazepine or antihistamines.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Female Sexual Function Index

Timeframe: Every fourth week for twelve weeks.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02419209

SponsorUniversity of Johannesburg

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2015-10

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