Comparative Study on the Effect of Achillea millefolium Extract and Counselling with a Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Approach on the Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women

Background and purpose: Menopause can adversely affect the quality of life in postmenopausal women. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, it is associated with certain side effects. This study aimed to compare the effects of Achillea millefolium extract and consultation based on a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) approach on the quality of life of postmenopausal women. Materials and methods: This randomized clinical trial lasted for six months. The inclusion criteria consisted of postmenopausal women experiencing between 3 and 20 hot flashes per day. Seventy-five postmenopausal women were randomly assigned using a block randomization method into three groups of 25 participants each: Achillea millefolium, counselling, and control (no treatment). The herbal group received two 500 mg capsules daily for two months, and the counselling group, based on the mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) approach, received eight sessions lasting 120 to 150 minutes each. The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), one-way ANOVA, independent t-test, or paired t-test. Results: The mean age of participants was 55.3 ± 2.06 years. There was a significant difference among the three groups regarding total MENQOL scores (P= 0.004) and all domains, including vasomotor (P< 0.001), psychosocial (P< 0.001), physical (P= 0.03), and sexual (P= 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the two interventions, Achillea millefolium extract and counselling, in terms of total MENQOL scores or any of its dimensions (P> 0.05). Both Achillea millefolium extract (P< 0.005) and counselling based on the mindfulness-based cognitive therapy approach (P< 0.005) showed statistically significant improvements in total MENQOL scores and all domains compared to the control group. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that both Achillea millefolium extract and mindfulness-based counselling reduce the frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women. Overall, the effectiveness of the Achillea millefolium extract and mindfulness counselling was similar. Healthcare providers may consider recommending counselling and Achillea millefolium, particularly in cases where hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated. (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20210201050212N1)