Farnia V, et al. – The experts wished to test the possible influence of Rosa Damascena oil (RDO) on sexual function and sex hormones of opioid–dependent female patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and with methadone–related sexual dysfunction (MRSD). Data reported that opioid–dependent females undergoing MMT and with MRSD did benefit from RDO administration, as sexual function and happiness increased, and female sexual hormone levels changed in positive directions.

Methods

• For this study, 50 female patients (mean age: 38.8 years) diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD), undergoing MMT and with MRSD were randomly assigned either to the RDO or the placebo condition.
• At baseline, patients finished questionnaires covering socio-demographic and OUD-related information.
• At baseline, and 4 and 8 weeks later they additionally finished questionnaires on sexual function and happiness.
• Blood samples to evaluate thyroid hormones, prolactin, progesterone, and estradiol levels were taken at baseline and after two months (end of the study).

Results

• According to the findings obtained, after some time sexual function and happiness increased, but more so in the RDO condition than in the placebo condition.
• Results revealed that over time, prolactin decreased, and progesterone, and estradiol increased, but again more so in the RDO condition.
• It was observed in the findings that sex hormone levels and sexual function were statistically unrelated.