Endocrine and metabolic effects of guar gum in menopausal women

The effect of a gel-forming dietary fiber, guar gum (15 g/day) on blood pressure, climacteric symptoms, serum hormones (estrone, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) and on blood glucose and serum lipids (cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides) was studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial involving 30 menopausal women. A total of 15 women (Group A) were treated with guar gum and 15 (Group B) with placebo, for 6 months. Patients visited the doctor at the beginning of the study and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Climacteric symptoms decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in both groups. Serum total cholesterol decreased by 5% in the guar gum group but this was not statistically significant. No changes in serum hormone levels or in other lipid and blood glucose levels were observed in either group. Body weight and blood pressure also did not change.