Sapporo Medical Journal

Abstract : Objective: Perimenopause is the transition from the reproductive period to the menopausal stage with decreased number and function of oocytes. Transvaginal ultrasound is a reliable alternative method of detecting ovarian reserve. Ajwa dates contain complex macro and micronutrient components complemented by phenolic and flavonoid content considered potential to improve the condition of the ovaries of perimenopausal women which can be assessed through transvaginal ultrasound. Methods: This research is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-post control design carried out at RSIA Sitti Khadijah I Muhammadiyah Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, in February-August 2023. The study involved 44 perimenopausal subjects aged 42-48 years who were divided into 2 groups randomly (28 intervention groups, 16 control groups). Comparison of ovarian follicular changes analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test. Result: The results of this study showed a decrease in the number of ovarian follicles with an increase in follicle size in the intervention group compared to the control group which experienced an increase in follicle count and a decrease in follicle size in the control group that was statistically significantly different (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Consumption of ajwa dates as an exogenous antioxidant can affect the number and size of antral follicles which is one of the predictive indicators of menopause.