Pumpkin seed oil supplementation may increase good cholesterol levels, lower diastolic blood pressure, and alleviate menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

2011 Climacteric Improvement in HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women supplemented with pumpkin seed oil: pilot study Gossell-Williams M, Hyde C, Hunter T, Simms-Stewart D, Fletcher H, McGrowder D, et al.

Randomised Controlled Trial HDL-C Menopause Pumpkin Seed Oil

In this pilot study employing a randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled design, 35 women that were either naturally menopausal or had prematurely entered menopause due to benign surgical intervention partook. Over the span of 12 weeks, participants received either pumpkin seed oil or wheat germ oil (serving as the placebo) at a dosage of 2 grams daily. Measurements of serum lipids, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure and completion of a questionnaire regarding menopausal symptoms were taken before and after the supplementation period, and changes across these factors were evaluated.

Following supplementation, women who received pumpkin seed oil displayed increased concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (commonly known as good cholesterol) and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure. Additionally, there was a notable decline in the severity of menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, headaches, and joint pain, thanks to this supplementation. Contrarily, symptoms of depression and feelings of being unloved heightened among women in the group that received wheat germ oil.

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