Background: The sense of taste is one of the most important human senses and plays a critical role in an individual’s food preferences, which ultimately guide the dietary behaviour and thus the nutritional status of humans. The aetiopathogenesis of gustatory dysfunction is multifactorial, amongst which one of the factors is menopause, a normal developmental stage in woman’s life that occurs at around the age of 50 and is accompanied by a number of characteristic physical changes one of which is dysgeusia. Dysguesia makes food tasteless and thus compromises food intake, nutrition and the quality of life. Therefore, accurate clinical assessment of taste function is essential.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the gustatory function in postmenopausal women by comparing with age-matched men.

Methodology: During a period of 4 months, 30 postmenopausal women and 30 age-matched men were prospectively evaluated for gustatory function. Each subject was given a symptoms questionnaire for self-assessment of taste function. Then, whole mouth taste test was performed in which the quality identification and intensity ratings of taste solutions were measured.

Results: Regarding correct quality identification, the results were statistically non-significant (P > 0.05). As far as the intensity judgments are concerned, significant difference exists between postmenopausal women and age matched men. Intensity of taste perception for sucrose was significantly lower in postmenopausal women than intensity of taste perception for other tastes (P < 0.05). One of the noticeable findings is that 15 (50%) postmenopausal women reported a change in dietary habits; all expressed liking for sweeter food.

Conclusion: Postmenopausal women appeared to have a reduced perception of sucrose, which can alter eating habits, such as intake of more sweet foods, whereas no significant difference is observed in taste perception of NaCl, citric acid and quinine hydrochloride between postmenopausal women and age-matched men. Fifteen (50%) postmenopausal women stated fondness for sweet taste.