The effect of complementary and alternative therapy at menopause: Trick or treat?

Lily Stojanovska, Viki Kitanovska

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Hot flushes affect approximately 75% of postmenopausal women and are one of the most distressing symptoms that women experience as they enter the menopause. The treatment of hot flushes is a common clinical challenge. A large body of data shows that HRT effectively relieves vasomotor symptoms by 80-90%, however, many patients may be unable or unwilling to undergo hormonal treatment. Publication of the results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) and the Million Women Study (MWS) has led to considerable uncertainties about the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) among health professionals and women. All of these concerns have generated interest in nonhormonal treatment and many women seek alternative strategies to relieve climacteric complaints. The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among menopausal women has increased in the last years. This growth highlights the need for a critical evaluation of the tolerability and effectiveness of these readily available therapies. This chapter provides an overview for the evidence underlying the commonly used non-hormonal therapies for menopausal symptoms in terms of their efficacy and safety when used for relief of menopausal-related symptoms.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCurrent Topics in Menopause
PublisherBentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Pages385-413
Number of pages29
ISBN (Print)9781608055159
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alternative therapy
  • Black cohosh
  • Botanical herbs for menopausal symptoms
  • Complementary therapy
  • Dong quai
  • Evening primrose oil
  • Ginseng
  • HRT
  • Homeopathy
  • Hops
  • Hot flushes
  • Isoflavones
  • Maca
  • Menopause
  • Menopause symptoms
  • Night sweats
  • Phytoestrogens
  • Red clover
  • Soy beans
  • acupuncture

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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