Alternative Relief for Menopause Lacks Evidence
Reported July 26, 2006
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — Twenty-five million women will experience menopause in the next 10 years. Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and sleep problems are all symptoms associated with the big change.
Physicians and patients began to seek other options for menopausal symptoms after a large clinical trial of hormone therapy (HRT) was halted due to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Anne Nedrow, M.D., from Oregon Evidence-based Practice Center and Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, and colleagues reviewed 70 studies of alternative and complementary therapy for menopause-related symptoms. Of the 70 studies, 48 of them examined vitamins, proteins and complete diets. Ten assessed whole medical systems like traditional Chinese medicine and Indian ayurvedic medicine. Nine focused on mind-body therapies like meditation and guided imagery. Two looked at the energy-based treatments reflexology and magnet therapy. One studied osteopathic manipulation, a body based therapy.
Four studies suggested soy-based phytoestrogens provided a benefit in relieving symptoms. In one of the four studies of black cohosh, the root of a native North American shrub, one study showed an overall improvement in several symptoms, while three didn’t show any benefit for hot flashes. Researchers conclude the overall quality and quantity of data is not sufficient enough to recommend any of the treatments. They say insufficient evidence exists to support the use of complementary and alternative therapies to relieve menopause related symptoms.
The authors of the study report, “Women value partnership, choice, and shared decision making. Because there is no universal menopausal treatment, it is essential that health care professionals provide accurate information and options for midlife women.”
SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association, Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006; 166:1453- 1465
