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The article discusses the decrease of using systemic hormone therapy in treating menopausal symptoms including sleep disruption, mood changes and short-term memory impairment due to anxiety and confusion. Medical graduates and primary care providers in the U.S. are also noted to be lacking in training and competencies in terms of prescribing menopausal treatments which rises concerns on the increase of untested and unregulated alternative treatments in the market.

Introduction: Soy isoflavones have been shown to be an alternative to hormone therapy at menopause, without causing side-effects such as breast cancer. However, the effects of early and late treatment with isoflavones on the mammary gland remain controversial.Objective: To investigate the effects of early and late treatment with soy isoflavones on the mammary gland of ovariectomized rats.Methods: Thirty 3-month-old rats were ovariectomized and divided equally into groups: Control, treated with vehicle solution; or with 150 mg/kg/body weight of isoflavones by gavage; or subcutaneously treated with 10 μg/kg/body weight with 17β-estradiol. Treatments started 3 days (early treatment) or 30 days (late treatment) after ovariectomy and lasted for 30 consecutive days. Thereafter, the animals were euthanized and the mammary glands were removed and processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histomorphometry or subjected to immunohistochemical detection of Ki-67 and VEGF-A.Results: The ductal, lobular and total epithelial fractions were similar between controls and the early/late isoflavone groups, but they were significantly higher in the groups treated with estradiol. In both epithelial and stromal regions, the immunoreactivity of VEGF-A and the percentage of Ki-67-positive cells were significantly higher in the groups treated with estradiol, while they were similar in the early/late isoflavone groups and control groups.Conclusion: Our results indicate that early and late treatment with soy isoflavones at the dose of 150 mg/kg/body weight does not show proliferative and angiogenic effects on the mammary gland of ovariectomized rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human health problems due to long life are becoming major issues in society, and in particular greater interest collected on women's health after menopause. Many substances can be introduced to women's health, however, materials from the substances have not shown all of the safety and efficacy properties that are not easily found. Currently, it is known about the effects of the disease on the female insect-derived material that is capable of overcoming this problem significantly. When using the insect-derived material through the results of several studies suggest that it is possible to solve a hormonal imbalance and nutritional imbalance in the elderly. Here, we'd like to try to dissertate about the new trends for women's health improvement using novel materials-derived from insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estrogen replacement therapy is not thought to be a safe treatment for prevention of cardiovascular disease in menopausal women; isoflavones are a possible alternative. Estrogen produces beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system by enhancing production of nitric oxide, a vasoprotective and antiatherosclerotic agent. Estrogen-like compounds such as isoflavones are also suggested for increasing nitric oxide production. Isoflavones are present mainly in soy foods as glucosides, but soy isoflavone aglycones, the biologically active estrogen-like compounds, are absorbed faster and in higher amounts than their glucoside derivatives and show higher biological activity, implying that they may be more effective in preventing chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease. We evaluated an extract of soybeans fermented by Aspergillus awamori on which polyphenol glucosides were biotransformed to aglycone forms on production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 and endothelin-1 in vitro in human endothelial cells, comparing it with a non-fermented extract. Bioconverted soybean extracts enhanced endothelin-1, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production, while the unfermented extract only enhanced endothelin-1 production. Thus, only the aglycone-rich forms of soybean extracts were able to increase nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production, demonstrating that, in endothelial cells in vitro, they may be usable as therapeutic agents against the development of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To examine the associations between consultations with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners and menopause-related symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 10 011 women aged 59-64 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, conducted in 2010. Women, including those with hysterectomy, oophorectomy and natural menopause, were asked about their consultations with a range of CAM practitioners and menopause-related symptoms experienced. Results Acupuncturists were more likely to be consulted by women with hysterectomy experiencing night sweats (odds ratio, OR = 2.21), but were less likely to be consulted by those experiencing hot flushes (OR = 0.53). Acupuncturists were also more likely to be consulted by women with oophorectomy (OR = 3.11) and natural menopausal women (OR = 1.57) experiencing back pain. Massage therapists were more likely to be consulted by women with oophorectomy experiencing back pain (OR = 1.98), women with hysterectomy experiencing anxiety (OR = 1.52), and natural menopausal women experiencing back pain (OR = 1.54) and/or anxiety (OR = 1.29). Naturopaths/herbalists were more likely to be consulted by women with oophorectomy experiencing leaking urine (OR = 2.08). Chiropractors/osteopaths were more likely to be consulted by women across all menopausal status experiencing back pain (OR = 2.52, 2.31 and 2.25 for women with oophorectomy, hysterectomy and natural menopause, respectively). Conclusions There are substantial levels of CAM practitioners' consultations amongst menopausal women, with a range of menopause-related symptoms associated with the use of specific CAM practitioner modalities. It is important that health-care providers are mindful of CAM practitioner use in order to ensure safe, effective and coordinated treatment and support for menopausal women in their care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To survey women's views on HRT and alternative therapies and make comparisons with 2007 data. Study design: A questionnaire on a UK patient-tailored independent clinician-led website with anonymous responses analysed using descriptive statistics.Main outcome measures: Answers to survey questions in 2007 and 2014.Results: A total of 1476 responses from 33 countries were obtained. Almost 70% of respondents had used/would consider using HRT. Over the last 5 years, 27.7% felt that their views had changed for the better. Most obtained information from health professionals or the Internet. About 51.1% felt that their family doctor did not recognise the importance of the menopause with one-third feeling resistance to being offered HRT. Compared to 2007, significantly more women were aware of the different risks associated with different types of HRT. More women were able to respond positively to the question asking whether or not they felt able to make an informed choice regarding HRT/alternative therapies.Conclusions: There has been negativity and confusion regarding HRT management since the beginning of the millennium. Our findings suggest that we, as health professionals, continue to let our patients down with poor provision of information, inaccurate or wrong information, or access to the right care. The cost of this is women living with preventable sequelae associated with the menopausal transition with a consequent adverse impact on health and the health economy. The importance of the menopause consultation as part of a life course approach is highlighted as well as the emerging discipline of Health Web Science.

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to compare the dynamic antioxidant activities and the free radical scavenging abilities of three botanical supplements, Hypericum perforatum L. (HPL), Herba Verbena Officinalis (HVO), and Valeriana officinalis L. (VO), which have been reported to effectively treat menopause symptoms. Methods: The antioxidant activities of the three supplements were determined by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay. In addition, their free radical scavenging abilities were studied by ftheir interactions with the stable radicals of 2, 2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Results: The results indicated that the HPL ethanolic extract exhibited greater antioxidant activity (1.2688 ± 0.01 mmol Trolox/g) than the HVO ethanolic extract (1.1686± 0.043 mmol Trolox/g) and the VO ethanolic extract (0.2579 ± 0.0031 mmol Trolox/g) as compared to Nilestriol (0.0026±0.0012), a positive control agent in the experiment. Moreover, the HPL extract showed remarkable free radical scavenging activity against ABTS•+, and the HVO extract was the most potent against DPPH•. Conclusion: These activities may be attributed to the total flavonoid or phenolic acid contents of among these extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past ten years, some progress has been made in research on the mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of menopausal syndrome. This article reviewed the mechanism of acupuncture treatment in menopausal syndrome from the regulation of the endocrine system, nervous system and the immune system, regulation of the metabolism of free radicals, regulation of blood lipids and blood and bone calcium levels, along with other aspects, and discussed the issues that should be noted in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vasomotor symptoms start about 2 years prior to menopause in women who are approaching menopause, and early menopause symptoms appear including emotional disturbance and anxiety, followed by physical changes such as vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and skin wrinkles. As time progresses, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia occur consecutively. Hormone therapy is primarily considered for the relief of menopause symptoms in postmenopausal women. However, as hormone replacement has emerged as a therapy that increases the potential risk of thrombosis, cerebral infarction and breast cancer, complementary and alternative medicine has drawn much attention. This study aimed to examine the types and effects of evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies that are currently used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Insomnia is a frequent postmenopausal symptom and may be due to hormonal changes, depressive states related to this period of life, hot flashes or nocturia. Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of these symptoms. Objectives: The aim of this study was to review chiropractic interventions in postmenopausal women as a possible management approach to menopausal symptoms and insomnia. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted by cross-referencing the key words insomnia, sleep, and menopause with chiropractic. The search used an end date of January 2014 and retrieved 17 articles. Results: Three articles were eligible for the study. All epidemiological data from large surveys demonstrated a lack of evidence for chiropractic intervention as a complementary and alternative therapeutic method in the management of menopausal symptoms and insomnia. Conclusions: There is no evidence for the effectiveness of chiropractic intervention as a complementary and alternative therapy for menopausal symptoms and insomnia. Further studies with proper methodological designs are warranted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims This systematic review is aimed at assessing surveys which monitor the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by climacteric women living in the UK. Method Five databases were searched for English-language, peer-reviewed surveys published between 1 January 2000 and 7 October 2011. In addition, the bibliographies of key articles, relevant book chapters and our own departmental files were hand-searched. Results Three surveys were found and they included a total of 3742 climacteric women. All of these surveys were of poor methodological quality. The average prevalence of CAM use was 57.25%. Based on two surveys, 56% of women mentioned they were regular CAM users. The average perceived effectiveness of CAM was 72%. Conclusions There is a paucity of high-quality surveys monitoring the prevalence of CAM use by UK climacteric women. The available evidence suggests that the prevalence of CAM use amongst climacteric women is high. Due to the low methodological quality and paucity of the primary data, these results should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten years after the publication of the first Women's Health Initiative (WHI) report, a substantial decrease in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been observed world-wide. Fear of developing breast cancer represents one of the reasons for an important shift toward alternatives for treatment of menopause symptoms or abstention from therapy altogether. Many publications in the scientific and lay press have emphasized the magnitude of the relative risk of breast cancer but have not focused on excess or attributable risk. Since the original report of the WHI study, new information has been published on risk factors for breast cancer related to hormone therapy use. Accordingly, we believe it important to review current data and examine excess rather than relative or absolute risk. A balanced perspective on excess risk determined from existing data suggests that the benefits of HRT for quality of life can outweigh the risks in management of a large number of postmenopausal women. In addition, alternative strategies for relief of menopausal symptoms are not as effective as HRT in treating the climacteric symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the announcement of the first results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to the media in 2002, prior to their scientific publication, the resulting panic headlines had an immediate and lasting negative effect on use of menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) around the world. Rates of use dropped by 40-80%. Symptomatic women then sought multiple alternative therapies but the majority of these have no greater effect than the effect seen from placebo in well-conducted trials of HRT. Some of these therapies have risks. Although anecdotally most menopause practitioners after 2002 can attest to having to counsel large numbers of women with debilitating menopausal symptoms who were too frightened to consider HRT, it is difficult to document loss of health-related quality of life in large population studies as they were not conducted. Similarly, the positive or negative effects of the marked decline in HRT on long-term morbidities and mortality have yet to be fully assessed. Recent studies have shown an increase in postmenopausal fractures and in some, but not all, populations a small temporary decline in breast cancer. Cardiovascular outcomes may not be apparent for another decade. Short-term, randomized, placebo-controlled trials confirm that HRT is the only therapy that effectively improves health-related quality of life in symptomatic women through a reduction in vasomotor and urogenital symptoms, joint pains and insomnia, while improving sexuality. The results of the re-analyses of the WHI data and new data from other studies do not justify the continuing negative attitude to HRT in symptomatic women who start HRT near menopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Many patients use herbal medicines to relieve menopausal symptoms. Keishi-bukuryo-gan contains five herbal components, and has been used for treating hypermenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea and menopausal symptoms in Asian countries. In this study, we investigated the potential herb-drug interactions of keishi-bukuryo-gan in healthy female subjects. Methods Thirty-one healthy females (20-27 years) were studied to evaluate their baseline activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, CYP2D6, CYP3A, xanthine oxidase (XO) and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) based on the urinary metabolic indices of an 8-h urine sample collected after a 150-mg dose of caffeine and a 30-mg dose of dextromethorphan, and also the urinary excretion ratio of 6 β-hydroxycortisol to cortisol. Thereafter, the subjects received 3.75 g of keishi-bukuryo-gan twice daily for seven days, and underwent the same tests on post-dose day 7. Key findings The geometric mean phenotypic index for CYP1A2 significantly decreased by 16% on day 7 compared with the baseline ( P = 0.026). Keishi-bukuryo-gan did not alter the indices for CYP2D6, CYP3A, XO and NAT2. Conclusions Keishi-bukuryo-gan may inhibit the activity of CYP1A2, which is predominantly involved in oestrogen metabolism. However, TJ-25 is unlikely to participate in herb-drug interactions involving medications predominantly metabolized by CYP2D6, CYP3A, XO and NAT2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Risk-benefit issues raised after the WHI have significantly increased the use of alternative treatments for the menopause. Despite this, data regarding the effect of soy isoflavones over mood and menopausal symptoms in high risk populations is still lacking. Objective. To evaluate the effect of soy derived isoflavones over hot flushes, menopausal symptoms and mood in climacteric women with increased body mass index (BMI). Methods. Fifty symptomatic climacteric women aged 40 to 59 with increased BMI (≥≥25) were recruited to receive oral 100 mg/day of soy derived isoflavones (Climasoy®®) for 3 months. Hot flushes (frequency/intensity), menopausal symptoms (Menopause Rating Scale [MRS]) and mood (Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale [HDRS]) were evaluated at baseline and at 90 days. Results. A total of 45 women completed the study. After 3 months of soy isoflavone supplementation hot flushes significantly decreased in percentage, number and severity (100%% to 31.1%%; 3.9 ±± 2.3 to 0.4 ±± 0.8 and 2.6 ±± 0.9 to 0.4 ±± 0.8, respectively, p < 0.001). MRS scores (total and for subscales) reflecting general menopausal symptoms also significantly decreased compared to baseline. Regarding mood, after three months total HDRS scores and the rate of women presenting depressed mood (scores ≥≥ 8) significantly decreased (16.3 ±± 5.4 to 6.9 ±± 5.2 and 93.3%% to 28.9%%, respectively, p < 0.05). There was no effect on blood pressure levels or BMI values after treatment. Conclusion. In this high risk climacteric population, soy derived isoflavone treatment improved mood as well as vasomotor and general menopausal symptoms. More research is required to determine if the positive effect over mood is a direct or an indirect one through hot flush alleviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black cohosh [Actaea racemosa L., formerly Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt.] is an herbal medicine that has been used in the United States for over 100 years for the treatment of many conditions, including menopausal symptoms. To date the clinical data remain controversial. While there are over 20 positive clinical trials, all of the recent NIH-funded studies are negative, casting doubt on its efficacy. In addition, the cases of hepatoxicity are replete, although direct causality to the ingestion of black cohosh has not been demonstrated. In vitro studies have suggested possible chemopreventative effects; however, the in vivo studies to date do not support this hypothesis and suggest enhanced metastases. Unresolved issues of quality, safety, and efficacy remain and until these issues are resolved, the use of black cohosh products cannot be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in a sample comprising women of mostly Hispanic descent and low socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: Demographic data and symptoms related to sexuality were analyzed from 102 women who consecutively came to the Women's Life Center at Hartford Hospital (2004-2008). FSD was defined as decreased sexual desire, dyspareunia, or vaginal dryness; depression as one positive response to a validated three-question screening instrument; and anxiety as a positive response to whether the patient experiences anxiety sometimes or often. Results: The cohort was 52.9 ± 6.8 years of age (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) and 80.0% Hispanic, and 47.8% were unemployed. The majority (92.8%) earned <$25,000, and most (95.8%) did not have a college degree. The prevalence of FSD was 75.6%. The prevalence of depression was 80.9% vs. 52.8% ( p = 0.01) and that of anxiety was 76.6% vs. 45.7% ( p = 0.01) among women with vs. without a decrease in sexual desire. The prevalence of depression was 83.3% vs. 55.9% ( p = 0.03) and that of anxiety was 76.7% vs. 52.9% ( p = 0.07) among women who reported dyspareunia vs. those who did not. Problems sleeping was the only variable associated with a statistically higher likelihood of FSD (odds ratio [OR] 5.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-25.33, p = 0.03). No significant differences were seen when comparing FSD between Hispanics and non-Hispanics. Conclusions: This sample of predominantly Hispanic women of low SES had a high prevalence of FSD. These data also suggest that poor sleep is significantly associated with FSD and that women of low SES with FSD may have a significantly higher prevalence of depression and anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the effectiveness of non-hormonal treatment of severe menopausal syndromes to patients with gynaecologial cancer. It notes that non-hormonal treatment and drugs made from plants have a weak effect to the vasomotor symptoms particularly the reduction of hot flashes. It is further inferred that the efficacy of phytoestrogens is very close to that of non-pharmacological treatment such as exercise and avoidance of possible triggers including caffeine and alcohol.

Although previous studies have shown the effectiveness of Koryo hand therapy (KHT) in alleviating menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women, few studies have examined physiological data to evaluate the effect of KHT on menopausal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of KHT on biological markers such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and self-reported symptoms. A two-group pre--post test design was used in the study. Data were collected from October 18 to December 25, 2006. The participants were 23 people in the experimental group and 21 people in the control group. The experimental group received KHT three times per week for a total of 8 weeks. Findings show that the levels of FSH and LH were significantly different in both groups, but levels of E2 were statistically insignificant. The data support the hypothesis that KHT may have a role in reducing menopausal symptoms in the experimental group. KHT is effective in alleviating certain menopausal symptoms and affects the serum level of FSH and LH as shown by physiological evidence and participants' self-reported symptoms. Further studies are necessary to examine the effects of KHT through more objective data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the estrogenic activity produced by aqueous extracts of silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The components of silkworm pupae were extracted in distilled water at room temperature for 6 hours. The ovaries of six-week old female rats were then bilaterally removed. One week after OVX, the animals were treated with 200, 400 or 600 mg/kg/day of silkworm pupae extracts. The body weights of the OVX rats increased remarkably compared to the control rats, however their relative uterus weights to body weights decreased significantly. Treatment with the aqueous extracts of silkworm pupae dramatically improved the decreased uterus weights of OVX rats, with the highest increase observed in treatment with 200 mg/kg/day of the aqueous extracts. Additionally, treatment with aqueous extracts (200 mg/kg/day) of silkworm pupae significantly elevated the serum 17β-estradiol contents of OVX rats when compared to the control animals. To examine the toxic effects of silkworm pupae on the hepatic functions of OVX rats, the levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) were measured. The serum GOT and GPT levels did not change in response to the administration of aqueous extracts (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/day) for 4-weeks. Taken together, these results suggest that the aqueous extracts of silkworm pupae may have estrogenic activity, which suggests that silkworm pupae may be useful in the prevention and/or treatment of menopausal disorders caused by deficiencies in female sexual hormones, including estrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patents for Chinese herbal medicines can be difficult to obtain. When the active ingredients of an herbal formula are known, danfang (single herb prescriptions) is better protected with quantified composition claims. When the active ingredients are unknown, 'product by processing', 'method of processing', 'method of administration' and 'new use claims' are often powerful tools to distinguish a traditional danfang from 'the prior art'. Additional patents may also be filed continuously in the product development process. Existing patents for fufang (composite prescriptions) are primarily drafted to protect traditional herbal formulations. More efforts are needed to protect various herbal combinations and their multiple applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the therapeutic uses of black cohosh. It outlines the growing popularity of the botanical species in alleviating menopausal symptoms, and relates the expansion of its research on chemistry, pharmacology and clinical efficacy. However, together with the species growing demand, issues concerning its implications of liver damage had appeared which prompted the Office of Dietary Supplements or National Institute of Health (NIH) convened a workshop to determine its uses.

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Many clinical and experimental reports demonstrated that Erxian Decoction (EXD) was effective in relieving menopausal syndrome. Aim of the study: The mechanisms of action of EXD were explored on the endocrine and antioxidant regimen. Materials and methods: Menopause causes a decline in both endocrine function and activities of antioxidant enzymes. In this study, 12-month-old female Sprague–Dawley-rats (SD-rats) with a low serum estradiol level were employed. Their endocrine functions after treatment with EXD were assessed by the determination of their serum estradiol level and ovarian mRNA levels of aromatase, which is a key enzyme for biosynthesis of estradiol. Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1) in the liver were also determined to assess the effect of EXD on the antioxidant regimen. Results: Results revealed a significant elevation in serum estradiol level and the mRNA level of ovarian aromatase and liver CAT in the EXD-treated menopausal rat model. Conclusions: The results obtained from mRNA and estradiol level of the present investigation revealed that the EXD relieves the menopausal syndrome involved an increase of endocrine and antioxidant function through, at least, the activation of aromatase and CAT detoxifying pathways. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective • In a previous study, the special extract ERr 731 of Rheum rhaponticum significantly reduced vasomotor and other menopausal symptoms associated with perimenopause. This trial was conducted to confirm the efficacy of ERr 731. Design • A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial with 112 perimenopausal women with menopausal symptoms receiving either 1 enteric-coated tablet of ERr 731 (n=56) or placebo (n=56) daily for 12 weeks. Primary outcome criterion for efficacy of ERr 731 compared to placebo was the change of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) total score from day 0 to day 84. Other efficacy assessments analyzed included the number and severity of hot flushes, individual symptoms of the MRS, treatment outcome, and various safety parameters. Results • By 12 weeks, ERr 731 caused a highly significant reduction of the MRS total score from 27.0 ± 4.7 points to 12.4 ± 5.3 points when compared to the placebo-induced decrease from 27.0 ± 5.3 points to 24.0 ± 6.2 points (P<.0001). A significant reduction in each individual MRS item score, in hot flushes and the hot flush weekly weighted score, together with a marked improvement in treatment outcome were also observed (P<.0001). These results confirm the efficacy of ERr 731 in alleviating menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women. Fourteen adverse events were reported in total: 11 by 5 women receiving ERr 731 and 3 by 3 women receiving placebo. ERr 731 was well tolerated by the majority of the women. Conclusion • ERr 731 was confirmed to be effective for the treatment of menopausal symptoms in perimenopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nearly half of adults in the United States use complementary and alternative therapies each year for a variety of reasons. These therapies are increasingly popular among women seeking alternatives to treatment with estrogen for managing menopausal symptoms. The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies in the management of menopausal symptoms. Data sources: MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Cochrane Library database, MANTIS, and AMED. Study selection: Full-text, English-language, randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses comparing a complementary or alternative therapy with placebo or control for treatment of menopausal symptoms. Data extraction: All eligible trials were reviewed, abstracted into evidence tables, and rated for quality. Data synthesis: Seventy randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria. Forty-eight studies of phytoestrogens and other biologically based agents showed mixed results. Smaller numbers of studies using mind-body, energy, manipulative, and body-based therapies and whole medical systems showed little benefit in treating menopausal symptoms. Conclusions: Although individual trials suggest benefits from certain therapies, data are insufficient to support the effectiveness of any complementary and alternative therapy in this review for the management of menopausal symptoms. Many of these potential therapies warrant further study in trials with rigorous scientific designs to determine benefit and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the impact of estrogen therapy on microalbuminuria levels in healthy post-menopausal women. Methods. Sixty post-menopausal women were evaluated in a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups to take one pill orally per day containing either 1 mg of 17β-estradiol (E2 group) or placebo (placebo group). Prior to initiating treatment and at the end of the sixth treatment month, microalbumin was measured in a 12-h urine sample, and lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides) and fasting glucose were evaluated. Comparative intra- and inter-group analyses between the initial and final laboratory parameters were performed using the t-test for paired samples and for independent samples, respectively. Results. Microalbuminuria levels remained within normal limits throughout the study and no statistically significant differences were found in the intra- or inter-group analyses. With respect to lipid profile, alterations characteristically encountered during use of estrogen replacement therapy were found. No statistically significant variation in glucose levels occurred during the study period. Conclusion. Estrogen replacement therapy had no significant effect on microalbuminuria levels in healthy post-menopausal patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo enfoca en la medicina complementaria y alternativa para eliminar los síntomas de la menopausia, proteger el corazón y conservar la sexualidad de una mujer. Enfoca en los resultados de una encuesta que investigó los beneficios y riesgos de la terapia hormonal. El artículo sigue con un análisis de las mujeres que se acercan a la terapia complementaria y alternativa. Termina con los resultados de un grupo de mujeres en tratamiento para la menopausia.

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The article offers information on optimal management, treatment, and medical definition of the perimenopause. Topics discussed include the symptoms and pregnancy risk of perimenopausal patients, the definition of menopause as a cessation of ovulation, and the importance of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in women who are interested to cease progestogen-only contraception (POC).

There is no debate any more on the good safety profile of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) in healthy perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women, but there are still many open issues related to the consequences of long-term HT, especially in older women. A recent Cochrane meta-analysis showed that women who started HT less than 10 years after the menopause had lower mortality and coronary heart disease (CHD), but more venous thromboembolism (DVT). However, in those who started treatment more than 10 years after the menopause, there was high-quality evidence that it had little effect on death or CHD between HT and placebo groups but there was an increased risk of stroke and DVT. In contrast, many large, observational studies such as a recent one from Finland (3.3 million years of HT exposure) have shown that the risk of CHD or stroke death and all-cause mortality was significantly reduced, both in those who initiated HT below or above age 60 years. Because of conflicting data concerning long-term HT use, it seems that every health-care provider chooses as reference those studies that can support his/her individual views and therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large population-based studies of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional medicine use amongst menopausal women are lacking. This study helps address this gap by analysing data from a nationally representative sample of 10 011 Australian women aged 59–64 years. Overall, 39% of menopausal women consulted CAM practitioners, 75% used self-prescribed CAM, 95% consulted general practitioners (GP) and 50% consulted specialists during the previous year, and 12% were current hormone replacement therapy (HRT) users. Our findings suggest that CAM is a significant healthcare option utilized by women to treat menopausal symptoms, and so requires attention from GPs and specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as an alternative supplement to treat menopausal problems. It states that DHEA is an important precursor for oestrogens and androgens formation and helps develop active sex steroids. Furthermore, it mentions that Endoceutics Inc.'s DHEA product meets the criteria of an approved DHEA.

The article presents questions and answers related to menopause including one on the best way to stop hormone replacement therapy, one on the effect that hormone replacement therapy has on blood pressure and another on whether vitamin E can help with menopausal symptoms.

The article presents an overview of the study which examined the use of medical plants in the treatment of symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.

In our country, linseed and oil are used for a number of different medical purposes (constipation, high cholesterol, menopause, etc.). In recent years, there have been reports of a feeling of fullness associated with increasing use among those who diet. In this case report, severe allergic reaction after chewing linseed is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in reducing menopausal symptoms in women. In 2002 the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) stopped the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial of estrogen and progestin out of concern that it led to an increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer. Evidence may indicate that the risks were overestimated in the WHI study and that alternative herbal treatments are ineffective.

Several large prospective cohort studies, including the Nurse's Health Study and the Million Women Study have examined the risk of ovarian cancer among those who have taken steroidal menopausal replacement. The consistency of results supports the global conclusion that a small, but real risk is assumed in ever-takers. The current study adds another nearly 1 million women to this research question. Many of its conclusions affirm previous reports; however, the limitations in bias from the Danish registry provide the clearest observation of this risk, including examination of formulation, dose, progestin type, and route of administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on the medicinal herb Dong Quai or Angelica sinensis. It notes that the plant is native to China, Japan and Korea and is used to correct menstrual disorders and manage menopausal symptoms under traditional Chinese medicine. The plant is said to have caused adverse reactions including bloating, loss of appetite and diarrhea. It states that patients with hormone-sensitive cancers should refrain from using the herb.

The article discusses several homœopathic medicines for menopause. Aconite may be beneficial to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, dry eyes and insomnia. Sulphur may be used as remedy for depression, irritability and fatigue. Pulsatilla may be necessary for patients who are moody, experiencing hot flushes and urinary incontinence.

The article discusses research being done on the use of herbal remedies in relieving menopausal symptoms. It references to a study published in the journal "Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin" which claimed there was no evidence "either way" that herbal remedies relieved menopausal symptoms. The herbal remedies included in the study were black cohosh, red clover, and Dong quai, among others. The safety of herbal treatments is also discussed.