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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffIn addition to conventional therapies, many women transitioning toward menopause want to know more about complementary and alternative approaches to treating their symptoms. Researchers are looking into these therapies, hoping to determine their safety and effectiveness, but evidence is still often lacking. Be sure to tell your doctor about any complementary or alternative therapy you are using or considering. Here are a few options that show some potential for treating menopausal symptoms while still being fairly safe:
- Black cohosh. This herb extract is used to treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. While various studies show that it does reduce menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes, design flaws in these studies and variations in the product itself make it difficult to arrive at definite conclusions. Overall, black cohosh appears relatively safe, but avoid it if you have a liver disorder. If you'd like to try it, discuss it with your doctor first.
- Phytoestrogens. These are plant-derived compounds that have estrogen-like properties. There are two main types of phytoestrogens — isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavone supplements are generally extracted from soy or red clover. They may be helpful for mild hot flashes and have a protective effect on your bone density. They may also help decrease blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. Lignans are derived mainly from flaxseed. Fewer studies support their use in treating menopausal symptoms, although they also may help improve cholesterol. Be careful using phyotestrogen supplements if you have an increased risk of a disease or condition that's affected by hormones, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or breast, uterine or ovarian cancer. Also, be cautious if you're already taking a medication that increases your level of estrogen, such as birth control pills, hormone therapy or tamoxifen.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This is a natural steroid that's produced by your adrenal gland. Some studies show that DHEA supplements help minimize menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, sexual dysfunction and bone loss. But other studies have found no such evidence, and several studies have reported harmful effects from high doses of DHEA, so more research is needed.
Although study results have been mixed, other complementary therapies with low-risk profiles such as acupuncture, yoga and paced breathing have shown some benefit in improving menopausal symptoms. These therapies may help reduce stress and improve psychological well-being, as well. Talk to your doctor about what complementary and alternative therapies may be helpful to you.
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- Menopause basics. In: Menopause Guidebook, 6th ed. Cleveland, Ohio: The North American Menopause Society, 2006. http://www.menopause.org/edumaterials/guidebook.aspx. Accessed Aug 3, 2010.
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- Menopausal symptoms and CAM. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://www.nccam.nih.gov/health/menopause/menopausesymptoms.htm. Accessed Aug 5, 2010.
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- Tremblay A, et al. Psychoeducational interventions to alleviate hot flashes: A systematic review. Menopause. 2008;15:193.
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