The role of complementary and alternative medicine in management of menopausal symptoms

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2004 Dec;33(4):717-39. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2004.07.004.

Abstract

There is a great need for alternatives to hormone therapy for use by symptomatic menopausal women. Alternatives to estrogen can en-compass lifestyle change, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and prescription nonhormonal therapies. The use of CAM therapies for menopausal symptoms is widespread and has been increasing. In recent years, there has been an increase in the quantity and quality of research related to CAM therapy use for menopausal symptoms. A highly effective and safe CAM therapy for menopausal symptoms would be valuable but has remained elusive to date. This article reviews randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of CAM therapies for menopausal symptoms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture
  • Cimicifuga
  • Complementary Therapies*
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Glycine max
  • Humans
  • Menopause*
  • Middle Aged
  • Plant Extracts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Research Design
  • Trifolium
  • United States

Substances

  • Plant Extracts