Integrative therapies for menopause.
McKee J - South Med J - 01-MAR-2005; 98(3): 319-26
From NIH/NLM MEDLINE
NLM Citation ID:
15813159 (PubMed)
Full Source Title:
Southern Medical Journal
Publication Type:
Journal Article; Review
Language:
English
Author Affiliation:
Family Medicine Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1123, USA. jmckee@utmb.edu
Authors:
McKee J; Warber SL
Number of References:
75
Abstract:
Menopause is a transitional time for women. This gives practitioners an opportunity to focus on recommending healthy life-style changes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been the mainstay of therapy for menopausal symptoms. With recent research findings, women and their physicians are seeking alternatives that do not carry the risks associated with HRT. Exercise has been shown to help some women with symptoms of hot flashes, as have relaxation techniques and deep breathing. Dietary changes to incorporate whole foods and soy are thought by some to help with menopausal symptoms, and are recommended because of a positive impact on heart disease and obesity; soy isoflavones may also help with menopausal symptoms. Botanicals such as black cohosh and red clover have been shown in some studies to decrease severity and frequency of hot flashes. We recommend that HRT be prescribed when other measures have failed to adequately control symptoms. Bioidentical hormones are preferred in our practice.
Major Subjects:
- Complementary Therapies / * methods
- Diet
- Exercise
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Menopause / drug effects / physiology / psychology
- Phytotherapy / * methods
- Psychophysiology
Additional Subjects:
- Cimicifuga
- Female
- Humans
- Plant Preparations
- Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
Chemical Compound Name:
(Plant Preparations)
Grant ID:
IR25AT00586-01 AT NCCAM